January 27, 2003
MiBiz Network

MUSKEGON - Civic Development Group Call Center President Walter Lapinsky said that ultimately up 400 people could be employed at the firm's new Muskegon call center. MUSKEGON - New Jersey-based teleservices firm Civic Development Group (CDG) opened the doors last week on a 10,000-square-foot outbound call center on the second floor of the Hartshorn Centre in downtown Muskegon.

The $1.4 million call center will create 200 new jobs, however that number could climb as high as 400 depending on the availability of workers.

"This center could handle 400 jobs. We won't stop at 200 if we can keep on going," CDG Call Center President Walter Lapinsky told MiBiz. "We have some centers that started out this way and they now have 450 workers."

Based in Woodbridge, N.J., CDG is a privately held firm that operates 36 call centers in 10 states and Canada. It has over 7,000 employees.

According to Lapinsky eight communities in five states were seriously considered before a final decision was made to establish the CDG's latest call center in Muskegon. "Labor is the number one criteria when selecting a community. I believe the labor force is here. And I believe our business will be appreciated," Lapinsky said.

The call center will employ both part-time and full-time workers, with salaries averaging $6-9 an hour. Lapinsky stressed that CDG is a good, stable employer that does offer benefits to full-time employees and career opportunities.

"Muskegon is moving forward," said Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington, referring to the influx of new jobs being created by CDG. "Along with the new jobs there will be a spin-off effect for other businesses."

Lapinsky said the move to Muskegon represents a long-term commitment for CDG. "Our lease here is five years, with two five-year options. We're looking at 15 years," he said.

The Muskegon location is an outbound call center that will service clients such as long distance telephone companies, banking institutions, home shopping television networks and nonprofit organizations, said Lapinsky, who listed AT&T and Qwest among CDG's clients.

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This article appeared in the January 27, 2003 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who do business in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz Network, visit www.mibiz.com.