A new telephone service industry is providing a few jobs and giving a boost to this small town's economy.
Although only four employees work at the headquarters of Community Industry Teleservices, company officials said they may hire some part-time employees in the future.Closure of the Escalante Sawmill was an economic jolt to the community, causing loss of some 100 jobs, so area residents and local government representatives hope for any kind of industry. Although CIT won't offset the loss of jobs at the sawmill, in a small way it is helping alleviate economic hardship.
Teleservicing is a fast-growing industry wherein employees use telephones to conduct surveys, credit card validations, market research, customer service seminars, company newsletters and other programs. Its clients include businesses, professional people, governments and educational sectors.
Some 800 calls will be answered or referred to voice mail through the Escalante office, which uses electronic and automatic call distributors. Marilyn Jackson is supervisor.
Officials said the Escalante operation, although located in a relatively remote area in Utah, is electronically linked to the rest of the world. It is not unusual for workers to respond to international calls.
Stockholders comprise a consortium of independent telephone companies, including the South-Central Utah Telephone Co. in Escalante. Others are located in Newmont, Mont.; Rockland, Idaho; and Star Valley, Wyo.
Company officials have recognized that the potential in telemarketing means growth to them while benefiting economically depressed rural communities. They said the Escalante operation is the first of its kind because operators in other areas work out of their homes.