Friday, April 6, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Lauds Missouri's Job Growth at Business Contributing Hundreds of New Jobs to 82,500 Total
SPRINGFIELD–Gov. Matt Blunt today lauded Missouri's significant job growth during a visit to T-Mobile’s Customer Service Center, which has contributed 615 new jobs to the total of 82,500 new jobs Missourians have created since January 2005. The company also plans to add nearly 200 additional jobs for a total of 800 Missouri jobs at the service center.
"T-Mobile joins countless other businesses that have helped create opportunity and prosperity for Missouri families by creating more than 82,500 new jobs over the last two years," Blunt said. "The number of jobs Missourians have created since January 2005 is enough to employ nearly every person living in both Christian and Dallas counties. T-Mobile has been part of Missouri's economic growth. They recognize the many benefits of doing business in Missouri which is one of the reasons they are adding 60-90 new employees a month to their Customer Service Center."
A collaborative effort by state and local economic development teams helped attract T-Mobile USA Inc. to the Ozarks. With the support of more than $2 million in Enhanced Enterprise Zone tax credits, the company invested $17.5 million to build the Customer Service Center in 2005. The 77,000 square feet facility took its first call in the summer of 2006. The service center houses customer service representatives, coaches, team managers, support staff and management and boast an average starting wage over $9.50 to $11.00 per hour.
T-Mobile chose the Springfield area based on its service mentality, dedicated workforce and commitment to customer service. Blunt’s administration worked with the City of Springfield, Greene County, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Business and Development Corporation, City Utilities of Springfield, the Rankin Company, Carleton Properties, and CJR Properties to bring T-Mobile to Springfield.
As governor, Blunt has made helping employers and entrepreneurs create good, family-supporting jobs a top priority. Since he took office in January 2005, Missourians have created 82,500 new jobs and Missouri businesses have set new export records, most recently in 2006 with $12.8 billion worth of exports to 191 different countries.
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