NBSC and Synovus Consolidate Customer Service Call Center to Sumter County
March 16, 2009
Investment expected to bring 100 new jobs to Sumter County
COLUMBIA, SC – March 16, 2009 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Sumter County Economic Development today announced that Synovus Financial Corp, parent company of The National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC) will consolidate its call center operations to Sumter County. The call center will serve NBSC and Synovus customers throughout the southeast from the Bank’s operations center located in Sumter. The $1.7 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs.
“The National Bank of South Carolina was founded in 1905 in Sumter. Over the years, we have focused on delivering the finest financial products and services to the citizens of our state. Today, Synovus banks including NBSC remain strong and well capitalized and it is because of this strength, we are proud to announce that the customer service call center for all Synovus affiliates will be housed in Sumter,” said Chuck Garnett, NBSC President and CEO.
“Just a few years ago we were celebrating our 100 year anniversary in Sumter and here we are today announcing the addition of 100 new jobs. While the economy may be challenging, NBSC’s commitment to the communities it serves remains solid,” said Bobby Boykin, NBSC Senior Vice President.
“NBSC has been a trusted name in banking for more than 100 years and is a true testament of the success of a South Carolina home-grown business. NBSC and Synovus’ decision to consolidate customer service operations in Sumter is positive reflection that our strong workforce and business-friendly climate are working to draw investment and job opportunities to the state even in a difficult economic environment. This investment will have a positive, long-term impact on Sumter County, and we look forward to furthering our relationship with NBSC and Synovus in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“These are solid jobs with benefits, so we’re pleased NBSC chose Sumter,” said Greg A. Thompson, Chairman of the Development Board. “We’ve been working hard to lure a project of this nature to Sumter. We are appreciative of our partnership with NBSC, which has a history of working hand in hand with Sumter County. I’m proud of our economic development team of state, regional and local officials who worked together to win this competitive project for Sumter County.”
“Creating jobs is a top priority of County Council, and we hope this announcement gives the people of Sumter County a small ray of hope that better times are ahead,” said Vivian Fleming-McGhaney, chairwoman of Sumter County Council. “These are good jobs, and they will go to Sumter County residents. Council is extremely pleased with this announcement.”
“NBSC was founded in Sumter more than 100 years ago and our community has always shared a positive business relationship with the bank,” said Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen. “This is another example of the public and private sectors working together to facilitate job development and new capital investment.”
Central SC Alliance President and CEO Mike Briggs said, “Today’s announcement reflects the commitment NBSC and Synovus are making towards creating prosperity for the citizens of Sumter County and the Central SC region. We remain focused on assisting our existing industries with business expansions.”
About NBSC
The National Bank of South Carolina, founded in 1905 in Sumter, S.C., is one of the oldest financial institutions in the state with assets of $5 billion. NBSC, a provider of Synovus Financial Services, currently serves 27 communities in South Carolina from 46 locations and is one of the largest banks within the Synovus network. NBSC’s Internet address is www.NationalBankSC.com.
About Synovus
Synovus (NYSE: SNV) is a financial services holding company with $36 billion in assets based in Columbus, Georgia. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking, as well as investment services, to customers through 30 banks, 440 ATMs, and more than 330 Synovus offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee. The company focuses on its unique decentralized customer delivery model, position in high-growth Southeastern markets and commitment to being a great place to work to ensure the delivery of unparalleled customer experiences. See Synovus on the web at www.synovus.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
