by David Catanese, KY3 News

SPRINGFIELD -- There's a bright spot in our gloomy job market.

The Springfield call center, Communication Solutions, plans to hire 200 new employees over the next two months. It comes at a time when Missouri's unemployment rate has topped its highest point in 25 years.

The new hiring will almost double their staff. Manager Bryan Williams said new workers are needed as soon as possible to help meet the growing marketing needs of their clients: Businesses that are battling harder to retain their cash-strapped customers.

The call center handles inbound and outbound calls.

"Lot of the clients we deal with are growing at this part of the year, 1st quarter of the year," said call center director Adam LaFrance.

53-year-old David Horst is a new trainee who recently lost his job at Wyndam Vacation.

Recently laid off at Wyndam and with two kids in college, Horst feels fortunate to have the new opportunity at Communication Solutions, even if the average pay is 8 to 10 dollars an hour.

"With the economy the way it is, everything helps, it's nice to have additional income and once you have it, if you lose it, you miss it," said Horst.

Employees range from teenagers to near retirees. The company says there's no shortage of job seekers in any demographic.

"We've probably seen in the neighborhood from 150 to 200 already that have come in," said LaFrance, referring to new applicants.

Horst is glad he's got his seat. He realizes other call shops have shut down. The difference he sees at Solutions is more security.

"People can do without a vacation when the economy's bad. The services we're providing and promoting are services people do need," said Horst.

If you are interested in a call center job, you are encouraged to call 417-862-4567 or stop by the office on South Ingram Mill Road for an interview.