The news couldn’t be better for Austin these days with its highly skilled high-tech workforce attracting new Fortune 500 companies.
First, General Motors announced plans to establish a research center in Austin, which will employ 500 workers.
Now Visa U.S.A. plans to build a new global IT center and create 794 new jobs in Austin, according to this news release from Gov. Rick Perry.
Last week, Gov. Perry announced Visa’s plans and pledged $7.9 million in incentives to the credit card company through the Texas Enterprise Fund.
“The city of Austin has proposed an economic development grant of $1.6 million if the company meets its investment and employment targets,” according to this story in the Austin American Statesman.
“Texas is competing nationally and internationally for jobs and we want companies who are looking to expand or relocate to consider the Lone Star State first and all we have to offer. Visa’s decision to build a new global IT center in Austin is a great fit with our skilled workforce and Central Texas’ reputation as a hub for high tech companies,” Gov. Perry said in a news statement.
Visa, based in San Francisco with 8,500 employees worldwide, is one of the world’s largest processors of credit card and debit payments. The company posted revenue of $10.42 billion on net income of $2.14 billion in 2011.
“Visa is continually looking for opportunities to add world-class talent to our organization,” Will Valentine, a Visa spokesperson, said in a news release. “Austin offers a vibrant technology community and business-friendly climate, and we are working closely with local officials to finalize an agreement.”