Country Crossing starts hiring

Billy Robertson of Madrid was one of those people not quite unemployed but who could sure use a steady job.

After spending eight years in the U.S. Air Force, the Tennessee native landed in Houston County 18 months ago because of family ties. He spent a year working as a substitute teacher in the county school system, eventually signing up for graduate school at Troy University Dothan.

“I tested the job market here, and that’s what made me decide to go back to school,” said the 31-year-old.

His wife, Nicole, found work right away as a registered nurse at Southeast Alabama Medical Center, but a second full-time job with benefits would help the couple, who have two small children.

As Billy Robertson passed the Country Crossing development, he started wondering if there were management opportunities where he could prove himself. He missed the structure and camaraderie the military offered and wondered if such a family might exist at this new multi-phase country music entertainment destination under construction south of Dothan.

“I was intrigued with the idea of working there and thought it would be a great opportunity,” he said. “I felt I had some qualities and assets they would find appealing.”

So Robertson applied for several management jobs online. A week ago, he got a call about an interview. He interviewed that day and was hired that evening.
Robertson started his new job Monday as the gaming director for the bingo pavilion at Country Crossing.

Karla Daniels, director of human resources for the Houston Economic Development Association, the cooperative district established by county ordinance to operate the charitable bingo aspect of Country Crossing, said Robertson’s positive attitude and enthusiasm helped land him the job. And she is looking for more people with that attitude.

“We are looking for very motivated customer service people who will support the vision we have and want to have a career here,” Daniels said. “We are in a start-up situation and there’s a lot of room for job growth.”

Daniels and Ronnie Gilley Properties HR Director Michelle Grantham are sifting through about 1,000 applications. The development is initially looking to hire 500workers, and the clock is ticking to get them in place.

“We will be open on December 1, which means we will only have about a month to get these people in here and get them trained,” said construction supervisor Mark Sheldon. “There are a variety of jobs on the entertainment and restaurant side. We are asking people to show us their worth and come in with a strong work ethic and the right spirit and attitude.”

Specific jobs Country Crossing is having difficulty filling include: two marketing directors with resort experience, 40 experienced bartenders, cashiers with extensive money-handling duties and possible banking experience and part-time workers for concerts and other special events.

The facility is also looking for cooks, kitchen staff and all sorts of restaurant and service workers. Wages will be comparable for the area.

Those who wish to apply should give as much background as possible on their online resumes. Grantham said many people who have applied and haven’t heard anything may be contacted in the next two weeks. She notes that those people she has called are very excited.

“They tell me they are thrilled,” she said. “People really want to be a part of this.”

Robertson calls his hiring experience amazing.

“I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would get an opportunity like this,” he said. “The allure of this job for me was the responsibility. I longed for a company I could get in at its infancy and have this responsibility to lead.”

Country Crossing will be open seven days a week, and for the most part bingo will operate 24 hours a day. There is a Sunday black-out period from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.