RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that America Online, Inc. (AOL) will open two new offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virtus Marketing has been awarded the contract to manage these sales and customer service operations for AOL. Through a $500,000 investment in Southwest Virginia, the project will create 67 new jobs in the City of Norton. The office will be located on the third floor of the historic Hotel Norton. In Greater Richmond, the project will create 40 new jobs through a $250,000 investment. The office will be located in Henrico County’s Innsbrook Corporate Center.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce & Trade Michael J. Schewel joined Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman of America Online, Inc. and President of AOL Core Service, and Virtus executives at an event in the City of Norton this morning.
“I was pleased to personally work with AOL to bring these new jobs to Norton and Richmond,” said Governor Warner. “With its roots in Northern Virginia, AOL has chosen to reinvest in the Commonwealth and create jobs in Southwest Virginia and Greater Richmond.”
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world’s leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.
Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman of America Online, Inc. and President of AOL Core Service, commented, “Virginia is clearly a special place for America Online: it's not just where our service is located, but it’s also our home - and a place we care about deeply. That's why we are so proud to be able to help create much-needed jobs and foster economic development right in our own backyard.
Leonsis continued, “And none of this would be possible without Governor Warner's leadership, or his strong resolve to ignite economic development in areas of Virginia that need our support and our investment. We are also honored to be in a partnership here with the people of Norton, and we salute their entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the leadership that Mayor Raines and local lawmakers have provided."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the City of Norton, the Greater Richmond Partnership and Henrico County assisted with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will support the project with its Workforce Services Program.