SafeAuto is a regional insurance provider offering insurance in 14 states to individuals who wish to carry only the state-required minimum coverage. The Somerset contact center will create more than 260 fulltime jobs, representing an annual payroll of $7.3 million.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved SafeAuto for tax benefits up to $3.2 million under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act (KJDA), a program designed to expand service- and technology-based employment in the state.
It is the first project to benefit from the recent legislative amendment to the program, which is administered by the Cabinet for Economic Development.
To qualify for the program, companies must still meet all other conditions of the KJDA, including the requirement that it provide 75 percent of its services to persons located outside the commonwealth.
The change is intended to capitalize on the current trend in the industry created by the Internet boom whereby a company may offer insurance policies or other services by way of the Internet.
“We are delighted that Somerset will be the fourth contact center to support SafeAuto’s continuing growth,” said Jon P. Diamond, president of the Columbus, Ohio-based company. “We look forward to welcoming the hard-working people of Somerset to our team of caring professionals who daily are providing minimum-limit auto insurance to a growing number of states across America.
“The Governor’s Office and Cabinet for Economic Development staff were very effective in showcasing this beautiful part of Kentucky, and we look forward to becoming a productive business partner here,” he added.
Initially, the SafeAuto contact center will be located in the Enterprise Center Building in the Valley Oak Business and Technology Park until final plans for its 24,000 square foot permanent contact center are complete. The company anticipates the new facility, which will be constructed on the grounds of the Technology Park, to be complete within two years.
“We appreciate the confidence SafeAuto has shown in the city of Somerset and Pulaski County as it expands into other national markets,” said Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler. “SafeAuto’s decision to locate in Somerset reflects upon our work force who will take pride in the success of SafeAuto.”
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