With the daily news of more layoffs and a rising unemployment rate, it’s surprising to hear of a company adding jobs. But thanks to the work of the city’s Redevelopment Agency and the Nevada Development Authority, the Canadian company TELUS will be bringing 1,000 jobs to the city with its new call center.

The new call center, located at 2251 S. Decatur Blvd., will enable the company to add Spanish-language support to its multicity call center operations and business process outsourcing services. The 104,000-square-foot building formerly housed a Montgomery Ward store and, later, a call center for Healthcare America. TELUS signed a 51-month, $2.9 million lease for office space at this location. The company began renovations in December 2008 and is set to begin operations in March of 2009.

TELUS’ coming to Las Vegas is the result of a partnership between the Nevada Development Authority and the city of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency. TELUS International President Jeff Puritt cited a number of factors that convinced company executives to select Las Vegas as the location for its newest call center operation. These factors included a bilingual workforce, a fast-growing community with a strong labor force and a business-friendly environment.

The city of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency will provide an incentive of $300,000 annually for five years to TELUS, to be used for equipment and tenant improvements to the building. Since TELUS leased its Las Vegas building for 51 months, continuation of all five years of this incentive is contingent upon TELUS International extending its lease or buying the building. TELUS must also hire a percentage of its employees from within the redevelopment area.

TELUS plans to hire 500 local employees by the end of 2009, opening with 100 call center agents in March. Hiring will begin this week. Ultimately, the company’s Las Vegas employment rolls could reach more than 1,000. Interested applicants can contact TELUS International at ushr@telus.com.