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"The opening of U.S. Cellular's new
call center today represents a tremendous addition to the regional
economy," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Our state's world-class work
force, competitive business climate and outstanding quality of life
continue to be the recipe for success in the eyes of many top-flight
firms from across the world who are looking to grow or expand. We'll
never stop making investments in companies such as U.S. Cellular
that have the desire, the dedication and the wherewithal to act as
an economic engine of growth and that continue to move this economy
forward full-speed ahead."
"Our company has experienced
tremendous growth in customers since we entered the greater Chicago
market a little more than two years ago, and that is one of the
reasons we found it necessary to open this new call center," said
John E. Rooney, U.S. Cellular president and chief executive officer.
"Our focus on total customer satisfaction has been rewarded with a
huge amount of new business. The investment we're making and the new
jobs we're creating here are clear symptoms of our success."
At first, the new center will handle
calls primarily from customers in northeastern Illinois and northern
Indiana. The facility houses call center operations and training,
plus conference facilities; and the center employs representatives
in customer service, customer relations, help desk and tech support.
"We looked at a lot of different
locations in the area, but Bolingbrook simply had the best
combination of facilities, location and economics," Rooney said.
"This facility lies in the center of one of the deepest and most
talented labor pools in the country."
With the addition of Bolingbrook,
U.S. Cellular now operates six call centers. The others are in
Medford, Ore.; Tulsa, Okla.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Waukesha, Wis.; and
Knoxville, Tenn. The company's new Bolingbrook facility was
renovated from an existing space that was vacated by another
telecommunications company in 2004.
"Gov. Blagojevich has invested
heavily in enhancing our competitive strengths and leveraging them
to act as a more dynamic force of economic growth," said state Sen.
Arthur "AJ" Wilhelmi, D-Joliet. "When successful companies like U.S.
Cellular decide to expand here, it's a great indication that we're
really building a fertile environment where top companies believe
they can thrive."
"Under Gov. Blagojevich's
leadership, a number of highly successful companies have announced
their decision to locate or expand their operations in the Northeast
region in recent months," said state Rep. Brent Hassert,
R-Romeoville. "We are thrilled that U.S. Cellular is creating 450
new jobs in this region, which is accelerating our economic growth
and providing more widespread opportunity for the people of our
community."
"This is a welcome recovery for
employment in Bolingbrook," said Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar.
"U.S. Cellular's decision to locate its new call center in our city
is a testament to the quality and attractiveness of our business
environment, and we couldn't have asked for a better corporate
citizen."
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U.S. Cellular's investment in the new
Bolingbrook facility was assisted by approximately $4 million
through Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns program, which is
administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity. The assistance
includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits
based on job creation over a 10-year period, a Large Business
Development Program grant and funding through the department's
Employer Training Investment Fund to help train U.S. Cellular's work
force.
"From his first days in office, Gov.
Blagojevich acted with a great sense of urgency to create a support
system that would not only help retain businesses throughout the
state, but provide the targeted resources and hands-on assistance
that will help businesses expand and launch new ventures here," said
Jack Lavin, director of the Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity. "U.S. Cellular's decision to locate its new call center
in Bolingbrook will help a prosperous local economy thrive."
U.S. Cellular has provided service
in Illinois since 1987 and in Chicagoland since 2002. Since 2004,
the company donated more than $560,000 to important nonprofit
organizations throughout the state.
About U.S. Cellular
Chicago-based U.S. Cellular
Corporation (AMEX: USM) is a super-regional wireless company,
serving more than 5 million customers in 148 markets in 25 states.
With 2004 service revenues of $2.64 billion, U.S. Cellular maintains
one of the industry's highest levels of customer satisfaction by
emphasizing customer support, quality network coverage and
comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company
is an active corporate citizen through charitable contributions,
award-winning community relations programs and associate volunteer
activities. For more information, visit
www.uscellular.com.
About Opportunity Returns
Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity
Returns regional economic development strategy is the most
aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois'
history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development
just doesn't work, the governor has divided the state into 10
regions, each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to
rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.
Opportunity Returns is about
tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more
marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses.
It is about upgrading the skills of the local work force, increasing
the access to capital, opening new markets, improving
infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns
is about successfully partnering with companies and communities,
both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic
potential.
[News release]
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