Qwest’s Idaho expansion is bigger than expected

In what may be another sign that Idaho’s economy is rebounding, Qwest Communications International Inc. said its eastern Idaho expansion will be greater than originally contemplated.

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=4028

"Qwest believes in Idaho and its outstanding work force," Idaho President Jim Schmit said. "The partnership that has been established between Qwest and eastern Idaho has created an environment benefiting our customers, employees and the local economy."

The company had expected to expand its Pocatello operation by 102 workers this year but has already added 134 and plans to add another 47 during the early part of 2004. That will bring the payroll there to 311 by spring.

In Idaho Falls, the anticipated work force expansion was not expected to be so significant to warrant an announcement during the year. But over the past 12 months, Schmit said Qwest has added 114 people and will hire 30 more during the next two months, bringing that payroll to 224.

The additions at the two customer call centers will bring Qwest’s Idaho labor force to 1,600.

Schmit said the expanded work force will add more than $10 million a year to the regional economy. The Idaho service centers, he said, consistently rank at the top among all Qwest centers in customer satisfaction