Rector looking to recruit job training, NEW employer

When new jobs come to northeast Arkansas, there is potential for smaller communities in the region, such as Rector, to benefit from the growth.

This is the hope of newly-hired business/industrial specialist Jacinda Welch concerning a recent plan to bring new jobs to the Jonesboro area.

In an announcement last month, NEW Customer Service Companies, Inc., announced it will create approximately 120 jobs in the area over the next year. These jobs will be work-at-home technical support positions for DirecTV. DirecTV is a satellite television service used in more than 17 million homes across the nation.

Since the announcement was made, Welch has been working to find a way to make this planned expansion work for Rector.

As is often the case with many technical support positions, those hired will be required to undergo specialized training. According to Welch, the first of these training areas to be held in the region will be at the Arkansas State University Delta Center in Jonesboro.

However, local persons with interest in the position may be able to shorten their commute even farther. Welch says she has been in direct contact with NEW representatives and inquired into establishing a training center in Rector.

The site of the former Dollar General Store on Main Street is being considered as a possible area of use for the proposed training seminars.

"I haven't heard anything back from them (NEW) as of yet," Welch said. "Hopefully, we'll know something very soon."

Welch says the technical support jobs offer unique opportunities.

"Of course one of the biggest positives is how it allows parents to work from home. Not only is this convenient, it also cuts down on the expense of having to pay someone to watch your children."

Welch also noted such a position would help cut fuel costs, negating the need to drive back-and-forth from home and work.

NEW representatives already have begun meeting with prospective employees. Local persons interested in learning more about the positions are invited to contact Welch at the Rector City Hall at 595-3035. NEW also is currently hosting virtual job fairs at www.newhomebasedccr.com.