Gov. Bentley has now confirmed news originally broke by Yellowhammer Tuesday afternoon that Verizon Wireless is bringing over 400 jobs to Alabama.
More than 300 of the available positions are for customer service-related opportunities at the Verizon Wireless state headquarters located in Huntsville. The company is also hiring in Birmingham and Dothan, mostly in retail sales. Interested candidates may apply online by visiting Verizon.com/jobs.
“Today’s announcement that Verizon will create over 400 jobs in Alabama is a testament to the strength of the pro-business climate we have worked hard to create in Alabama,” said Gov. Bentley. “When successful companies are able to expand and create more jobs, Alabamians have an opportunity for a better future. Alabama’s relationship with Verizon is strong, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the company.”
Verizon said in a press release that the new positions will offer competitive salaries and benefits, including health care coverage that begins on the first day of employment, and participation in the company’s 401(k) program with a dollar-for-dollar match of up to 6 percent of an employee’s salary contribution.
Verizon, which employs more than 1,600 Alabamians, and over 176,000 employees company-wide, has been named one of the best companies for working moms by Working Mother for thirteen straight years. Computer World lists Verizon Wireless as one of the “100 Best Places to Work in IT.” CivilianJobs.com named Verizon Most Valuable Employer for Military in 2013. The company offers tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance and bonuses and promotes work/life balance by offering on-site college courses, education study rooms, dining facilities and state-of-the-art fitness centers staffed with personal trainers.
“The wireless industry has been one of the fastest growing markets across the globe,” said Jonathan LeCompte, president of the Georgia/Alabama region for Verizon Wireless. “With both the recent RootMetrics and J.D. Power studies confirming Verizon Wireless as the top performing wireless company in Alabama, serving our customers with the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network, we are only going to see our business expand. Consumers will continue to rely heavily on their tablets, smartphones and other wireless offerings. At Verizon, we know the incredible talent available throughout the state of Alabama and we are committed to offering a thriving work environment in which employees can learn, grow and use their talents and skills to contribute to the success of our dynamic business.”
Gov. Bentley also touted Verizon’s non-profit efforts, specifically their partnership with Alabama’s First Lady Dianne Bentley to help victims of domestic violence.
Gov. Bentley, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong, and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle all three touted north Alabama’s recent run of economic development successes. Remington, General Electric and now Verizon have all recently announcing expansions in the area. But unlike some of the other high-profile expansions, Verizon chose to grow their business in Alabama based solely on the state’s economic climate, rather than any specific incentives that the State offered the company.
“These companies already know the successful business climate we have in this state,” Gov. Bentley said during today’s press conference. “Huntsville is a great area of the state and we’ve been very successful recruiting jobs to the area.”
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.