Despite Sluggish Economy, Some Companies Still Hiring

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Schaun Maddox came to Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas to look for a full-time job.  Last year, she moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Arlington for a better opportunity.  But she's still searching.  "I'm just now picking up the pieces again trying to get encouraged again."

One lead Maddox has is Aegis Communications in Irving.  The call center now has openings for 400 full-time jobs.

Aegis employees take customer service calls for other companies. Some are temporary. Others are full-time.

The marketing director for Aegis, Kevin Nolan says, "These are in support of a couple of healthcare clients we have, and this is the busiest season in healthcare. in this case, it's open enrollment."

While more people nationwide applied for unemployment benefits last month, the jobs picture here in Texas is brighter than most other states.  This month, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported that between June 2009 and June of this year, Texas created half the new jobs in the nation.

Aegis says in the next two years, it will hire 4,000 people at its call centers in the U.S.  Half of those jobs will be filled at their facilities in Irving and in Killeen.

Nolan says Texas has a great business climate and a good workforce.  As for Schaun Maddox, she realizes, "You really do need a great education."  She plans on getting a bachelor's degree at UT Arlington to become a math teacher.  But before that, she's studying to become a para-legal.  "The job market here is really large, up north, not so much."  Maddox is confident she made the right move.

Below is a list, from Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, of businesses that are currently hiring 50 or more positions.

Aegis Communications (450 positions)
Floor & Decor Outlets (100 positions)
LS Temporary Services (50 positions)
ST Industrial Maintenance (50 positions)
Acappella in Home Care (50 positions)
CareNet - Info Media (50 positions)

For more information on these companies and the available positions, visit workintexas.com.