Monroe based CenturyLink is opening a new outbound sales center bringing 150 jobs to the area. The center will be located on Forsythe Avenue. CenturyLink spokesperson Anne Marie Sartor says the center will focus on small businesses throughout the country in helping them with needs.

"Small businesses are integral and a growing part of the U.S. economy, as much of their success is really contingent on the technology and the network solutions that can help them grow."

 A job fair will be held later this month in Monroe to help fill the new jobs. Sartor says there will be a couple of ways people can apply for the jobs.
"You can visit our career website at www.careeropportunities.centurylink.com. There will also be a job fair February 12th from 7am to 7pm  in West Monroe at the Hilton Garden Inn."
CenturyLink recently merged with Level 3 Communications. Sartor says there was initial concern as to how the merger would affect employees in the Monroe area. She says if anything, they have be able to strengthen their status as the largest Fortune 500 Company in the state.
"People have concerns about our presence in Monroe.  When you're a global business, geography and where you do your business from is really not critical.  It's more critical that you run your business and you run it well."

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL