Pricelinecom May
Open Call Center in Wyoming

WYOMING — The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board, in collaboration with the city of Wyoming and The Right Place Inc., today approved a state tax credit valued at $3.9 million over seven years to encourage online travel company Priceline.com Inc. to open a new call center here, according to a statement released by The Right Place.

In addition, the MEDC has offered up to $200,000 in job training assistance through the Economic Development Job Training program.

To support the project, the city of Wyoming is also proposing a seven-year abatement worth $1.1 million. Pending final company approval, the project is expected to generate $7.7 million in new capital investment and create 610 new jobs, including 424 directly by the company, according to The Right Place.

Brian Ek, a spokesman for Priceline.com at its corporate headquarters in Norwalk, Conn., confirmed the company is considering incentives offered by the State of Michigan to open a business facility in Wyoming.

However, Ek said this morning that “no decision has been made” by Priceline.com. He declined to comment further.

The Right Place, Inc. has been working with Priceline.com on its site searches, MEGA approval process, and tax abatement applications.

“We are extremely pleased with Priceline.com considering the Greater Grand Rapids area,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place. “The high-tech jobs that companies like Priceline.com can bring to the area are vital to the success of our local economy. These projects help further diversify our economic base and build solid, long-term growth for our region.”