WorldCom invests $180 million in Loudoun County campus
RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today cited the significant expansion of WorldCom's presence at its corporate campus in Loudoun County with the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. With the Commonwealth’s support, WorldCom has grown its expansion to an overall investment of $180 million, enabling the Company to house up to 8,000 employees at the campus as business dictates.
“WorldCom’s growth in Northern Virginia has strengthened the Commonwealth’s role as the Digital Dominion,” said Governor Gilmore. “I am pleased that WorldCom’s success has resulted in a significant increase in the company’s employment level in Virginia.”
Governor Gilmore approved an $11 million grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program to assist WorldCom with the expansion. The VIP is a performance-based incentive program designed to offer financial assistance to existing Virginia companies.
“Northern Virginia has been a home to WorldCom and thousands of our employees since the 1980s,” said Fred Briggs, WorldCom chief technology officer. “The overall business environment, high-quality employee talent pool and its rich heritage of fostering business growth make Virginia a perfect place to solidify our presence in support of our high-growth data and Internet businesses.”
A number of state agencies were involved with the WorldCom expansion program. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development assisted WorldCom with its decision. WorldCom has worked closely with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance’s Workforce Services Program.
“The Commonwealth’s quality workforce and telecommunications infrastructure have provided WorldCom with an environment conducive to business success,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Joshua N. Lief. “As a result, WorldCom continues to be an excellent corporate citizen and employer in Virginia.”
WorldCom group (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a preeminent global communications provider for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries with annualized revenues of more than $20 billion. WorldCom provides the innovative technologies and services that are the foundation for business in
the 21st century. For more information go to http://www.worldcom.com.