Business & Tech
Time Warner Narrows Search to County, Could Mean Some 500 Jobs Locally
After considering 59 locations, Time Warner Business Services has narrowed its search of existing space to buildings in Tampa, Temple Terrace and unincorporated Hillsborough County.
The Greater Brandon area could be in the running for a shared-services center expected to bring about 500 jobs to Hillsborough County.
Governor Rick Scott announced in Tallahassee on Sept. 20 that Time Warner Business Services is looking to bring those jobs to the community over the next several years.
After considering 59 locations, including Atlanta and Charlotte, the company has narrowed its search of existing space to buildings in Tampa, Temple Terrace and unincorporated Hillsborough County.
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State law mandates the sites being considered cannot be made public until the leases are signed.
The St. Petersburg Times has an in-depth report on the issue, including timing, incentives, commitments, projected payroll (at least $25 million) and average salaries ($57,200).
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“The message from Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa is that we are open for business. I am optimistic about the good stories to come on the economic development front,” said County Commissioner Al Higginbotham who joined Scott in Tallahassee for the announcement. Higginbotham’s district includes the Greater Brandon area.
The shared services center would house IT, accounting, human resources and payroll services and could occupy 100,000 square feet at full capacity. The company’s estimated initial capital investment would be $5 million with substantial operations starting in 2012.
The company would start with 250 jobs with plans to add a further 250 jobs over the next three years.
About 50 of those jobs would be transfers, with the remaining 450 drawn from the local labor market.
“With that many people coming in to the community it will be very good for all of us in Hillsborough County,” said Higginbotham.
In a joint statement, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti and Higginbotham welcomed the company’s decision.
“The impact of Time Warner’s decision on our local economy will be felt throughout our area and we will all benefit from the company’s decision," according to the prepared remarks. "This is a banner day for our residents and workforce. We look forward to demonstrating our appreciation by collectively offering TW Business Services a warm welcome and helping them become rapidly established here."
