Monster call center celebrates opening in Florence

FLORENCE — State and local officials were on hand Wednesday to welcome Monster Inc.’s new customer service facility to Florence County.

Developed by Red Rock Developments and located in the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City near the Interstate 95/S.C. 327 spur, the new 75,000-square-foot building employs 150 full-time employees and already is poised to accommodate more in the future.

“The opening of this customer support service center represents our continued efforts to centralize our operation and to always ensure our customers get best-in-class service and support,” said Art O’Donnell, executive vice president of Monster’s Global Customer Services.

“We chose Florence because it has the talent, standard of living and educational resources we needed to bring premier service to our customers,” O’Donnell said. “This opening represents another major milestone for Monster as we continue to expand our products and services to help connect job seekers and employers.”

Maynard, Mass.-based Monster.com lets users post resumes and offers a database of jobs as well as career, money and education advice. The Web site’s database contains about 80 million resumes globally.

Monster announced in late June 2008 it planned to invest $28 million and create 750 jobs over five years through the center in Florence. Florence County had a 11.7 percent unemployment rate in September.

The process of bringing Monster to South Carolina began in 2008 and developed quickly once Florence was chosen, O’Donnell said.

The announcement was made, hiring began and Monster Worldwide South Carolina Inc. opened in September 2008 at a temporary location within the City Center on Evans Street. The operation moved recently when construction on the new facility was completed.

“The old saying is ‘If the shoe fits, wear it.’ And I’d say in this case, the shoe absolutely fits,” Gov. Mark Sanford said to the group gathered to celebrate the opening of the new facility. “What we have here today is a monstrous job announcement and a monstrous investment announcement. This is going to make a huge difference in this part of the world.”

Local officials and company representatives credited a team effort by everyone involved with making the project a reality. State Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence, extended thanks to everyone involved including the citizens of South Carolina.

“Eleven months ago, we were standing here on a pile of dirt. I say that to remind you of the progress Florence County and South Carolina continue to make,” Leatherman said.

“The people of the Southeast, particularly South Carolina, are known for their work ethic and their kindness,” he said. “The people of our area have a work ethic like no other. It’s paying off, as the Pee Dee region continues to attract a diverse mix of world-class companies who provide excellent employment opportunities for our citizens. I’m proud to join Monster in celebrating the opening of this beautiful new facility, and I’m looking forward to a very long partnership.”

Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith Jr. echoed Leatherman’s sentiments, calling the opening of the new facility another step in the Monster “fairy tale.”

“As the aesthetics of this facility clearly illustrate, Monster is a unique and dynamic company committed to being the best,” Smith said. “Today, Monster is providing us with a ticket — a ticket to prosperity. Congratulations to Monster on a job well done.”

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide Inc., parent company of Monster, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe and Asia, Monster works by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. For more information, visit www.monster.com online.

Florence County posted 11.7 percent unemployment in September.