More jobs

In the tide of gloom-and-doom economic news these days, it's refreshing to take note of two Southeast Missouri announcements that are expected to result in 450 new jobs.

National Asset Recover Services in Cape Girardeau plans to add 100 additional call-center agents who will work mostly from their homes. NARS already has approximately 500 employees at its facility in the Town Plaza center on William Street. Founded by Cape Girardeau native Chris Buehrle, NARS also has call centers in St. Louis, Jamaica and Panama.

Orgill Inc., an independent distributor of home-improvement products, announced it plans to consolidate its centers in Vandalia, Ill., and Memphis into a new, 795,000-square-foot facility to be located in Sikeston's industrial park. The Orgill center will initially hire 150 employees and add another 200 employees over the next five years.

Jobs are key to the economic stability of any area, and low unemployment rates in this areas are a positive sign, even though the local economy may be feeling the pressure of national trends. Congratulations to NARS and Orgill and to all the community leaders who have had a hand in this latest success story of adding jobs that give more area workers and opportunity to thrive.