Gov. Haley Barbour and Meridian officials came together Thursday for the announcement of new jobs coming to east Mississippi within months.

Barbour said Mississippi's employment future is in the service industry. And with that, he announced a new call center called N.E.W. Customer Service, that will employ 250 people, with the possibility of more.

"It's good news for Meridian because of the jobs, and good news because this company has such a world class reputation," said Barbour.

Officials said employees will start out making $9.25 an hour, plus benefits, to take customer service calls for DirecTv. Management and support staff will also be hired.

"This company provides benefits. There are so many people in our community who need the health insurance, who need to have a stable retirement system," said Skip Scaggs of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation.

Company officials say the area's workforce played a large role in its selection of the Pippins Road location in Meridian. However, a state economic development infrastructure grant was also used to lure the Virginia company, plus the county's standard 10 year ad valorem tax exemption.

"This is one of the great announcements we have had in quite some, and we are very proud of N.E.W.," said Ray Boswell, president of the Lauderdale County board of supervisors.

Last October, NEW opened its first Mississippi call center in Tupelo. That center also opened with 250 employees but quickly increased to just under 500. Company representatives say that could also happen in Meridian.

Company officials say the building is 30 percent complete; they expect to hold employee training Oct. 20.

Information sessions will be held at Meridian Community College's Webb Hall to share information about the company and the application process:
August 12th
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
12 noon - 1:30 p.m.
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

August 13th
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

August 14th
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.