DECATUR - StarTek's Decatur call center took its first call five years ago.

Since then, the company has expanded and exceeded early job projections.

Company executives envision a bright future in the community. And community leaders say StarTek has played a key role in rejuvenating the local economy.

"They've been an outstanding addition to the local business environment," said Craig Coil, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. "All you need to do is take a look at the shopping center where they're located, and you can see that it's a vibrant place, and there are a lot of businesses there. A lot can be directly attributed to StarTek."

StarTek handles inbound customer care calls for major employers, including cell phone companies and cable companies. The Decatur call center handles calls for a prepaid cell phone service and a long-distance phone service provider.

StarTek opened in Decatur in 2003 with about 160 customer service representatives and another 55 in training.

Today, the Decatur facility has about 450 employees, said Anastasia Lingle, recruiting manager.

Corporate executives recently flew in from Denver, Colo., to celebrate the Decatur call center's fifth anniversary.

"We are so excited it has been five years, and we're looking forward to five-plus more years, needless to say," said Andre Johnson, vice president of human resources operations. "It's a big day for us."

Johnson expects Decatur's call center to enjoy a bright future.

"We're always looking to improve and do things better, and we have the space in the building, so growth is on the horizon for us," Johnson said. "The community just needs to keep giving us people, and we'll keep finding jobs for them."

Patrick Hayes, chief operating officer, was pleased with the Decatur facility's performance.

"We have a strong, dedicated work force," Hayes said. "We've built a great center here, and I think the relationship with the city is great."

Coil said StarTek has been a welcome addition to Decatur.

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"A company like StarTek has a strong national presence and international presence and a leader in their industry," Coil said. "It's another example of the types of business we have in our community."

The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County recruited the call center to town and negotiated an incentive package with the state on the company's behalf, Coil said.

StarTek has played an important role in transforming Decatur's job scene, Coil said.

"Look at where we were (with) unemployment in late 2002: We were at unemployment over 10 percent; we were still feeling the effects of significant job layoffs," Coil said. "We've done nothing but improve since then, and (StarTek was) one of the first ones to make a significant investment in the community and be a part of the renaissance in the community."

StarTek offers competitive wages and benefits and opportunities for advancement, Coil said.

Shauna Hall, for example, started working for StarTek's call center in Decatur about 41/2 years ago as a customer service representative, and she already has been promoted several times to her current post as site director.

Hall's story of advancement with StarTek is not unique, Lingle said.

"We do have growth potential here," Lingle said. "What's great is people learn new skills: dealing with customers, problem solving, using different technologies. It opens up a lot of opportunities for skills that people wouldn't normally have."

Mayor Paul Osborne remembers celebrating StarTek's opening five years ago, shortly after he was elected mayor.

"It was an exciting experience for me," Osborne said. "It speaks to some of the technology we're dealing with today and the service businesses that we are attracting to Decatur.

"It's typical of the changing face of business in our community. It's one that you can look at after five years and see it continues to be successful and continues to grow."

Employees recently feasted on grilled food and enjoyed games and music to celebrate StarTek's fifth anniversary in Decatur.

"I love working here because it's like a big family," said Christina Owens, human resources coordinator, as she finished her meal with fellow employees. "I love the people."