Earlier this week, Sitel announced it is adding 120 temporary positions immediately – 75 of which will be converted to permanent positions in early 2012.

That’s great news and a great opportunity for the approximately 1,600 people in Covington County in need of work. In August, the county’s unemployment rate was 9.7 percent, down slightly from July.

Sitel operates an in-bound customer care center in the airport industrial complex here. Site director Brandy Miller said the need for employees is immediate. The company expects to end the calendar year with 500 employees.

That’s great news in a national and state economy that has been flat. We commend Sitel and its leaders for the work that put them in a “hiring” position.