GRAYSON, Ky. — AT&T officials announced Monday that they are hiring 50 new employees for their East Park call center located in Grayson.

“It is always great for me and my job when I can announce the hiring of 50 new employees,” said Mary Pat Regan, AT&T Kentucky president.

State Representative Tanya Pullin joined AT&T officials for the announcement at the facility.

“In this difficult economic environment, I’m pleased that AT&T is making this commitment to the community by continuing to hire employees at its call center,” Pullin said.

Pullin had a special message for the audience that was on hand for the announcement.

“It’s a great and exciting day,” Pullin said. “I have three words for you. Jobs, jobs and jobs.”

The East Park call center employees more than 500 people. There were 22 new employees that began work on Monday. AT&T has hired 104 new employees this year, which does not include the 50 new positions that are now available.

“AT&T’s hiring of more than 100 employees in our call center, with 50 more to come, provides good jobs here in Kentucky and demonstrates our commitment to providing top-notch customer service to our customers nationwide,” Regan said. “These are good jobs with wages and benefits that are among the best in the nation.”

John Gross, director of customer solutions, laid out his expectations for the new training class.

“We are about people who want to excel,” Gross said. “There are a lot of opportunities for growth here.”

Gross is taking a hands-on approach with the new employees.

“My job is to make their job easier,” Gross said. “I want to eliminate any barriers.”

AT&T officials expect to have the new positions filled by the end of June. Once on board, new hires go through an extensive six-week training program.

The program is designed to provided hands on training, along with classroom work.

On-going training is a core piece of AT&T’s culture. They promote industry knowledge as well as career development for employees. There were recently six employees that were promoted to managers.

AT&T officials are looking to hire full time employees only.

For more information and to apply for one of the open positions, please visit www.att.jobs/ashland.