While economic uncertainty runs rampant in north Central Florida, one major corporation's consolidation of offices will soon heat up an otherwise stagnant Gainesville job market.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, Enterprise Rent-A-Car revealed plans to open up a regional call center in June at the site of an old Winn-Dixie - bringing 200 new jobs to the area. What makes the revelation even more compelling is the fact that the positions will offer living wages along with a wide array of benefits. If hired, new employees stand to make between $11 to $18 an hour while also receiving medical, 401(k) and profit-sharing - a far cry from the "fringe benefits" of working at Checker's.
Hell, who wants to eat their greasy offerings sober anyway?
The Editorial Board is pleased that job growth has found its way to Gainesville, especially during a time in which housing foreclosures are on the rise and credit remains nonexistent. While 200 new positions will make but a small dent in a more widespread issue, we can only hope Enterprise's move will spur increased growth in the region. Even though the news of career opportunities for the under- and unemployed brings us great joy, we can't help but think what could've been.
Our inner foodie shed a tear when we learned news that talks were in place for a Whole Foods Market to move into the location soon to be occupied by Enterprise.
Just a hunch, but we doubt the rental car company will be selling miso-glazed catfish with baby bok choy.
Somewhere, the owners of The Fresh Market are having the last laugh.
