GLOBAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER SELECTS HORRY COUNTY, SC
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – December 16, 2013 – STARTEK Inc., a global provider of business process outsourcing services, today announced plans to locate a new customer support center in the Myrtle Beach area. The announced project investment of approximately $10 million is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and result in an annual economic impact exceeding $45 million, according to studies done by economists at Coastal Carolina University.
The development of the new customer support center is a public-private partnership consisting of the company, a local development team, and a host of public and private sector partners. The new 50,000 square foot facility being built at Towne Center in the fast growing Carolina Forest section of Horry County is being developed by TCP Capital, LLC with Roger Grigg as Managing Partner. STARTEK Inc. will serve as tenant under a multi-year lease with the development company. During construction of the permanent Towne Center facility, the company will operate and conduct employee training out of a temporary space provided by Horry Georgetown Technical College at the College’s Grand Strand Campus. Final completion of the new facility is scheduled for the fall of 2014.
Due to the utilization of the College’s temporary space, the company will begin hiring team members beginning in January of 2014. Those interested in employment opportunities with STARTEK Inc. should go to their website http://www.STARTEK.com/careers to apply.
Factors that contributed to the company’s site selection decision include the quantity and quality of the area workforce, proximity to training resources at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, telecommunications infrastructure in the area, and the quality of life in the Myrtle Beach area.
Over the last two years, The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation has identified call centers as a targeted industry for recruitment. This announcement is a significant win in this industry category and is the result of a collaborative effort among multiple representatives on the local, regional and state level. Notable project contributors include: the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Horry County Council, the TCP Capital, LLC team, Santee Cooper, Horry Telephone Company, Horry Georgetown Technical Collage, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA), and ReadySC.
STARTEK’s expansion in to Horry County marks the tenth announcement for the MBREDC since January of 2012, bringing the total announced job count to 1,425.
Quotes from the company, local, state and federal leadership:
“Our continued growth and our entry into the healthcare industry were all factors in our decision to choose Myrtle Beach for our new expansion. The workforce, the welcoming business climate, and the location matched our requirements,” said Chad Carlson, president and CEO of STARTEK. “The local and state authorities have been great to work with and we look forward to a great partnership with the Palmetto State.”
“The best resource we have here in South Carolina is our people, which is why we excel in delivering quality customer service,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Today we celebrate STARTEK’s decision to invest $10 million and create more than 600 new jobs along the Grand Strand.”
“South Carolina is known the world over for our hospitality, so companies in the service industry see our state as a natural fit,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “We welcome STARTEK to the area and appreciate their commitment to invest in our state.”
“I can’t think of a better way to end the 2013 calendar year for the MBREDC than to celebrate the decision of STARTEK to locate a large customer service center here in our community. The hard work of all the EDC’s allies and partners is generating significant results,” said Fred Richardson, Chairman of The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation.
“We have worked tirelessly and have pulled all of our resources together to make this project possible,” said Mark Lazarus, Horry County Council Chairman. “With over 600 new jobs, the economic impact of this project is of regional and statewide significance. This is a huge win for Horry County, and it is very exciting to be a part of it.”
“This was a tremendous effort by everyone who put this project together. I especially want to thank County Council and Brad Lofton of the MBREDC for recognizing Carolina Forest as the most suitable location for this project,” said State Representative Mike Rhyal. “I don’t believe there’s a better site that can supply the needed workforce as well as convenient highway access. Successful projects like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when the Department of Commerce, Ready SC, County Council, MBREDC and local individuals work together. I’m honored to be part of such a great effort.”
“I am thrilled to welcome STARTEK to the Seventh District’s business community,” said U.S. Congressman Tom Rice. “As our economy continues to rebound, significant investments in our local economy, like STARTEK’s, are vital to maintaining South Carolina’s competitive edge. STARTEK will also create a substantial amount of new jobs for South Carolinians. This expansion is a direct reflection of our area’s high quality of life, thriving business community, and dedicated team of economic developers. On behalf of the Seventh District, welcome to South Carolina’s Grand Strand.”
“Today’s announcement means hundreds of good jobs for our customers, and it reflects the hard work and commitment of many people,” said Lonnie Carter, President and CEO of Santee Cooper. “I’m proud of the role Santee Cooper plays in promoting economic development to new businesses, and I’d like to wish STARTEK many years of prosperity here in the Grand Strand.”
“Once again, the Myrtle Beach EDC team has proven what they’re capable of accomplishing. This continues a record-setting year for Horry County and puts a bookend on a great campaign. We’d like to thank STARTEK Inc. for choosing the North Eastern Strategic Alliance region of South Carolina for choosing to do business here and we look forward to many years of further cooperation,” said Senator J. Yancey McGill, NESA Chairman.
“Horry Georgetown Technical College enthusiastically embraces a unique training opportunity for the newest job creator in our region. We are committed to ensure that call center associates perform at the highest levels, with focus and precision to promote maximum profitability for this vibrant new employer. The call center is an excellent match for this market, and we congratulate the MBREDC and Horry County government upon landing this plum for local residents.” –Neyle Wilson, president, Horry Georgetown Technical College.
About STARTEK Inc.
STARTEK is a comprehensive contact center and business process outsourcing service company with approximately 11,200
employees, we call Brand Warriors who for over 25 years have been committed to making a positive impact on our clients’ business results. Our mission is to enable and empower our Brand Warriors to promote our clients’ brands every day and bring value to our stakeholders. We accomplish this by aligning with our clients’ business objectives resulting in a trusted partnership. For more information visit www.STARTEK.com.
About the S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. For more information about Commerce, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
SOURCE: Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation