Call Center jewel of Douglas’ economic future

While the rest of the country struggles with layoffs, reduced work days and hours and employee furloughs, commercial construction in Douglas is the highest it has been in years.

And, unemployment in the city is lower than that of state or national averages.

Douglas currently has two commercial structures under construction with discussions about more coming. That does not include the remodeling of the old Mega food store on 10th Street, now the home of Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACCT).

The new commercial construction along Pan American – Best Western Hotel and Carl’s Jr., retail center — are expected to be completed in April and employ between 100 and 125.

Call Center

ACCT celebrated  its official grand opening on Wednesday, February 18, with cake, sandwiches and handshakes.

Conducting the open house and initial speaker was Mayor Dr. Michael Gomez.

He spoke about the positive effect that the new call center is having on all of Douglas, but particularly the east side.

“This building had been vacant  for 17 years. It became a blight on eastern Douglas” until the relationship with ACCT, Gomez said.

“I am proud and the city is proud to have this partnership with ACCT.”

During the meeting, Gomez also praised the work of city staff including City Manger Curtis Shook and Public Works Director Carlos dela Torre and the Douglas Prison for their help.

“We are pleased and fortunate to be in Douglas,” said Joseph Lembo, CEO of ACCT.

“We have had a great working relationship with the city and manager Curtis Shook. Our clients are so impressed with the work being done here.”

Currently,  383 people are employed by ACCT with a capacity of more than 700. It is anticipated that the center will be fully staffed before the end of the year.

Currently, the average monthly payroll is more than $600,000.

Carl’s, Pizza Patron open in April

The number of area restaurants will grow by two in April, with the completion of the Carl’s Jr., Center, located on Pan American and Fifth.

The opening will mark the first new chain restaurant opening since Eddie Rivera opened the doors of Denny’s several years ago.

It is also the first commercial construction since the strip mall was completed on Third Street a few years ago.

The store is taking shape and will offer all the favorites people are use to having at Carl’s Jr. The restaurant features a variety of chicken and beef selections including gourmet hamburgers and a variety of sides.

The other restaurant, which will be located in the four-unit strip mall behind the Carl’s Jr., is Pizza Patron.

It will be the first restaurant for this chain in southern Arizona. Other Arizona locations include Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Guadalupe, Mesa and Phoenix.

Pizza Patron offers a Mexican twist on the traditional pizza, and in addition

to traditional pizza toppings, also includes Chorizo and Jalapenos.

The first Pizza Patton store was opened on April 16, 1986, in the Pleasant Grove section of Dallas, Texas.

In addition to the Pizza Patron, an unnamed clothing store is also set to move into the strip mall.

Best Western moving along

After a few short delays due to weather  early in the construction process, Best Western is moving along quickly and is expected to be completed by April.

Framing and utility installation has been completed and now the crew is working on finish work.

The three-story hotel, located near the corner of Pan American and 7th Street, will have 69 rooms, a meeting room, a swimming pool, fitness room along with a kitchen area and computer lounge.

The hotel will have four different types of  rooms —- two queen-bedroom, King bedroom, King bed suite and King bed with Jacuzzi.

Construction began in July but went through some short delays due to monsoon rains.