Gov. Bobby Jindal and Ameritas Technologies CEO Brian Keane announced the company will open an information technology center to provide IT services from the Chase Tower South in downtown Baton Rouge. The center will create 300 new jobs.
The company's strategy includes creating local software development centers in affordable U.S. metro areas. Ameritas offers an alternative to sending IT work offshore by providing greater convenience, local quality control and contextual familiarity to better meet business enterprise needs. Ameritas will partner with state government and local colleges and technical schools to recruit, employ and train a new generation of skilled IT workers to support innovation and technology leadership in Louisiana. The 300 new direct jobs, with an average salary of $63,000, plus benefits, will result in an additional 306 new indirect jobs.
Gov. Jindal said, "Ameritas joins a growing list of companies expanding in Louisiana because of our strong business climate and world class workforce. Ameritas' decision to build a new IT center in Baton Rouge is further proof that our state is becoming a beacon for the digital media and technology industries. Most importantly, today's announcement means we are continuing to create more opportunities for our sons and daughters in Louisiana so they don't have to leave home to pursue their dreams."
The state began discussions with Ameritas in March about the possibility of a Louisiana location. The company, which is also looking at establishing software development technology centers in Maine and Massachusetts, decided to locate first in Baton Rouge.
"We are excited to partner with the State of Louisiana, Governor Jindal and the City of Baton Rouge to endorse practical solutions to put residents to work," Keane said. "Baton Rouge is a vibrant community with fantastic educational institutions and an engaged and active government, all of which make it an ideal location for our software development facility."
To secure the project, LED offered Ameritas a performance-based grant of $125,000 per year for 10 years to offset leasing costs. Ameritas also will receive assistance from LED FastStart™ – the No. 1 state-based workforce development program in the nation – and the company is expected to utilize Louisiana's Quality Jobs and Digital Interactive Media and Software Development incentives.
"Ameritas is exactly the kind of company we welcome to Baton Rouge," said Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, "because the high-tech services it provides means local jobs in an industry sector we have targeted for growth. I look forward to working with them as they become an integral part of the community and even further strengthen our robust local economy."
Ameritas, which is leasing space in the Chase building, will begin hiring new employees by September and open its Baton Rouge location by October. The company will employ 150 people by 2014 and reach full employment of 300 workers by 2016.
"It is an enormous testament to the Baton Rouge area that Ameritas has chosen to locate their firm here," said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. "Their move will further the momentum of the digital media and software development sector in the Capital Region. We welcome Ameritas to the Creative Capital of the South."
About Ameritas Technologies
Ameritas Technologies delivers high-performance, domestic outsourcing services for mission-critical IT projects. Via an onshore development and delivery approach, clients benefit from improved quality, productivity, greater convenience and higher responsiveness to their dynamic business needs. The Ameritas model creates long-term career paths and economic opportunities for its employees that will strengthen surrounding regions, expand the pool of local technical resources, and rebuild U.S. IT capabilities. For more information, visit the Ameritas website.