Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, tells GlobeSt.com that Yahoo hasn't released which building the customer care center will go in at the business park, or how much square footage would be used. He does say, however, that it won't be a new facility. "It's their philosophy to not build unless absolutely necessary," Baier says. Yahoo officials did not return requests for comment.
He says the company has promised to invest at least $10 million with the new facilities. In return, the company will get tax credits on 10% of what is invested, as well as a refund on sales taxes on computers and other depreciable assets, Baier says.
Even though Yahoo recently posted negative profit figures and announced 1,500 layoffs, the company has already pulled permits on the data center here, which will be filled mostly with racks of computer servers. Both buildings will be open and staffed by at least 100 Yahoo workers by late 2009, the director says.
The Omaha area has become known for attracting technology companies, Baier says. "We were at one point the 800 number capital of the world," he says. "That transitioned us, now you're seeing companies move in that were normally just in California, such as Pay Pal and Yahoo. These companies are finding a great deal of success locating here, and we're getting high-quality, good-paying jobs."
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