Boise Cascade to Create 550 Jobs
Richmond - Virginia Governor George Allen today announced that Chicago-based Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation, an international office products distributor, will invest $7.5 million to locate a customer call center in Bristol that will create 550 new jobs. The company will locate the call center at an existing 80,000 square foot shell building in the city.
''Across the country and around the world, people are hearing our message that Yes, Virginia is open for business, and yes, Bristol is also open for business,'' said Governor Allen. ''Boise Cascade's 550 new jobs will clearly benefit the hardworking citizens of Southwest Virginia. This is an early Christmas present for the people of Bristol and Southwest Virginia: one that will keep giving year after year.''
Boise Cascade's new call center will enable the company to meet growing nationwide demand by receiving and processing customer orders and relaying them to distribution centers around the country. The company operates a regional distribution center in Chesapeake, and it maintains sales offices in Alexandria, Salem and Henrico County.
''The new call center in Bristol will be a critical link between our customers and our distribution centers throughout the eastern U.S. as we continue to grow our business,'' said Ken Cupp, eastern region manager for Boise Cascade Office Products. ''We appreciate the great support we have received from everyone in Virginia, from Governor Allen to the City of Bristol. We look forward to completing the investment activity over the next several months and beginning the hiring process in the spring.''
Governor Allen approved a $350,000 Governor's Opportunity Fund grant for the City of Bristol to assist the project. He presented a check to city officials today during an announcement ceremony at the company's new facility. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Mount Rogers Partnership and the Bristol Virginia Economic Development Committee assisted Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
''To compete in today's fierce international markets, Boise Cascade looks to the bottom line before investing. This $7.5 million investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in our people and in our pro-opportunity, pro-growth business environment,'' stated Governor Allen.