As many as 50 new jobs could be created at Virtual-Agent Services (VAS), a new contact centre in Central Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, said Premier Robert Ghiz.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island continues to create economic activity across the province,” said Premier Ghiz. “We are pleased to see Virtual-Agent Services choose Prince Edward Island as a business location. We believe that our role, in developing rural PEI, is to establish infrastructure, such as rural broadband, that will create economic opportunities for rural communities, rural entrepreneurs and will encourage companies to locate and grow in rural PEI.”
Virtual-Agent Services (VAS) is an in-bound contact centre providing services for the telecommunications, tourism and accommodation sectors. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, and plans to hire up to 50 employees in their new location in Central Bedeque.
Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, says Prince Edward Island’s available labour force was an important feature in attracting the company.
“Once again, Prince Edward Island’s workforce is proving to be a key ingredient when it comes to attracting new employment and economic opportunities to the province,” Minister Campbell said. “The addition of up to 50 new jobs will provide an immediate economic boost in Central Bedeque, and the redevelopment of the building in Bedeque will create economic activity in the community.”
VAS was established in 1999 and has since opened and managed 19 fully functional operating facilities throughout New Brunswick and an international services centre in Ontario. Its efforts now turn to Central PEI, where it is recruiting employees from Kensington to Borden for the new Bedeque centre. Over time, the company will also explore the possibility of introducing its work-at-home program to Islanders, thanks to the provincial government’s initiative to have high-speed internet available throughout the Island.
An announcement regarding the new centre will be made this afternoon by way of press conference held in Bedeque by Premier Ghiz, who will be joined by VAS President, Evan Blanco, as well as the VAS executive team.
“Virtual-Agent Services is very excited about its expansion into Central Bedeque, PEI,” Blanco states. “The Bedeque community provides a wonderful opportunity for our development. We look forward to success in this location, and becoming part of their already rich community spirit.”
The company is eligible to apply for a training allowance for its new employees through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning. The Province is also investing a $100,000 strategic infrastructure rebate for the purchase of equipment and technical infrastructure.
About Virtual-Agent Services:
Virtual-Agent Services is a leading provider of contact centre solutions connecting award-winning customer care professionals with companies who service a high end clientele. Its distributed workforce is located throughout North America and offers articulate call centre solutions across industries such as travel and hospitality, telecommunications, retail and catalog sales, and utility services. VAS’ employees are linked through an innovative virtual network, creating an unlimited array of support function options which include inbound sales and customer account maintenance, credit management, help desk and provisioning, and reservation services. To learn more about Virtual-Agent Services please visit www.vagent.com.