SMITHFIELD, Pa., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Edward G. Rendell today presented a check totaling $5.5 million to NiSource, Inc., to help in the consolidation of its customer service call centers from multiple states to Smithfield. Within five years, employment at the call center facility will increase to 500 jobs.

"More and more companies are recognizing the benefits of moving to Pennsylvania or expanding here," Rendell said. "Since I took office in 2003, the Governor's Action Team has worked with companies like NiSource to create and retain more than 164,000 jobs throughout the commonwealth. I'm proud to say the funding packages offered by GAT contain some of the best incentives in the nation."

NiSource, Inc., the third largest natural gas distribution company in the United State, has entered into a 10-year agreement with IBM to operate the consolidated call distribution center. The 30,000-square-foot call center is currently leased from Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, who has proposed building additional space for the consolidated call center.

"This alliance with IBM will enable us to access new technology and deliver state-of-the-art service for our customers," said Robert C. Skaggs, Jr., NiSource's president and chief executive officer. "Its decision to maintain and expand the call center in southwestern Pennsylvania is a testament to the dedicated employees of this region."

The Governor's Action Team (GAT), economic-development professionals who report directly to Rendell, worked with NiSource and IBM on this project. The state has offered the company a financial package totaling $5.5 million that includes: a $1.5 million Opportunity Grant; $500,000 in Job Training Assistance; $1.5 million in Job Creation Tax Credits; and a $2 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan.

The Governor's Action Team serves as a single point of contact for businesses that are evaluating Pennsylvania as a site for a facility location or expansion. GAT works with domestic and international businesses, as well as professional site consultants, on projects involving significant investment and job creation opportunities.

"This announcements reaffirms my commitment to making Pennsylvania an economic leader by investing in the successful growth of companies," said Rendell. "When we partner with businesses that are willing to make an investment in the commonwealth's citizens and its economy, we're not only investing in new services and fresh ideas, we're also contributing to our future success."

Since January 2005, the Governor's Action Team has successfully completed 101 projects that have resulted in commitments for 8,590 new jobs and 22,508 jobs to be retained. Of those projects, 76 involved manufacturers.

For information on the Governor's Action Team and other DCED funding, visit http://www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).

For more information on NiSource, Inc. visit http://www.nisource.com and for information regarding IBM, visit http://www.IBM.com.

CONTACT: Kate Philips

 

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