RYLA held a job recruitment fair Monday as hundreds stood in line waiting for a chance to be hired. The lines began forming before 6 AM outside its doors on Shaw and Villa.
Things are quite now but it was a different scene earlier Monday. Hundred's waited in line looking to fill 500 full and part time positions at the calling center. Meanwhile local businesses and experts expect the jobs to provide a shot in the arm to the local economy.
Dozens of people lined up with resumes in hand well after closing time. For some like Alisha Rabana the wait paid off. She was one of the last ones offered a job Monday night.
"It's pretty relieving and exciting, because it's been a long day really long process, not just today but looking for a job in general." said Rabana.
The Fresno State grad arrived at 9 AM and found the line wrapped all the way around the corner.
Just under eight hundred people showed up Monday, some even arriving as early 6AM.
RYLA CEO mark Wilson knew his company's jobs were in high demand, but admits he's surprised by the big turnout.
"We prepared and planned for that but nothing of the magnitude of what we've seen here today." said Wilson.
RYLA's impact on the local economy is already being felt in the Valley. Employees at a nearby sandwich shop saw three times as many customers as usual Monday -- but manager Anissa Burns is even more excited about the future.
"The more people that come in that work out there they'll experience Port of Subs." said Burns.
Local experts agree. Mike Dozier is with the Regional Jobs Initiative. The group's goal is to create jobs while supporting local businesses.
Dozier believes there will be a trickle effect with other local businesses in the area but says consumer confidence is still the key.
"Whether or not you're a pitcher in the seventh game of the world series or whether or not you're looking at spending money in the economy. It's how much confidence you have in the economy as how well the economy is going to do." said Dozier.
Confidence is not a problem for Alisha. She's now employed. So what's next for the customer service operator?
"Honestly I just want some dinner. (Laughs) I don't know I'm too tired to think." said Rabana.
RYLA would not say how many positions they filled Monday. But they're far from reaching their goal.
The job fair runs through Friday, and picks up Monday, at 170 West Shaw in Clovis. It runs from 9am to 4pm. Applicants are asked to bring two forms of ID and a resume. Expect to be there at least three hours after you get in the door.
