What a great week it has been for Greater Owensboro. We learned that customer service sector leader Alorica has selected our community for a major project that will employee over 800 people. Jobs range in position and pay.
Alorica ranks high in job satisfaction. Company officials speak knowledgeably about culture in the workplace. They know that in a tight labor market, in order to attract quality employees, you must set the bar high. They understand that wage is a motivator to attract employees, but retaining employees in a competitive market is also dependent on people enjoying being at work. Work environment creates loyalty and it improves the bottom line.
Happy employees are productive employees. Customer service employees who are happy are much more like to be effective — and good company representatives — than customer service reps who are going through the motions. Let’s not forget, that people that are happy at work are generally happier at home. A company of this size with a transformative culture can have a major impact overall.
Alorica also has a track record of giving back to communities. Philanthropy and charitable giving are major components of the corporate philosophy.
We already have many employers in our community who embody these philosophies. But an addition of this magnitude is a game changer.
It will impact the community’s standard of living. It will accelerate the transformation of our downtown. It will create more buzz and excitement about what is going on in Owensboro … and that only creates more investment. It will transform the corner of Third and Frederica streets (the site company officials chose) into a hip and vibrant place and create foot traffic for so many locally and family owned small businesses nearby.
Let’s take time to celebrate this success. Let’s acknowledge that our community has private investors, business leaders, elected officials, community organizations and nearly 100,000 people who are working together to make a Greater Owensboro.
By Candance Brake President and CEO Greater Ownesboro Chamber of Commerce