Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that TeleCorp PCS, Inc. will locate an inbound call center in Lebanon, in Russell County. Through an investment of $4.6 million, TeleCorp will hire 300 new employees to handle billing, coverage, technical and general support questions for its customers. Virginia successfully competed with Iowa and Tennessee for this investment.
“I am very pleased to see yet another company locating in Southwest Virginia,” said Governor Gilmore. “The Commonwealth prides itself on the work ethic of its citizens and TeleCorp will certainly benefit from the abundance of qualified employees in this region of Virginia.”
Governor Gilmore approved a $450,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Russell County with site preparation. U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher was instrumental in securing this project for Virginia. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Russell County assisted TeleCorp PCS with its decision. The Virginia Department of Transportation will provide Industrial Access Road Fund and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
TeleCorp is AT&T Wireless' largest affiliate with licenses covering approximately 37 million people from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The company provides its SunCom digital wireless services in selected markets in 14 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, encompassing 16 of the top 100 markets. TeleCorp is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and employs more than 2,800 people.
“From its deep pool of experienced and educated people to its pro-business environment, Southwest Virginia is an ideal location for our new call center and a great place to do business. At TeleCorp, we pride ourselves on our superlative customer care, and this new center will give us an advantage in delivering on this critical mission,” said Gerald T. Vento, CEO of TeleCorp. “I want to thank Governor Gilmore for his outstanding support of our efforts and Congressman Boucher for his leadership in making this one-time notion a reality,” added Vento.
“During a time when many companies are scaling back, I am proud that the Commonwealth remains a top selection for new and expanding business,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. “Southwest Virginia has designated inbound call centers as a target industry and I commend Congressman Boucher and the economic development team for their constant efforts to maintain and increase the regional job base.”
“I am extremely pleased by today’s announcement and by the decision of TeleCorp PCS to locate its newest customer service call center in Russell County,” said Congressman Boucher. “Governor Gilmore and the State of Virginia have provided outstanding assistance to my office and to Russell County throughout this project, and I commend the State’s efforts. The 300 jobs TeleCorp is bringing to Russell County will enrich the county’s economy and greatly improve the quality of life for hundreds of our region’s residents.”