National Asset Recovery Services is bringing 100 more jobs to its Cape Girardeau location, company officials said Thursday.

One of Cape Girardeau County's largest employers, the company is hoping to hire call center agents who work from home beginning in August.

Every two weeks NARS will gradually add to its employment force until 100 more are on the payroll. At that point, the company will evaluate how many more employees it will hire.

David Owenby, senior vice president of operations, said he hopes that number will grow even more.

"With all that is going on in the economy and the flexibility that people are wanting in the workplace, we hope to attract those who are not only the right fit but will be loyal to our company," Owenby said.

Initially, all new employees will work 25 to 30 hours a week. Benefits for part-time employees include flexible work hours, paid time off and a 401(k) program.

While the call agents will work from home, Owenby said they will be required to work one shift in the office every three to four weeks to maintain human contact. Employees also must provide their own computer, telephone and Internet service.

The new class of at-home agents will join a force of about 500 employees at the Cape Girardeau location. The NARS location in the former Sears building at 2102 William St. offers its employees a day-care center, fitness room with flat-screen televisions and on-site deli.

Cape Girardeau's effort to land the call center won recognition in 2007 as the Governor's Community Project of the Year. The annual honor is given to one community in the state that shows an innovative method of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. The package that helped land NARS included a property tax abatement for building improvements and a Community Improvement District for the Town Plaza Shopping Center that increased the sales tax on goods sold at retailers.

Community and civic leaders worked together to land the company in December 2006, NARS officials said.

Founded in 1993 by Cape Girardeau native Chris Buehrle, the St. Louis-based company also has call centers in Jamaica, Panama and St. Louis.

Owenby said with the success already experienced in Cape Girardeau, he expects a bright future for the call center and its new at-home agent employees.

"We're very pleased with the response of the work force, community and support here," Owenby said. "That is the reason we chose to locate to Cape Girardeau in the first place."

Those interested in applying for the newly created positions can send resumes to capejobs@narsnet.com or fax them to 651-3819.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

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