Call center would create 350 new Cape jobs

Monday, October 2, 2006

The former Sears building at 2120 William St. is one of several locations in Cape Girardeau being considered by National Asset Recovery Services, Inc., for a call center. The call center could bring in 350 new jobs to the city. (Diane L. Wilson) [Click to enlarge]

A St. Louis, Mo.-based business with strong local connections is considering several locations in Cape Girardeau -- and two others outside the state -- for a new call center that would create 350 new jobs next year.

But there is a huge hold-up -- company executives have yet to be convinced that the area holds a strong enough labor pool.

National Asset Recovery Service, Inc., or NARS, is waiting to make a decision until after an Oct. 17 job fair at the Show Me Center to see if the area has enough employees to staff a call center. NARS was founded by Cape Girardeau native Chris Buehrle in 1993.

Company executives will be accepting applications at the Southeast Missourian-sponsored job fair on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and guaging interest from the workforce.

The Southeast Missourian has learned that the company is considering several existing buildings in the Cape Girardeau area with 35,000 to 45,000 square feet, although the old Sears building at 2101 William St. seems to be the front-runner.

Check out Tuesday's Southeast Missourian for more information.