News 12 First at Five, July 10, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---"I feel like this is just my chance to go and get it," said Latasha Williamson. She is a mother of two who is finding it hard to make ends to meet.

"It's been rough...job hunting...searching around with the market the way it is. It's been difficult," said Latasha.

But things are looking up. The city celebrated the grand-opening of Teleperformance. It's a 2 billion dollar company bringing more than 300 jobs to the area.

"I got to go for it. I got to go for it. It ain't nothing to it but to do it," said Latasha.

Latasha is one of many who stopped by to fill out an application, and then there were 3 classrooms full of at least 30 people training to go to work helping Well-Care's medicaid members.

"We all know that in the south we have the best customer service. They found it...customer service and expertise all in one," said Shearice Hilton who is site director.

There are 150 workers already at their desk, and their is plenty of room for expansion. This current facility is about 55,000 sq ft, and we're not using nearly that much right now, said Hilton.

"We hope this is just the beginning here in Augusta," said Brent Welch who is CEO of the company based in Paris, France. So why Augusta?

"We found the right facility. We found the right labor market. We found an abundant labor market," said Welch.

"Why not Augusta? Augusta health care medicine it's huge, and so prevalent in this area with the working knowledge already here this the ideal place," said Hilton.

So at time when Latasha and so many others like her are feeling the pinch of a strained economy how does this sound?

"As long as you have excellent customer service skills and a will to work hard we welcome you to come and apply," said Hilton.

The starting salary $8.00 dollars while in training...$9.00 once you get on the phones. The company is located behind the Augusta Mall at 2807 Wylds Rd. Extension. You can also give Teleperformance a call at 706-729-6854.