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Last updated 5:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
New Jobs Coming To Southern Illinois
That means at least 160 new jobs, and officials say that number could grow substantially over the next few years.
The company is called N.E.W.-- or National Electronics Warranty.
They provide customer service for businesses like DIRECT TV, Best Buy and Lowe's.
They'll be recruiting southern Illinoisans to be a part of the company's work-at-home program. The employees will take calls from DIRECT TV customers, and answers questions about service.
"Instead of customers calling India or the Philippines, they'll reach someone here in southern Illinois" says Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole.
It was a process two years in the making, but NEW has chosen the greater Carbondale-area as a site for new opportunities, out of a pool of 200 American communities.
The company will start by filling 160 positions this coming year, but that number could grow.
"480 jobs is our stretch goal" says Mitch Carroll, Vice President of Contact Center Resources with N.E.W. "If we could go to 700, we'd be fine with that too."
Wages for the home-based positions start at $9.75 an hour. Health coverage is offered to full-time employees, and officials say there are other benefits too.
"Gas prices have been all over the place lately, but if you take an average rate of $2.40 a gallon, that's about 600 per year each employee would save on commuting costs" says Carroll.
The company will start local recruitment right away.
Already, John A Logan College has shown its interest.
"The college is investing $24,000 to upgrade an existing training lab on campus to accommodate N.E.W." says Dr. Robert Mees, President of John A Logan College.
The computer lab will be the site of a paid six-week training course for employees.
ManTraCon in Marion will also offer tutorial assistance for folks interested in the program.
Local leaders say-- all together-- it's a win-win scenario for several area communities.
"Jobs will be coming from Marion, Du Quoin, Murphysboro, maybe as far away as Mt. Vernon to support NEW in their expansion" says Cole.
"Because what's good for the region is good for everyone" says Kathy Lively, CEO of ManTraCon.
For information on how to apply for the N.E.W. Home-based job program, you can go to www.newhomebasedccr.com.
Also, representatives from N.E.W will be holding job fairs around the region:
November 18th at John A Logan College from 9- 10:30 AM and 6-7:30 PM.
November 19th at ManTraCon from 9-10:30 AM and 6-7:30 PM.
November 20th at Mt. Vernon/Rend Lake Marketplace from 9-10:30 AM and 6-7:30 PM.
By: Jackie McPherson
jmcpherson@wsiltv.com
Additional Links:
More About N.E.W. Customer Service Company
Mantracon Organization in Southern Illinois
Basic Employee Questions About N.E.W. Operations
Now: 1265714363
