Albany - The recession has caused some companies to shut down and lay
off workers, but three Albany companies were honored by the Chamber of
Commerce for expanding production and putting more people to work.
"Hi this Janice calling you back." 23 year-old Janice Carnegie answer
the phone at Calltech. The company handles technical support for Bell
South. And, Carnegie helps customers troubleshoot their computer
problems. "I work well with people and like this working environment,"
said with a big smile.
Carnegie started working at Calltech a year and a half ago to help pay
her way through college. "I needed a job to pay tuition and rent."
Many of the Calltech employees are young, the average age just 25
years-old. The company has grown quickly since it opened in the summer
of 2002.
"We've grown from 40 to more than 650 people," said General Manager
Glenna Williams. That job creation is one reason why the Chamber of
Commerce honored Calltech as the 2004 Large Industry of the Year.
The company gives employees work incentives, such as gift bonuses for
over-time and even random rounds of applause for good work. Calltech
also supports the community. "We donated the most toys to
'Toys-for-tots', we sent a van load of can good to the Camilla tornado
disaster, and we also donated goods to the Salvation Army," said
Williams.
Calltech is just one of 120 industries in Dougherty County. Together
they employ about 6,000 people with a payroll of approximately
$700,000,000. And, Carnegie is glad her names is on one of those payroll
checks each month.
Masterfoods and Thrush Aircrafts were also named Industries of the Year
in the medium and small categories.
