Beshear announces new jobs for NKY

Governor Beshear recently issued this press release:

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear and Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes today announced that DEFENDER Direct Inc., an authorized dealer for ADT Security Services and Dish Network, will open a new call center in Northern Kentucky. The new location project will create 100 new full-time jobs and represents a capital investment in the Commonwealth of more than over $2.3 million.

“We warmly welcome DEFENDER Direct and the 100 new jobs the company will bring to the Commonwealth and Northern Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky recently improved its economic development incentive toolbox and DEFENDER Direct is one of the first companies to benefit from the new Kentucky Business Investment program.”

DEFENDER’s newest call center will be located in 14,000 square feet of the Newport Shopping Center at 1727 Monmouth Street, Newport, Ky. The call center is now one of four call centers for the company including its headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. DEFENDER also has 175 ADT installation branch offices across the U.S. and Canada.

“We considered other markets in the Midwest for our newest call center, but we were particularly impressed with the workforce in Northern Kentucky,” said DEFENDER Chief Operations Officer, John Corliss. “The support and cooperation we received from the City of Newport, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development played a large part in our decision. We are excited to expand our business in Northern Kentucky and work with these organizations.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved DEFENDER Direct for tax benefits up to $750,000 under Kentucky’s newest incentive program, the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) Program. The incentive can be earned over a 10-year period through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments. The maximum annual approved amount to be earned by DEFENDER Direct is $75,000.

“The Newport community appreciates DEFENDER Direct’s confidence in Northern Kentucky’s workforce and the services our city offers the business community,” said Newport Mayor Jerry Peluso. “The Newport Shopping Center provides a convenient location with easy accessibility, including public transportation systems, and is a perfect fit for Newport’s urban core.”

“Northern Kentucky Tri-ED is actively marketing our region to a variety of businesses in target industries,” said Steve Pendery, Campbell County Judge Executive and Tri-ED Executive Committee member. “We appreciate DEFENDER Direct’s confidence in our region and will work with the company to ensure the new center’s success.”

Interested applicants should visit www.defenderdirect.com or call the company’s job line at 888-260-4473 for more information about working at DEFENDER.

A community profile for Northern Kentucky can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=049.