NYC firm plans Cheektowaga expansion, add 250 jobs

[steven]

Plans are in the works for development of a call center in the Town of Cheektowaga to be operated by Allied Interstate Inc.

State development officials said Wednesday that Allied Interstate, a subsidiary of New York City-based IntelliRisk Management Corp., will relocate from Amherst to a 56,000-square-foot building on Dick Road.

Allied Interstate handles collections and accounts receivable through its global call center network of nearly 6,000 employees. The company, officials said, will invest $1.3 million toward the expansion project, which will create 250 new jobs over the next three years, up from the current level of 50.

"Buffalo is a great place to do business and we couldn't be more excited about our expanded presence in the area," said Vikas Kapoor, president and CEO of IntelliRisk Management.

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency has scheduled a Feb. 9 public hearing to consider a $2.2 million incentive package to help finance the project. The ECIDA board is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting the following week.

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2006/01/16/daily34.html?jst=b_ln_hl

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by steven
Plans are in the works for development of a call center in the Town of Cheektowaga to be operated by Allied Interstate Inc.

State development officials said Wednesday that Allied Interstate, a subsidiary of New York City-based IntelliRisk Management Corp., will relocate from Amherst to a 56,000-square-foot building on Dick Road.

Allied Interstate handles collections and accounts receivable through its global call center network of nearly 6,000 employees. The company, officials said, will invest $1.3 million toward the expansion project, which will create 250 new jobs over the next three years, up from the current level of 50.

"Buffalo is a great place to do business and we couldn't be more excited about our expanded presence in the area," said Vikas Kapoor, president and CEO of IntelliRisk Management.

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency has scheduled a Feb. 9 public hearing to consider a $2.2 million incentive package to help finance the project. The ECIDA board is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting the following week.

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2006/01/16/daily34.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Oh good. Another call center...:rolleyes:

[woodstock]

http://www.speakupwny.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6348

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES WESTERN NEW YORK COMPANY TO CREATE 250 NEW JOBS AND EXPAND OPERATIONS IN ERIE COUNTY

Allied Interstate to Invest $1.3M to Grow in Western New York

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that Allied Interstate will expand its operations and invest $1.3 million to create 250 new jobs over the next three years and retain 50 current employees at a new facility located in the Town of Cheektowaga.

“Allied Interstate’s decision to create 250 new jobs in Cheektowaga is great news for the working families of Western New York,” Governor Pataki said. “We're committed to fighting for every job using the pro-growth, pro-job policies that help businesses like Allied Interstate grow. Whether it's our successful Empire Zone Program, cutting taxes, or reducing burdensome regulations, we remain committed to the policies that we know work to create jobs and help Upstate companies achieve success.”

“We've proven over and over again that tax cuts create the financial freedom that creates new jobs and new opportunities for New Yorkers and with our new $1.1 billion job-creating tax cut package, we will give New York’s employers even greater opportunities and incentives to grow, expand and create jobs across the State,” the Governor added.

Senator Dale M. Volker said, “Western New York continues to create jobs, expands our diverse economy, and opens new doors for employment opportunities for our residents. I would like to thank Governor Pataki for his commitment to our region and for all of his assistance in revigorating our region's economy. As the 2006-2007 Legislative Session proceeds, I look forward to working with him to further reduce our taxes, improve our economic edge to create even more jobs for our residents, and reducing state regulations in order to let businesses do what their best at--create well-paying jobs and producing innovative goods and services.”

Senator Mary Lou Rath said, “This investment represents another tremendous boost for the Western New York economy. By working to expand Allied Interstate in our community, Governor Pataki, the State Legislature and local officials have created a dynamic opportunity for the Western New York workforce.”

Senator Bill Stachowski said, “For the last several years we've witnessed firms leave the town of Cheektowaga looking for greener pastures. We all realize what the town and county have to offer in the way of a well-trained, professional workforce to progressive firms such as Allied Interstate, and I couldn't be happier that they've recognized our potential here in Western New York.”

Assembly Leader Majority Paul Tokasz said, “I am pleased that Allied Interstate has made the decision to expand its operations in Western New York and invest in our community. Our role in government is to make New York State a better, more competitive place to live, work and operate a business. To that end, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the State Legislature to produce smart economic growth throughout the state and continue our ongoing commitment to job creation and retention.”

Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra said, “Allied Interstate is an important employer in Erie County. They know that the quality of our workforce and our state's business climate are reasons enough to expand their operations here. Once again Governor Pataki and his staff should be lauded for their diligence and their hard work in keeping local businesses strong.”

Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Dennis H. Gabryszak said, “I am thankful that the efforts of Governor George Pataki and the Empire State Development team has brought Allied Interstate to the town and will create a significant amount of new jobs in the region. Allied will also put a building that has been vacant for many years back into productive use.”

Allied Interstate, a subsidiary of IntelliRisk Management Corporation (IRMC), provides customer management solutions specializing in collections, accounts receivable management and customer retention services through its global call center network of nearly 6,000 employees. Headquartered in New York City, IRMC has employees worldwide with a family of companies that operate in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and India.

President and Chief Executive Officer of IntelliRisk Management Corporation, Allied Interstate’s parent company, Vikas Kapoor said, “Buffalo is a great place to do business and we couldn’t be more excited about our expanded presence in the Buffalo area. Our subsidiary Allied Interstate has had terrific experience with the quality of the Buffalo workforce which is the main driver behind our expansion efforts. I also want to single out for praise the local and state government officials who are working hard to create jobs and improve the business climate in the area.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise Thomas A. Kucharski said, “Our high quality workforce has made the Buffalo Niagara region a winner once again. The skills and availability of the labor force continue to make the region an attractive place to do business.”

Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “Thanks to Governor Pataki’s policies and initiatives, New York State is the obvious place for a business to locate and grow. Every job that is retained or created, is an opportunity for a hard working New Yorker.”

The Governor announced that his 2006-07 Executive Budget, which was unveiled on Tuesday, would include a new $1.1 billion job-creating tax cut package, which will build on New York’s strong record of cutting taxes and reducing the cost of doing business – and give New York’s employers even greater freedom to grow, expand and create jobs.

The Governor’s plan would eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax which hurts manufacturers, cut the business income tax rate by 10 percent, increase the sales tax vendor credit, reform the tax code to encourage businesses to make new capital investments in New York, eliminate the tax on S-Corporations most of whom are small businesses, accelerate the designation of nine new Empire Zones, expand low-interest loans for small businesses, and reduce Workers’ Compensation costs.

In consideration of its commitment to New York State, Allied Interstate is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a Capital Grant of up to $500,000 to be used as reimbursement for a portion of the acquisition and costs related to the purchase and installation of new equipment.

[yaksplat]

just what we need, another 250 jobs with 0 skills

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Okay. So complaining about these new call center jobs is like kicking a gift horse in the mouth (is that how the saying goes?)....I guess we should take what we can get.

But I sure would love to to see some more high-tech jobs -- the kind of jobs that draw people from outside the region. I don't think call center jobs do that........

[yaksplat]

I'd like to see jobs that at least require more than a GED

[sharky]

250 jobs, of the type with one of the highest turnover rates of any profession (that's based on what I've seen from inside a call center, current and last job were at one)

[WNYresident]

But I sure would love to to see some more high-tech jobs


Here's the issue I beleive with that quote. High tech jobs are usually held by intelligent people with intelligent business owners. WOuldn't those types of people expand where the cost of business is lower over all? Just look at the rate we are being screwed with for electricity compared to like 48 OTHER states.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by WNYresident
Here's the issue I beleive with that quote. High tech jobs are usually held by intelligent people with intelligent business owners. WOuldn't those types of people expand where the cost of business is lower over all? Just look at the rate we are being screwed with for electricity compared to like 48 OTHER states.

Yup, I have to agree with you. Another problem is that those are the jobs every region in the country covets -- and can offer all sorts of incentives to get. We'd practically need to pay employers with those kinds of jobs to locate here!

[steven]

Originally posted by woodstock
I posted the same thing


Sorry Kiddo, But I dont read politicians press releases and I am aware that a lot of the other folks on the board dont either, so I missed it.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by steven
Sorry Kiddo, But I dont read politicians press releases Me neither. Those things give me a headache!

[Ragin]

Hey, don't look at me, I read her thread and even posted on it :p

But here's a suggestion that might help.

Woodstock,

Is it possible for you to post a shorter version, like the one above, and add a link?
I don't know your internet specs, but it might encourage more readers, as people may be more inclined to stop and read the thread, if they knew it wasn't the unabridged version.
They can more easily scan the first few paragraphs and will read more at the posted link if they're interested.
I've seen you post the links from Speakup threads, like you did above, perhaps you can do the same for these types of threads?

Also, I don't know if this will work, and I guess only time will tell, but, perhaps these type of threads could be posted in the city, town or county forums to which the information applies?
I suppose foot traffic would be an issue to consider, but the threads seem to get buried under the more active Speakout threads.

These are just suggestions that perhaps you might find useful.

[woodstock]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
Hey, don't look at me, I read her thread and even posted on it :p

But here's a suggestion that might help.

Woodstock,

Is it possible for you to post a shorter version, like the one above, and add a link?
I don't know your internet specs, but it might encourage more readers, as people may be more inclined to stop and read the thread, if they knew it wasn't the unabridged version.
They can more easily scan the first few paragraphs and will read more at the posted link if they're interested.
I've seen you post the links from Speakup threads, like you did above, perhaps you can do the same for these types of threads?

Also, I don't know if this will work, and I guess only time will tell, but, perhaps these type of threads could be posted in the city, town or county forums to which the information applies?
I suppose foot traffic would be an issue to consider, but the threads seem to get buried under the more active Speakout threads.

