Gov. Nixon announces creation of 800 new high-tech jobs in Columbia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 17, 2010 -- COLUMBIA, Mo. (May 17, 2010) – Gov. Jay Nixon today took part in the official announcement that global technology innovator IBM will locate a new services delivery center in Columbia, a project that will create 800 new technical-professional jobs in mid-Missouri. The new delivery center will provide Information Technology (IT) services to U.S. and global clients of IBM.

The Governor made the announcement today at a ceremony in downtown Columbia, joined by company executives and local community and government leaders.

“It is exciting that one of the world’s most respected and recognizable brands in the IT industry has chosen mid-Missouri as the location for its new services delivery center, which will create 800 high-tech, competitive jobs,” Gov. Nixon said. “IBM’s decision to invest in Missouri is a strong indication of the momentum of our economic recovery. I look forward to strengthening our partnership with IBM for many years to come.”

The state of Missouri awarded IBM $8.6 million in Missouri BUILD and $14.7 million in Quality Jobs program incentives. Both programs provide incentives to businesses that create a predetermined number of jobs, among other qualifications. The state’s incentive package also includes $4.2 million in New Jobs Training funding, $300,000 in Customized Training funding and $412,500 in Employee Recruitment and Referral Savings funding.

IBM’s new facility, which will be constructed inside an existing building at 2810 LeMone Industrial Blvd., in Columbia, will house a services delivery center, providing server systems operations, security services and end-user services, including maintenance and monitoring of computer hardware and software systems. Technical professionals hired for the new center will earn an average salary that will be highly competitive with the broader IT industry.