New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer
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New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer
Press Releases | Speeches | Executive Orders | Proclamations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 31, 2008
GOVERNOR SPITZER ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER CARE FIRM TO LOCATE HUNDREDS OF JOBS IN THE SOUTHERN TIER
Sitel Corporation Will Use Former Corning Inc. Plant to House 400 New Employees
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that Sitel Corporation, a global provider of customer service solutions, will locate more than 400 jobs to Steuben County. Sitel Corporation will transform a vacant Corning Incorporated plant into a customer care facility in the Town of Erwin. Their decision to invest in Steuben County represents a major economic development boost for the Southern Tier.
“This is a regionally-significant strategic investment that will help create hundreds of jobs for the Southern Tier,” said Governor Spitzer. “This is a model we must replicate to attract companies that have the potential to revitalize regions of our state whose economies have suffered for too long. As I said in my State of Upstate Address, we are focused with a singular purpose on restoring economic growth and vitality to Upstate New York—so we can make it the best place to live, work, raise a family and run a business in the world.”
Sitel Chief Operating Officer Chad Carlson said: “Our reasons for choosing Upstate New York and the Town of Erwin are very clear. The Southern Tier is an ideal environment for our company. The quality of life is excellent, it has a well-educated work force and there is a strong work ethic. We believe the Upstate New York has all the ingredients necessary for a successful partnership with Sitel.”
Corning Enterprises President Thomas Tranter, Jr. said: “We are pleased to bring Sitel, a world recognized call center operator, to our building with a long term lease. Sitel and Corning Incorporated have similar corporate values that will result in a strong community partnership going forward.”
Sitel is investing $5.5 million to renovate the 45,000-square-foot facility, where more than 400 associates will work once it reaches full capacity. Most of them will be communication agents for customer service. They will undergo extensive training and coaching both in terms of communication and technical skills, which will strengthen Sitel’s ability to provide high quality customer care and technical support to leading companies around the world. The company meets clients’ customer care and transaction processing needs through 67,000 associates in 27 countries.
In recognition of its commitment to New York, Sitel will receive a $1.5 million grant in two phases from the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) should the company meet certain milestones associated with the grant. The New York State Office for Small Cities is also providing Corning Community College with a $750,000 grant which will be used to help train future employees. Additionally, Chemung Schuyler Steuben Workforce New York and the New York State Department of Labor will provide a variety of no-fee services such as job postings, basic skills assessments, pre-screening and will also provide $35,000 in 2008 for on-the-job and customized training. The combined investment to the region will exceed $7.75 million.
Senator George Winner said: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Sitel to the Southern Tier. Our number one goal in New York government is to do whatever we can to revitalize and reenergize the Upstate economy. Sitel’s arrival is the type of economic victory that’s vital to the Southern Tier’s future, but that can also have a ripple effect across the Upstate region. It’s an undeniable signal of what can be achieved through an effective state-local, public-private partnership.”
Assemblymember James Bacalles said: “It is always good when the private and public sectors work together to create job opportunities. I'm elated to see more jobs come to Steuben County. These jobs are opportunities for employees to earn paychecks for their families and help the Southern Tier economy continue to grow. It's good news all the way around.”
Upstate Chair of ESDC Dan Gundersen said: “ESDC is pleased to participate in the financing of Sitel’s new facility. The Empire State Development’s $1.5 million grant coupled with a $750,000 grant from the Office of Small Cities will leverage over $5.5 million in private capital and help bring 400 new jobs with more to follow.”
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said: “The Department of Labor is pleased to be a part of the team that successfully brought Sitel to the Elmira area. Our business services staff, led by Carol Haradon, looks forward to working with Sitel on their staffing needs.”
Dr. Floyd Amann, President of Corning Community College said: “We have been working hand-in-hand with local economic development offices to bring Sitel here. We will assist Sitel in any way possible, including hosting job fairs and training existing and potential employees. We are happy to support Sitel through education and to be one of its local partners.”
Sitel, an international customer care company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee offers inbound call handling for customer service requests, technical support, and order taking. The Corning facility has been vacant since 2002.