COVINGTON, Ky. — Fidelity Investments is looking to hire 2,000 people nationwide amid the coronavirus pandemic, including open positions at its complex off Ky. Route 16 in Covington.
“We’re very optimistic that folks in the community are going to be able to get those jobs," said Tom West, Covington's economic development director.
As businesses are forced to downsize during the coronavirus pandemic, West told WCPO 9 News that Fidelity is investing in individuals and the larger economy.
“Covington depends on payroll taxes for our revenue," West said. "So in order to pay our police, our firefighters, those EMTs that are showing up to help people right now that are going through this virus, to have parks, to pave our streets, we depend on those payroll taxes.”
You may be more qualified for a position than you think, as Fidelity seeks to hire everyone from soon-to-be college graduates to professionals with decades of experience. The company says it will speed up its hiring and training process, giving many the chance to work from home.
"Times are uncertain, but job seekers can be certain that they can build a dynamic career with Fidelity, and new hires will experience a safe and enhanced onboarding process," Ashley Richter, a Fidelity senior vice president and general manager, said in a news release.
The company will hold a virtual open house on April 21. You can find more information on how to apply here.
West said help is also on the way for small businesses.
“Covington is not a chain city. We don’t have a lot of chain restaurants, a lot of chain retailers. Most of ours are home-grown," he said.
Bars and restaurants, like those on Mainstrasse and Madison Avenue, have been hit hard in the face of this pandemic. Now, the city is allowing some businesses to qualify for up to $500 dollars a month in rental assistance, which lasts for four months.
That can be a big help for businesses like Gyros On Main, which opened in November. While they're keeping up on rent for now, they see the program as a lifesaver for restaurants who have seen things change rapidly.
“Business has been slow. We dropped maybe by about 30 percent," said manager Moe Benlezereg.
And they know that in order to survive, the whole neighborhood has to thrive.
“I think it’s a good idea. It helps a lot of people, helps a lot of businesses," Benlezereg said.
