EDC Chair Doug Cone introduced Don Berryman, President of the Americas for Sitel Worldwide Corporation, to members of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and Ocala City Council yesterday. The EDC has been working with the international business process outsourcing company to locate a call center expansion in Ocala. The inbound center will create 500 customer service positions over the next three years. While Sitel has been exploring Ocala as a new location since last summer, executives cited new client activity as the catalyst for the quick response needed to finalize the deal.

“Our board of directors felt like we had enough client pipeline activity to make the move on a new location,” said Berryman. “Our clients look very carefully at the location that will service their operations.” Berryman discussed Ocala’s similar demographics with other communities where they have had successful operations. Presenting the advantages for the community, he pointed out that Sitel is a great company to build a career, not just land a job. “I began with this company as a call center representative.”

City Councilman John McLeod stated that core corporate value is one reason for putting his support behind the project. He joined an Ocala contingency last week to visit Sitel at their corporate headquarters in Nashville. “I was very impressed with everyone we met there,” said McLeod. “One thing I noticed is top executives had all started at the bottom. They promote from within. I see this as a great opportunity for our citizens.”

Earlier in the day, County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an investment package of $1.25 million. City Council approved their $1.25 million package with a 4-1 vote. Both approvals are contingent upon favorable legal review and recommendation from the Financial Review Committee.

Sitel has chosen a building in downtown Ocala on Magnolia Avenue as the site for the operation. The building is known to many as the former document processing facility for Taylor, Bean & Whitaker. Commission Chair Mike Amsden voiced the choice of building by Sitel as another advantage of the project.

“We’ve got a building there that’s been empty for years,” said Amsden. “I see this project breathing fresh air back into our community that is desperately needed right now.”

Quarterly payments will be made by the City and County to the company, not to exceed $125,000 per year for the next ten years. If the company does not meet established hiring goals, payments will not be received. Sitel will make a capital investment of $2.5 million in machinery and equipment and $200,000 in building renovation. In addition to the quarterly payments, the City will also design and construct additional parking adjacent to the Magnolia location. To learn more about Sitel, visit www.sitel.com.

Other companies interested in expansion and/or job creation, should visit www.ocalaedc.org, or call 352-291-4415.

Signature Brands has been a great job creator and strong corporate citizen in our community for more than 50 years. This continued growth is a dividend our community receives as a result of City, County and State officials coming together to compete for Ocala to be the site for the new popcorn plant that opened last year. We hope other companies will look at Signature Brands as an example of what a great location Marion County is to grow a business.

The figures place Marion County eighth in the state for the highest unemployment rates. Hendry is first with 15.1%, followed by Flagler at 14%, Hernando at 13.1, Hamilton at 12.4 %, St. Lucie at 12.3%, Madison at 12%, Indian River at 11.9%, and Dixie, Marion and Okeechobee are tied at 11.8%.

Marion County’s current labor force stands at 132,764 with 117,077 employed and 15,687 unemployed.

The figures place Marion County ninth in the state for the highest unemployment rates. Hendry is first with 16.1%, followed by Flagler at 14%, Hernando at 13.0%, St. Lucie and Indian River at 12.7%, Okeechobee at 12.2%, Hamilton and Desoto at 11.9%, and Madison and Marion tied at 11.8%

Marion County’s current labor force stands at 133,529 with 117,720 employed and 15,809 unemployed.

As we move forward recommendations will continue to be implemented by building upon the successes and commitment of both the EDC and Chamber. The purpose of the new structure will be to have a near term impact on our economic recovery process through an aggressive, focused economic development strategy.

Thank you to everyone who has recently shared their ideas and comments. Your input at this stage is so vital to our future success! If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, we would love to hear from you.

Doug Cone , Core Transition Chairman
doug@ocalaedc.org (352)615-0645

Brian O’Connor , Core Team Co-Chairman
brian@ocalacc.com (352)687-5219

For more details, click on Press Release .