Chatham impresses HGS Canada

By Greg Holden

The HGS Canada job fair at the old Transcom building on Richmond Street wrapped up on Saturday.

Job seekers were invited to drop off a resume and speak with human resources people for the company. HGS is also running a job fair in Sarnia on Monday and Tuesday.

Kathy Follett-Lloyd, vice president of human resources said HGS Canada was very impressed with Chatham-Kent. “The city administrators are unbelievable here”, said Follett-Lloyd, “It is the best reception we have ever had at a job fair. Clearly they care about this community.” Follett-Lloyd also spoke about the region itself and how it was a desirable place to relocate to. When asked if the facility where the job fair was being held would be the new location of HGS Canada if Chatham was selected Follett-Lloyd said it would be. “This place is perfect for what we would be looking for”, she said.

M.P.P. Rick Nicholls spoke to Follett-Lloyd, offering his encouragement and leaving his door open for any further discussion. Don Shropshire was also there and had previously spoken with Follett-Lloyd. “This would be huge for C-K, up to 450 jobs for the region”, said Shropshire.

Either Sarnia or Chatham will be selected by HGS Canada and it will take a few months before the site selection process is complete. Both communities have lost call-centres recently. Transcom pulled out of Chatham and NCO left Sarnia, both earlier this year.