Home-grown Maritime company Advantage Communications is expanding in Amherst, creating up to 130 new jobs over the next five years.
“Advantage Communications is a growing company with locations throughout our region,” said Cumberland North MLA Brian Skabar, on behalf of Graham Steele, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
“The province worked with the community and the company to ensure this growth happens in Amherst, creating jobs that help enable families to stay here at home.”
Over a five-year period, the payroll impact of these jobs is estimated at about $13.8 million, with a direct tax benefit to the province of about $1.34 million. The company can earn up to $829,200 back from the province in incentives, as the company achieves hiring targets.
“Our company’s success would not be possible without the skill and talent of our people,” said Kent MacPhee, president and CEO of Advantage Communications. “In Amherst, we have the right conditions to help us grow. The skilled labour pool, along with the job creation incentive from the province, through NSBI, means we were able to focus our growth here in Nova Scotia.”
Advantage Communications has more than 400 employees serving clients from across North America, with 55 in the Amherst office.
“I’ve been working with the Advantage Communications team since 2011,” said Patrick Neary, an employee development trainer at Advantage. “I love coming to work every day and feeling like part of a community. The work is interesting and challenging, and the best part is that I get to stay with my family here in Amherst.”
Employees work with local, national and international clients, including Eastlink, Canada’s largest family owned and operated telecommunications company. Advantage provides technical support and service to Eastlink customers by telephone, email and online chat.
“Advantage Communications delivers exceptional technical support to our customers,” says Deborah Shaffner, president of Eastlink. “Our partnership is a natural fit, we’re both Maritime companies that share the same philosophy when it comes to our customers, that is to deliver the best care and support possible.”
The Town of Amherst takes a proactive approach to economic development, with a particular focus on partnering with businesses that keep young people in the area.
“Advantage Communications has been part of the town’s business community and a valued employer for couple of years now,” said Robert Small, Mayor of Amherst. “Today’s announcement of 130 new jobs being created is welcomed news for Amherst and Cumberland County, and confirms Advantage Communications’ faith in our community for business success.”
According to Contact Centre Nova Scotia, the industry employs more than 13,000 people at 45 centres across the province, and generates about $500 million per year in direct taxes.
“Over the past five years, for every dollar NSBI has invested through payroll rebates, $1.54 was returned to taxpayers,” said Ron Smith, interim president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. “NSBI will continue to find and drive opportunities for economic growth in Nova Scotia, like this one with Advantage Communications.”
Established in 1996 on Prince Edward Island, Advantage Communications has five locations across three provinces: Amherst, Nova Scotia; Dieppe, New Brunswick; and Summerside, Souris and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Advantage Communications provides 24/7 bilingual outsourced customer relationships management services, including inbound, outbound, live chat and email.
Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province’s private-sector-led business development agency. Through trade development, investment attraction, business financing and venture capital, NSBI assists local companies and attracts international companies to Nova Scotia.
Source: Release