Winnemucca at Work

© Ann Brinkoetter

Now in its fourth year, Winnemucca at Work has proven to be very popular indeed! That first year, we thought it was a one-time gig — we had no idea it would become a perennial best seller. It’s all about access and cooperation. The Winnemucca business community has been very generous in accommodating the photographers — it is definitely disrupting to have shutterbugs popping into your workspace all day! On the other hand, the images submitted by students over the years have been tremendously helpful in promoting Winnemucca and improving the quality of the workforce. This year we will extend the use of the submitted images to the individual businesses as a way to increase the value to them.

This two-day workshop is a joint effort of the Humboldt Development Authority, Nevada Small Business Development Center, Winnemucca Chamber of Commerce, and Shooting the West. It will provide students with a rare opportunity to gain access to many different types of businesses and work environments. These spaces will range from the tiniest butcher shop to a huge gold mine. All businesses will be participating voluntarily, so students will be welcomed with open arms.

© Henry Kingman

Day one will start with logistics, and short instructional sessions by both Marilyn and Sam. Participants will then fan out across town, individually or in small groups. This will allow us to access the smaller businesses without overwhelming management. Participating businesses will display a placard in the window. The three instructors will be out and about also, with the expectation that they’ll cross paths with many students.

On Thursday, the group will stay together and tour a manufacturing plant in the morning and a gold mining operation in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided. This format is more appropriate where safety is an issue and the work environments are on a grand scale.

Students will submit 10-25 images for use by WinnemuccaWorks.com, a web site dedicated to bringing together employers and employees in Winnemucca. They are especially looking for people pictures —workers at work. Individual businesses will also have access to the images.

Further details will be sent prior to the workshop.

Return to the workshops schedule.