In class assignment
By Carly Miller
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Betty Jones is a single mother of two children and works seven days a week to try and make ends meet. Working full time at Arby’s only making $7.25 isn’t nearly enough for Jones to support herself, and more importantly, her two kids.
The furniture in Jones’ two-bedroom apartment was all given to her family, and the food in the pantry and refrigerator is generic food from Aldi. Pinching pennies is the only option for Jones since money is scarce.
“I have to shop at Goodwill. See the bags on the floor,” noted Jones. “My kids, I just got them new hats and gloves from there.”
Jones hands her 10 and 12-year-old the mismatched hats and gloves as they scurry off to the bus stop early in the morning. Smiles are exchanged between the mother and her children as she knows she is doing the best she can to provide for them.
The potential of getting a better-paying job at the incoming Computers R Us, a large communications company, would transform the life of Jones and her small family.
Mayor Dennis Lester announced Wednesday that Computers R Us has purchased the available land near the city limits of West Lafayette. The company plans to open a factory to build its line of home computers and hire 500 full-time production workers to start.
“We welcome Computers R Us with open arms,” said Lester. “These are good jobs, with good pay and benefits, for the good people of West Lafayette.”
Vice president of New York-based Computers R Us, Tom Binkman, said that the company was really impressed with the location in West Lafayette. The proximity to Interstate 65 and the willingness of the city to cooperate made it the likeliest choice.
Computers R Us employees will experience many benefits including a pay of $17.25 an hour, two weeks paid vacation time, and paid training prior to the plant opening as no experience is necessary.
The company plans to start construction on their largest plant immediately. It hopes to have this West Lafayette plant built and operating by late next year.
Computers R Us will begin to accept applications for the 500 jobs in the next few months. The majority of hiring decisions will be made by summer, but hiring will continue as needed until opening.
Ann Miller, the employment counselor at the local department of Employment, anticipates many local applicants for the 500 jobs that will soon be available at Computers R Us.
“Applications for employment at the plant will be distributed through the Department for Employment,” said Miller. “The department will announce soon the exact date applications will be available.”
Betty Jones just might be able to see the silver lining of her tough financial situation after hearing the news of the incoming Computers R Us plant. She is hoping to obtain a job better than her current position at Arby’s with the company.
“This news is a godsend,” said Jones. “This new plant could be a dream come true.”
Carly Miller 