Verizon Repays Town’s Generosity—by Moving Out

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/10/16/verizon-repays-towns-generosity8212by-moving-out/

by James Parks, Oct 16, 2007

Over the past two years, the city of Greenfield, Mass., has helped Verizon hire 60 new employees, acquired a state grant so the company could build a parking lot and even paid the lease on that parking lot. Verizon also does not pay taxes to the city.

So how does Verizon pay the city back for its largesse? By packing up and moving out, a decision that could cost the area as much as $5.4 million a year in lost personal income, according to a recent report.

Verizon announced in August it plans to move its call center and 85 employees to Gardner—37.5 miles away—by early next year. The service center will remain in Greenfield.

Mayor Christine Forgey told the Greenfield Recorder that Verizon made a commitment to stay in Greenfield when it designated its building there a future ”megacenter.” Much of what the town did for Verizon was based on its promise to stay, she said.

A study by the economic development consulant ICA Group for the Electrical Workers concludes the move also could result in a loss of 181 jobs, taking into account all jobs lost in Greenfield and the surrounding communities if employees and their families decide to leave the area.

FULL story at link.

[BlueJazz]

1. >>

[acmavm]

2. Wow! Verizon is such an honorable corporate 'citizen', is it?