DED's Rapid Response Team to aid TeleQuest employees

The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Sept. 11 it has activated its Rapid Response Team to help workers who will be displaced by a plant closing at Springfield TeleQuest Quality Verification Inc., according to a news release from the DED.

The company will close its telemarketing business and lay off 240 employees Nov. 2.

The Rapid Response Team, comprised of representatives from the DED's Division of Job Development and Training, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relation's Division of Employment Security and the Job Council of the Ozarks, responds to workers who have lost their jobs by providing special training and re-employment services.

Work Connections Career Center services will be offered to assist TeleQuest employees.

"It is imperative that we provide these workers with constructive job training and assistance to help them find suitable employment as quickly as possible," said Joseph L. Driskill, director of the DED, in the release. "Missouri's strong economic condition should aid these workers in their search for new jobs."

Among the services offered will be assessment and testing, career counseling and resume writing, interviewing skills, job-search methods, on-the-job training and tuition assistance for vocational training or education.

Meetings with workers were held Sept. 14-16 to explain how the services will work.

"While layoffs are a natural part of the economic cycle, we know that many employers in the state are in need of quality workers," Driskill said. "Missouri employees have earned a good reputation for their productivity and work ethic, and we invite employers in need of employees to consider hiring these workers who have been dislocated."

Employers interested in hiring TeleQuest workers may call 800-877-8698. Laid-off workers interested in training and re-employment services can call the same number or the Job Council of the Ozarks, at 887-1892.

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