Technology leader Verizon Wireless announced it plans to hire more than 400 full-time employees in Alabama this year, with most of the new jobs located at the company’s state headquarters in Huntsville.
“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,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “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.”
Governor Bentley joined Verizon officials, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong for the jobs announcement this afternoon at the Old House Chamber at the Alabama State Capitol.
Verizon said that more than 300 of the available Alabama positions are for customer service-related workers in Huntsville, where the company operates its South Area Call Center. Verizon also said it is filling retail positions in the Huntsville region, including Decatur, Madison, Florence, Guntersville and Cullman. It also is hiring people in Birmingham and Dothan, mostly in retail sales.
“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,” said Jonathan LeCompte, president of the Georgia/Alabama region for Verizon Wireless.
Verizon employs more than 1,600 people across Alabama and more than 176,000 people company-wide. It opened the Huntsville call center and state headquarters in Thornton Research Park seven years ago.
“The city of Huntsville has enjoyed a long, thriving partnership with Verizon, and these new jobs will further bolster our economy and bring new people to our wonderful city, which is consistently named as one of the best cities to live and work,” Huntsville Mayor Battle said.
The Huntsville area has been in an economic development sweet spot lately, having landed projects such as a Boeing Co. technology research center with 350 jobs and a Remington Outdoor Co. manufacturing plant with more than 2,000 jobs.