Allstate To Locate Customer Interaction Center In Woodridge

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today announced that Allstate Insurance Company will locate a new customer interaction center in Woodridge, creating up to 700 new jobs over the next two years.

"I'm delighted that Allstate decided to expand in its home state," Ryan said. "We offer quality workers, an advanced infrastructure and a friendly business climate - ingredients that keep companies competitive in today's global economy."

The new 77,000 square foot center will support Allstate's new initiative announced last November to sell insurance products over the internet and telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, complementing its 15,500 strong agency force. Allstate will roll out the initiative across the country through 2001.

Construction of the center is expected to be completed in September. Many of the 700 new jobs will be client insurance professionals who will assist customers by telephone.

"We are pleased to work with the state and Village of Woodridge on making our blueprints a reality and creating jobs in our home state. This customer interaction center will play in a key role in supporting Allstate's unique business approach, which is unparalleled in the insurance industry," said Rick Cohen, president of Allstate Property & Casualty.

Under the governor's direction, the State of Illinois is providing Allstate with EDGE tax credits. Also, the company will be eligible for job training assistance for the new workers through Illinois' Industrial Training Program. Both programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

"During the last year, we've seen a tremendous amount of economic development activity in Illinois," DCCA Director Pam McDonough said. "The success we've had bringing new jobs to our state is the direct result of Governor Ryan's leadership in making sure that economic development is a top priority in Illinois."

The Illinois Department of Transportation will provide assistance with transportation infrastructure improvements. The department is working with the village of Woodridge to identify the highway access needs related to this development and to work out a cooperative plan for addressing them.

"We are very excited about the Governor's announcement and Allstate's selection of Waterfall Glen Business Park in Woodridge for their call center," Mayor William F. Murphy said. "Woodridge is pleased to welcome Allstate to our corporate business community. The cooperative efforts of State and local officials resulted in Allstate's decision to locate in Woodridge."