Local economy loses 230 jobs

BY LELAND ACKER

Alliance Data announced Thursday that the Jacksonville call center will close April 18, eliminating approximately 200 full time positions and 30 part time jobs from the local economy.

Darrell Prcin, president of the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO), said the closure will take place April 18.

"The company is trying to do the right thing," he said. "They are trying to be as fair as possible, offering the employees jobs elsewhere and helping us hold a job fair."

Most of the 230 employees affected by this move live in Cherokee County, though some commute from Tyler, Mr. Prcin said.

"It will be a pretty dramatic impact," he said.

Mr. Prcin said Alliance Data cited staffing difficulties as a reason for closing the call center.

Read more about the closing of the Alliance Data call center in Jacksonville, plus the challenges JEDCO faces in job retention and growth in the Feb. 6 edition of the Cherokeean Herald.