$10 million facility to employ up to 400
Chesapeake - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies officially opened their new $10 million Claim Service Center in Chesapeake. The facility will employ more than 250 people by year end 1999 and as many as 400 in the future. Virginia successfully competed with New Jersey and Orlando, Florida, for the investment in April 1997.
"This facility is a tremendous vote of confidence in Virginia's pro-growth business environment and the people of the Commonwealth," said Governor Gilmore. "I am certain that Chubb will grow and prosper in Chesapeake, Virginia."
Chubb constructed a 90,000 square foot state-of-the-art building in Chesapeake's Battlefield Corporate Center to house the Claim Service Center, which will handle claims east of the Mississippi River and will serve as a training center for future employees. The company selected Virginia because of its capable workforce, quality of life and central location on the Eastern seaboard.
"Chubb is confident that the high quality of Virginia's employees will allow us to maintain the standard of excellence our customers expect from our claim service," said George R. Fay, managing director and senior vice president of Chubb & Son, responsible for the company's claim operations worldwide. "The Claim Service Center demonstrates our commitment to look for new ways to respond to the needs of policy holders."
Secretary DuVal presented a share of stock in The Virginia Company as a token of the state's appreciation. A $300,000 Governor's Opportunity Fund was granted to the City of Chesapeake in 1997 to assist with site development. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Chesapeake assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance is providing workforce training services.
"The entire Hampton Roads region will benefit from Chubb's location decision which is now a reality," said Secretary DuVal. "This project displayed true teamwork from the city, region and state."
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