IBM bringing 1,300 jobs to Dubuque
A new IBM technology service delivery center announced Thursday in Dubuque is expected to employ several hundred workers by the end of this year and 1,300 by the end of 2010.
The center in Dubuque will provide server systems operations, including maintenance and monitoring of computer hardware and software systems, for IBM clients in the U.S. and around the world.
IBM Senior Vice President Mike Daniels said Dubuque was selected for IBM's center based on its "strong positive public-private partnership," competitive business model and talent recruitment base.
"During this time of economic uncertainty, IBM continues to invest in its future and recruit the skilled people it will need to grow its business," Daniels said. He said the Dubuque center will be a "model for creating new opportunities."
IBM signed a 10-year lease in the historic Roshek building in downtown Dubuque, with options to extend it beyond the initial lease period.
The building was leased from Dubuque Initiatives, a non-profit public-private partnership that acquired the building.
IBM plans to upgrade the building to make it compliant with green standards. The renovation will use IBM's own energy-efficient technology and data center design.
An incentive package was put together by the City of Dubuque, Dubuque Initiatives, the Greater Dubuque Development Corp., and the state.
The Department of Economic Development board will take action next month on $22 million in proposed state incentives for the project. The incentives include $11.7 million in direct financial assistance based on a $9,000 forgivable loan per job; $8.5 million in Iowa New Jobs Training funding through Northeast Iowa Community College, and $1.85 million in the form of an Iowa New Jobs Training tax credit.
"Today's announcement is about three things — jobs, jobs, jobs," Gov. Chet Culver said. He said the announcement shows that more businesses are discovering the advantages of Iowa's business climate and quality of life.
Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol said he was proud and especially thrilled with the role played by Dubuque's sustainability initiative in IBM's decision.
"IBM's decision to locate in the Roshek building, through adaptive reuse of a historic structure in the heart of our downtown, illustrates our shared commitment to sustainable development, historic preservation and community revitalization," Buol said.
IBM will work with institutes of higher learning in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin for recruitment and training of potential employees.
n Contact the writer: (319) 398-8317 or david.dewitte@gazcomm.com
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