Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from rural wireless broadband provider, Omnicity Corp. to announce that it will expand its operations, creating approximately 100 new jobs by 2012.
The Rushville-based company, which provides broadband access to more than 30 rural Indiana counties, will invest $2.5 million toward wireless infrastructure and the construction of a new corporate office to house its call center, collections and distribution operations in the North Rushville Industrial Park.
"Omnicity's new jobs and investment are a boost for to Rush County. The expansion means more technology is reaching our rural areas, which makes them even more attractive for jobs and growth," said Daniels.
Omnicity, which employs 38 associates across its four Indiana facilities, plans to begin hiring customer service specialists, managers and field service personnel in October to meet growing demand which stems from the company's recent acquisitions and new fiber optic construction contracts.
"We believe we are at the perfect place with the perfect plan at the perfect time in our efforts to reach all of the rural areas with broadband services that are much needed for economic development, education, health care and smart-grid technology. Our investment in Indiana makes this an exciting time for us," said Greg Jarman, chief executive officer of Omnicity.
The wireless data, video and voice provider began delivering broadband services to rural Indiana markets in 2003 and partners with local governments and rural electric cooperatives to bring broadband services to more than 6,000 subscribers across the state.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Omnicity up to $25,000 in training grants and will provide Rushville officials with a $110,000 grant to assist in off-site infrastructure improvements needed for the project. The city of Rushville will provide additional property tax abatement at the request of the Rush County Economic Development Corporation.
"The city of Rushville is pleased to have Omnicity locate their headquarters here and create new opportunities for the community. These quality jobs, in today's economy, speak highly of Omnicity and we are proud to have them in our community," said Rushville Mayor Merv Bostic.
Since the creation of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2005, more than 85 companies have located or expanded their headquarters in the Hoosier state, bringing the promise of more than 16,000 new headquarters jobs and more than a billion dollars in new capital investment.
About Omnicity
Omnicity Corp is a public company based in Indiana providing broadband access, including advanced services of voice, video and data, in un-served and underserved small and rural markets and is planning to be the premier consolidator of rural market broadband nationwide. Omnicity's strategy is to provide a total broadband solution and continue rapid growth through acquisitions, organic growth and continue to partner with Rural Electric Membership Co-ops and Rural Telephone Companies. Omnicity has an experienced broadband operations team with extensive wireless broadband/ISP expertise as well as the expertise to consolidate large numbers of businesses through its roll-up strategy.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov