Convergys Corp. To Open in Truro

Convergys Corp., the global leader in integrated billing, employee care and customer care services, will expand its Nova Scotia operations into the Truro area. Convergys will establish its new location at the Truro Power Centre, an economic development initiative of the Millbrook First Nation.

Premier John Hamm and Gloria Griffin, planning site and development official with Convergys Corp., made the announcement at the Truro Power Centre today, April 25, with Chief Lawrence Paul of the Millbrook First Nation. They were joined by Jamie Muir, Minister of Justice on behalf of Cecil Clarke, Minister of Economic Development, and Stephen Lund, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc.

"As Nova Scotia's economy continues to grow, large corporations realize this province is a good place to invest," said Premier Hamm. "Continued corporate investment, like the one today by Convergys Corp, is a testament to the quality of our people and our province on a global scale."

Convergys Corp. has signed a six-year payroll rebate with Nova Scotia Business Inc. for the creation of the Truro in-bound customer contact centre. Conditional on achieving its targets, Convergys will receive a payroll rebate, paid at the end of each year, to a maximum of $6.5 million. Although the company expects to hire a minimum of 265 people over that time -- which would result in a rebate of approximately $3 million -- the rebate is designed to encourage additional growth and employment over the course of the agreement.

The Truro centre will be the third in the province. Convergys also operates sites in Dartmouth and New Glasgow.

"Convergys is dedicated to meeting the high standards of billing and customer relationship management services that our clients expect and deserve," said Ms. Griffin. "We have been quite pleased with the results of Convergys operations in this province. We look forward to working with the talented people of Nova Scotia as we build a successful business. We also look forward to giving back to the community."

Shawn Mobley, senior vice president and manager of the Contact Center Practice Group, Jones Lang LaSalle, negotiated the transaction on behalf of Convergys.

Mr. Lund said bringing Convergys Corp. to Truro was a collaborative effort. "The partnership between the Millbrook First Nation Band, Convergys and Nova Scotia Business Inc. will have a positive economic impact on the Town of Truro and Colchester County for years to come," he said. "Today all partners should be proud of Convergys Corp.'s announcement as the company, the industry, and the economy continue the strong growth that the province has seen since Convergys first came to Nova Scotia six years ago."

"We're very pleased with the Convergys call centre deal," said Chief Paul. "The development taking place here at the Truro Power Centre will provide economic benefits for Millbrook and the entire region."

"I congratulate Chief Paul and the Millbrook First Nation Band for their strong leadership in establishing the Truro Power Centre as an important business magnet for Truro and the province," said Mr. Muir. "The initiative that Chief Paul and his team have shown in this partnership is a perfect example of the drive that will lead us on our provincial road to prosperity."

Convergys Corporation, a member of the S&P 500 and the Forbes' Platinum 400, is the global leader in integrated billing, employee care, and customer care services provided through outsourcing or licensing. Convergys serves top companies in telecommunications, Internet, cable and broadband services, technology, financial services, and other industries in more than 40 countries.

Convergys has its world headquarters in Cincinnati. It employs more than 10,000 people in Halifax, New Glasgow, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Welland, Kamloops, Edmonton and St. John's. A tenth contact centre is scheduled to open in June in Red Deer. The Truro operation will become the company's eleventh location in Canada. Information on Convergys is available on the Web site at www.convergys.com .

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province's business development agency, an organization that works with companies to provide business solutions. The private sector-led agency works to attract new businesses to the province and help those already in Nova Scotia expand through services such as export development and financing.