These are just suggestions that perhaps you might find useful.

ragin if ppl dont want to read something here what would a link do if it leads to the same information? it really isnt a diffrence expect for adding more to this site cuz im sure key words puts the mb in a higher search.

the speak out here forum is the most used it seems but it has variety. what is the diffrence between a conversation of cats or what governor pataki says? imo having the posts i make hidden in a less populated forum is like not even posting it at all. if ppl dont want to read them its fine by me but it shouldnt mean that they should be posted elsewhare cuz a select few dont want to take the time to read up on what the pols are saying. just thinking.

[Ragin]

Woodstock:

I did take that all into consideration. They were just suggestions.

[Ragin]

Originally posted by atotaltotalfan2001
Me neither. Those things give me a headache!

To All Speakup members:

I also think it serves no purpose for comments like "I don't read those because ... blah, blah, blah", unless, as in the case of steven's post, it answers a direct question asked.

Woodstock is trying, give her a break already.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
To All Speakup members:

I also think it serves no purpose for comments like "I don't read those because ... blah, blah, blah", unless, as in the case of steven's post, it answers a direct question asked.

Woodstock is trying, give her a break already.

Well gee. Thanks, ragin.

However, I must tell you: Those press releases really do give me a headache. And for that reason, I think my post, while seeming to be objectionable to you, served a significant purpose for me:

To express that those posts literally give me a headache.

My post wasn't a personal attack. I didn't say she gives me a headache -- just those dense, hard to understand press releases she posts, for the most part.


I'm glad, as you say, that she is trying. Because I really don't like headaches and really have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to read and decipher both her press releases and her posts.

So let's hope for the best. I could use a break too.....:rolleyes:

[Ragin]

I didn't mean to imply a direct attack on you, that's why I addressed the entire board. As you say it wasn't an attack, I apologize for quoting you as such.

I did read your comment as a jab (wrongfully as you said) but possibly it's because it's been going on so long, by everyone, including me, and I'm shell shocked from it. Right now, everything looks like personal attacks. Call it Post-Traumatic Stress :)

I did notice that Woodstock has been trying, and I give her credit for that.

Agreed. We can all use a break.

No hard feelings, ok?

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
I didn't mean to imply a direct attack on you, that's why I addressed the entire board. As you say it wasn't an attack, I apologize for quoting you as such.

I did read your comment as a jab (wrongfully as you said) but possibly it's because it's been going on so long, by everyone, including me, and I'm shell shocked from it. Right now, everything looks like personal attacks. Call it Post-Traumatic Stress :)

I did notice that Woodstock has been trying, and I give her credit for that.

Agreed. We can all use a break.

No hard feelings, ok?

No hard feelings. (and while I was being honest about the headaches, the comment was sort of a jab.)

[Ragin]

thanks ;)

[Ragin]

Ok, move along folks. There's nothing to see here.

How about we pick this up where it left off:


[i]Originally posted by WNYresident[i]
Here's the issue I beleive with that quote. High tech jobs are usually held by intelligent people with intelligent business owners. WOuldn't those types of people expand where the cost of business is lower over all? Just look at the rate we are being screwed with for electricity compared to like 48 OTHER states.

atotaltotalfan2001 responded:
Yup, I have to agree with you. Another problem is that those are the jobs every region in the country covets -- and can offer all sorts of incentives to get. We'd practically need to pay employers with those kinds of jobs to locate here!

[atotaltotalfan2001]

In a way, I wouldn't even mind if we did pay some high-tech start up company to locate out here. It would probably bring in new well-paid people (expanding the population) who would need homes (more property taxes!) and want to go out to eat a lot and buy stuff (more sales taxes).

Oh no. What if they were all YUPPIES!!!!!

Yikes. Maybe I need to re-think this whole influx-of-well-paying high tech jobs scenario....

[Ragin]

I wouldn't mind either if it was akin to a larger corporation like PepsiCo. There are numerous companies that set up their corporate headquaters in the White Plains area.

With the Empire Zone, the tax savings should outway the costs of doing business as NYS managed to set these corporations up in White Plains, hardly an area of lower costs.

I know I can't compare the lure that metro NYC has to that of Buffalo. But, with the additional costs to settle downstate, they must be doing something right down there .. something our politicians can't get right.

[steven]

I dont read pol press releases because they are written in a self serving way, are overly long, and give a lot of credit where its not due. It has nothing to do with who posts the press releases.

The speak out section of the board specifically states "Local issues which may not be politically based", so someone asking about finding a cat (locally) is fair game. The cheektowaga section of the board will remain under used as long as we put cheektowaga info in other place of the board.

Which begs the question, how many of you out there are in cheektowaga?

[yokes]

Originally posted by steven

Which begs the question, how many of you out there are in cheektowaga?

I am but only for 9 more days :)

[butch]

this company does not appear to be a quality firm...........they have numerous complaints against them about their business practices............looks like another low-quality collection agency that skirts the law for profit!
Butch

[therising]

Today's call centers are the equivalent of a prior generation's non-skilled manufacturing jobs. These types of jobs are necessary.

Don't complain so much. At least Call Centers don't pollute the air and contaminate the soil.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by yokes
I am but only for 9 more days :) Is it okay to ask where you are going?