News 12 at 6 o'clock / Tuesday, November 30, 2010

AUGUSTA---A new company has their eyes set on Augusta. Rural Sourcing, Inc. is promising 100 new jobs.

Dozens were on hand as Rural Sourcing Incorporated announced immediate job openings in Augusta.

"Absolutely," said Director of Operations Ingrid Miller. "We are looking to hire people as of yesterday."

That is good news for people like Kathy Thibault.

"Not a day goes by that I'm not looking for a job," said Kathy. "Not a day."

She is one of 150 people who pack the Augusta Career Center each day. She hears job opening and thinks one thing.

"Run," cried Kathy. "Run as fast as you can to get there to be the first in line."

So what is Rural Sourcing Incorporated?

"It is not a call center," said Miller. "It is not like calling India. It is not like sitting on the phone."

The company develops software applications for things like iPhones.

"So this is one of the fun things," said CEO Monty Hamilton. "We also build some serious, complicated business systems [equipment]."

Hamilton says he wants Augusta to be known for more than just the Masters.

"For the other 51 weeks out of the year," said Hamilton, "we want to make this known as a technology community."

"This is about as good as it gets," said Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver. "These are tech jobs that allow our best and brightest in the technology fields to stay right here in Augusta."

Computer science majors or people with IT experience are encouraged to apply. Salaries range from $30,000 to $80,000. The company says the easiest way to apply is online at www.ruralsourcing.com.