Company plans Twin Falls expansion … Pet insurer says it will create 150 jobs initially and possibly 500 down the road

An insurance company that offers policies covering family pets plans to establish a center in Twin Falls next fall and create an initial 150 jobs.

Brea, Calif.-based Veterinary Pet Insurance will build a new claims processing facility in Twin Falls and start operations by September or October 2005, a company spokesperson said Friday.

By Megan Hinds
Times-News writer

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/topstory/index.asp?StoryID=10434

Veterinary Pet Insurance, which bills itself as the world’s oldest and largest pet insurance company, will offer jobs in claims adjustment, clerical, sales, service and general administration, said Amy Corsinita, senior public relations specialist for the company.

Corsinita laid out the company’s hiring strategy Friday.

"Initially, there will be 100 to 150 jobs with 250 to 300 planned within two to three years, and up to 500 jobs in three to five years — dependent on ability to attract necessary skill sets and business growth," Corsinita said in an e-mail.

Wages will be "typical of any insurance company operation," Corsinita said. The company also will offer a benefit package, including health and dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

The company plans to utilize the College of Southern Idaho’s veterinary technology courses in finding employees, Corsinita said.

Corsinita did not say where the company will build in Twin Falls, as "final negotiations for the site, lease and building are still being negotiated," she said.

But a possible location for the company could be in the 65-acre business park planned for the southwest corner of Pole Line Road and Washington Street North.

Developer Gerald Martens told The Times-News last month that the business park could accommodate a combination of businesses, including retail, manufacturing, corporate offices and restaurants. Also, potential businesses in the park could initially create about 300 jobs, Martens said.

Martens did not return two phone calls Friday afternoon.

Veterinary Pet Insurance, founded in 1980, offers policies to help pet owners pay for medical problems and conditions related to accidental injuries, poisonings and illnesses, according to information distributed by the company. Policies cover diagnostic tests, x-rays, treatments, prescriptions, office calls, lab fees, surgeries and hospitalization.

Dr. Jack Stephens, founder and chief executive officer of Veterinary Pet Insurance, will be present at a formal announcement Wednesday at CSI. Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and Roger Madsen, director of the Idaho Department of Labor and Commerce will also be present.

Times-News business writer Megan Hinds can be reached at 735-3238 or [email protected].

Formal announcement

Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Director of the Idaho Department of Labor and Commerce Roger Madsen and Dr. Jack Stephens, founder and chief executive officer of Veterinary Pet Insurance, will be present at an announcement of the company’s plans to establish a center in Twin Falls at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Taylor 277 at the College of Southern Idaho. The event is open to the public.