The David B. Lifsey Career Solutions Center is already serving more than double the number of clients normally served in Nashville in a two week period since it opened quietly at the beginning of September. After its grand opening on Monday, September 13, career counselors are ready for an even larger increase in clients who need help finding jobs.

The new building, at the corner of Tenth Avenue and Herman Street in Nashville, opened with the traditional ribbon cutting and speeches.  But there was nothing traditional about the tone of the event, or the words of the speakers.  Congressman Jim Cooper, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James G. Neeley, and Nashville city councilwoman Erica Gilmore, joined together to celebrate the possibilities offered through the new programs that will be provided at the center.

Cong. Cooper told the large gathering that, "Goodwill may be the most perfect charity because it’s all about job creation for those who need it the most."  His sentiments were echoed by Mayor Dean who said that even in this time of economic uncertainty, Goodwill continues to be a leader in job training and employment services.  "This building represents positive growth and the creation of new opportunities for people.  What happens here will help people who need jobs, find jobs.  It’ll help them be trained for jobs and help them for the future.  And it is a statement about our entire city and what’s important."

The building is named for Goodwill's long-time president and CEO, David B. Lifsey, who started his career with the company more than 42 years ago.  Nashville city councilwoman, Erica Gilmore, paid tribute to Lifsey, as did all the guests.  Cong. Cooper told him, "David, you may have had the most giving, wonderful career of anyone I’ve known.  You’ve spent 42 years in that position so I’m thankful they’ve named this wonderful building for you."

Members of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and then guests took part in a unique tour of the building.  The Walk in My Shoes tour was hosted by clients who have been served by Goodwill and had various barriers to employment.  Through their stories, guests learned more about the services offered by the company and how finding a job, and earning a paycheck, has truly changed their lives.

The grand opening of the Lifsey building was to have taken place June 9 but was delayed due to the significant damage to the building after the May floods in Nashville.  Water rose to almost four feet on the first floor and the electrical systems, plumbing systems, cabinetry and electronics had to be repaired and replaced, along with office furniture that had been delivered to the building the day before the flooding.  The final tally to repair the first floor was $550,000 and $100,000 was spent to replace the furniture.

The David B. Lifsey Career Solutions Center is located at 937 Herman Street, Nashville, 37208, and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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