The YA call centre in Chatham is hiring and expanding.
The company plans to hire 225 more call centre associates and managers, nearly tripling its workforce in Chatham-Kent by the end of June.
Call centre Director Tina Baeyens says the move signals an enhanced focus on the Canadian market.
"Leverage existing client relationships that we have on the U.S. side, make those connections and expand and grow in the Canadian market and really use our existing clients to leverage us into the Canadian market," says Baeyens.
YA marketing and promotions currently employs almost 125 people in Chatham-Kent.
A job fair was held May 9 and another one is being held May 16 at the call centre's location -- 730 Richmond St. in Chatham.
Human Resources Director Rena Gandham says the company is doubling its office space to accommodate the growth.
"We're excited about how we can help the community as well and the people economically and financially. People are coming in and now looking to be employed by YA," Gandham says.
Janet Fahey from YA headquarters in Minnesota says the Chatham location is a jewel that hires people to keep them.
"It doesn't happen overnight and it takes a team of people that understands the business and a great project plan to make it happen, so that we can better serve our clients and our employees," says Fahey.