World's Largest Consulting Firm to Locate Region's Headquarters in Reston
Fairfax County - Governor George Allen today announced the decision by Andersen Consulting L.L.P. to relocate its Southeast regional headquarters to Fairfax County, Virginia. The move will result in a multimillion dollar investment, creating approximately 300 new jobs by 1999 while transferring 1,700 jobs from the firm's Washington, D.C. office. By 2004, Anderson predicts that potential employment could reach 3,000 at their regional headquarters in Reston. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and the District of Columbia for the investment.
"Today's decision by Andersen Consulting, the largest and one of the fastest growing consulting companies in the world, further confirms Fairfax County's and Northern Virginia's reputation as the economic engine of the entire metro-Washington area," said Governor Allen. "Before investing, corporations look to the bottom line, and increasingly, companies like Andersen invest in Virginia. With our pro-growth, competitive tax and reasonable regulatory policies, low unemployment insurance taxes, and dedicated workforce, we have a business climate where companies can profit and people can prosper."
According to a recent study conducted by the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, Northern Virginia added 39,700 new jobs from March 1996 through March 1997. During the same period, suburban Maryland added only 3,900 jobs while the District of Columbia lost 12,100 jobs.
Headquartered in Chicago, Andersen Consulting is the world's largest management and technology consulting company. The firm's consultants help clients re-engineer their business practices by linking technology, strategy, business processes and people. Andersen actively recruits college graduates and experienced professionals from across the United States.
"The Andersen Consulting office will be one of the consulting firm's 'Offices of the Future'," said Gary Close, managing partner of Andersen's east coast regional headquarters. "Our office of the future will contribute to the Fairfax County economy not only in a traditional way, but as a model for all companies looking for innovative ways to encourage productivity and improved client service. Reston offered us the type of business environment we were seeking."
As symbols of the State's appreciation, Governor Allen presented the company with a Virginia flag and an historic share of stock at today's ceremony. In 1994, Governor Allen signed into law the Major Business Facilities Tax Credit, which will potentially benefit Andersen Consulting by approximately $1.8 million. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services, which the Governor estimated the value to be approximately $1 million. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked closely with officials from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to assist the company with its decision.
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