Crowd shows up at T.J. Maxx job fair

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The line spread outside as area residents applied for 70 to 75 jobs at T.J. Maxx, which is expected to open in October at The Tifton Mall. Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette

September 10, 2012

Crowd shows up at T.J. Maxx job fair

By Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI The Tifton Gazette Mon Sep 10, 2012, 10:46 PM EDT

TIFTON — A large crowd of people filed into the Georgia Department of Labor building Monday morning for the first day of the T.J. Maxx Job Fair. Every parking space was filled, making it difficult to find a place to park as motorists searched for an open spot. Many of them parked across the street and on the sides of the road.

The job fair was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., but due to folks lining up early, it started at approximately 9:20 a.m., says Ross Burnett, store manager for the local T.J. Maxx. Rick Marshall is the district manager.

“We’re ecstatic with the turnout,” Burnett stated that morning at the GDOL. “To see people line up that early shows there’s some appreciation. It got us motivated to make sure we do our best.”

The job fair was scheduled to end at 7 p.m. Monday. Burnett assured that they were going to try to get to every person who showed up that day, as well as those who would be showing up on the final day of the job fair, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

When asked about the reaction from people he talked to at the job fair Monday, he stated, “Everyone seemed thrilled to work with an outstanding company.”

As of 10:30 a.m. that morning, approximately 250 to 300 people had applied for a job with T.J. Maxx, according to Mark Lewis with the local GDOL. He said they’re expecting about 700 total applicants from Monday and today.

“We’re glad to help T.J. Maxx,” he stated.

Burnett said they’re looking to hire between 70 to 75 associates for the new store, which will include positions for administrative coordinator, merchandise coordinator, back room coordinator, jewelry coordinator, customer service coordinator and the majority of the positions will be for sales associates.

He stated that the grand opening of T.J. Maxx has been scheduled for Oct. 21. Construction continues on the store, located next to the Tifton Mall and the new Publix on North Virginia Avenue.

When asked about the store’s location between the mall and Publix, Burnett said the opening of T.J. Maxx and Publix does nothing more than strengthen the mall’s position.

He noted that T.J. Maxx and Publix are “two great tenants.” He added that Publix is in a great location and is a great organization.

“I think we will help each other,” Burnett said.

He smiled and stated that it’s great that T.J. Maxx is able to become a part of the Tifton community, and that the reception from the GDOL and the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce has been outstanding.

“Everyone has really been helpful in this endeavor,” he said.

Burnett stated that upon visiting some local businesses, the reaction from owners was excitement.

“They’re thrilled to have us,” he said. “This excites us.”

He noted that they also visited some seniors at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center, who are also looking forward to the opening of the new store.

He said as they travel around Tifton, they’re discovering that “there’s a lot of ‘Maxxinistas’ out there.”

Also, Burnett stated that they’re looking forward to working with local community organizations. One of their goals is to become a good corporate partner.

“We want to become a neighbor and a part of the community,” he said.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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