Lancaster, Pa.,-based Visions Marketing Services will expand its operations into Fayette County, Pa., creating at least 168 new jobs there within three years. With the state’s proposed incentives package, the $620,000 expansion project means the company will also retain 305 existing employees at locations in Johnstown and Lancaster.

Visions Marketing Services is creating its third division in a 6,000 square foot space at the Laurel Mall in Uniontown. The direct marketing company, which creates loan origination programs for financial services industries, will establish a 72-seat, multiple shift outbound call center to meet customer demand. The new division is expected to be operational between May 14 and June 4.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), which is comprised of economic development professionals who report directly to Governor Rendell and serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. The team works with domestic and international businesses and professional site consultants on projects possessing significant investment and job creation opportunities.

The Fay-Penn Economic Development Corp. worked with the GAT and Visions Marketing Services to help the company secure a $343,600 incentives package from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $100,000 grant through the Opportunity Grant Program, $75,600 in Customized Job Training funds, and $168,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.

In Fayette County, there have been eight GAT projects successfully completed since January 2003. These projects total commitments for 1,131 new jobs created and 198 jobs to be retained. The commonwealth has offered more than $14 million in state assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $34 million in additional investment.

Visions Marketing Services has more than 29 years of client service experience in the prospecting industry. The company has 305 employees located in Lancaster and Johnstown.

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