Company will create 130 new jobs and invest $10 million
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that First Data Resources, Inc. will expand operations in the City of Chesapeake. The company will invest $10 million for a new print and mail operation located at 1408 Stephanie Way. First Data anticipates creating up to 130 new jobs for the operation within the next three years. First Data opened a credit card personalization and distribution center in Chesapeake in April 1999.
"First Data has prospered here in the Commonwealth over the last year," said Governor Gilmore. "I am pleased that this respected global company is re-investing in Chesapeake and will continue to benefit from the region's dedicated workforce and high quality of life."
Omaha, Neb.-based First Data Resources, a subsidiary of First Data Corp., serves over 1,400 card issuing companies nationwide and processes the information that allows millions of consumers to pay for goods and services by credit or debit card.
"Chesapeake's business-friendly environment offered us a good opportunity to expand our operations," said Jeff Arellano, First Data's Director of Output Services, who will oversee the new facility. "We appreciate the cooperation we received from the State, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, and the City of Chesapeake and hope to continue our mutually beneficial partnership."
"Chesapeake and the entire Hampton Roads region will reap the rewards of this expansion," said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "We are honored to have First Data as a successful corporate citizen." Governor
Gilmore approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Chesapeake with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Chesapeake assisted First Data with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward welcomed First Data's announcement. "The City of Chesapeake appreciates First Data Corporation's continued investment in our community. Their decision to locate this new mail handling facility in Chesapeake not only creates 100 new jobs for our residents, but is also evidence that Chesapeake continues to be a national leader in attracting high-quality corporate citizens."
Atlanta-based First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) helps move the world's money. As the leader in electronic commerce and payment services, First Data serves more than two million merchant locations, 1,400 card issuers and millions of consumers, making it easier, faster and more secure for people and businesses to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. With more than 30,000 employees worldwide, the company provides credit, debit and stored-value card issuing and merchant transaction processing services; Internet commerce solutions; money transfers and money orders; and check processing and verification services throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Spain and Germany. In addition, its Western Union network includes approximately 86,000 agent locations with operations in 178 countries and territories.