Despite what is proving to be a daunting economy for many companies, there are actually businesses looking to expand their workforce.

An insides sales associate at Trident Marketing in Southern Pines, Antares Jackson knows he has more than a job, he also has security.

"It means a lot," Jackson said.

Jackson said he knows it's an opportunity because he's seen what this economy is capable of.

"I was working in the mortgage business when I got hired here, and you know the mortgage business kind of took a fall," Jackson said.

Jackson is one of Trident Marketing's most recent hires and he'll be joined by at least 40 more according to David Lord, General Manager of Direct Sat TV at Trident Marketing in Southern Pines.

"Sales, information technology, marketing, customer service, accounting, so finance jobs," Lord said.

Jobs with benefits, he said, that pay anywhere from $30,000 to near six figures. Lord said the company is able to hire because it was conservative.

"We saw the pains of the economy coming," Lord said.

Lord said the company, which markets and re-sells top satellite TV, Internet, and security systems, is growing thanks to new business launches and bringing outsourcing in.

Trident Marketing is holding a career fair on January 31 to help fill the jobs. It will be held from noon until 4 p.m. at 340 Commerce Avenue, Suite 16 in Southern Pines, NC.

"For me personally it feels good to be able to hire people who are looking for jobs, "Lord said.

And good fortune isn't just calling on Trident Marketing. Moore County is also hiring, said County Manager Cary McSwain.

"We're hiring any position that may be vacant, that is core and critical to our mission like a paramedic," McSwain said.

McSwain said some job vacancies are being delayed as part of a budget strategy but not frozen. He said planning and a diverse local economy are helping the county from falling too far into the red.