Monster to Open Customer Service Facility in Florence, South Carolina
June 26, 2008In-house Centralization of all North American Customer Service Functions Ensures Best-in-Industry Service
MAYNARD, MASS and FLORENCE, SC – June 26, 2008 – In conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, Monster® today announced it will open a state-of-the-art customer service facility in Florence, South Carolina. Monster is the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST).
The Florence facility will initially hold approximately 350 new employees, largely focused on the customer service function, with the ability to grow staff over time. The company will begin recruiting for these positions on monster.com in the coming weeks.
“Opening the new customer support service center stems from an initiative to bring North American customer support in-house to ensure Monster leads the online recruitment industry in proactive service,” noted Art O’Donnell, executive vice president, Service, Monster. “Florence is an ideal choice for us because it’s a rapidly developing labor market with the talent we’ll need to bring best-in-class service to our customers.”
“Monster’s decision to locate here is another positive sign that our efforts to enhance the state’s economic soil conditions are paying real dividends when it comes to attracting world-class companies and new job opportunities. We remain committed to continuing to work to better the business climate with meaningful reforms that will encourage growth and allow more businesses to thrive in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce added, “Monster is a preeminent online brand dedicated to promoting job recruitment throughout the world. Their decision to expand in South Carolina is a testament that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are again working to attract business and create substantial job opportunities for more South Carolinians. Thanks to the team effort of local and state officials, Florence County and the entire Pee Dee area will benefit from this investment today and in the years ahead.”
O’Donnell continued, “To ensure the best quality service, we are not only building a state-of-the-art call center, we will also deploy rigorous new training and quality tools as well. This presents a win-win for Florence area job seekers who will have access to impressive learning opportunities as well as for our North American customers, who will enjoy the best service in the industry.”
“As a state senator and resident of Florence County, I’m pleased to welcome another global leader to the Pee Dee Region,” said Senator Hugh K. Leatherman. “More and more world-class companies are recognizing the advantages of doing business in our region, and it speaks volumes to the pro-business climate established in Florence County and the State of South Carolina when you have a company of this caliber make a decision to locate here. We all look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
“This was a total team effort,” stated Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Dr. Charles Gould. “On behalf of the Partnership, I would like to thank all of the parties involved in making this project a reality. Without the cooperation and support of our private sector funding arm, Florence County Progress and our many allies, announcements like today would not be possible.”
Monster will break ground for its new facility in the coming months and begin area operations in September at a temporary location.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 index and the NASDAQ 100.
To learn more about Monster’s industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com.