Two large IT companies open their doors

December 13th, 2007 | Riki Parikh

Reported by Tarah Taylor (WCYB-TV5 Bristol – Dec. 12, 2007)

Two large IT companies have opened their doors and are continuing to fill what state officials call world class jobs.

Mayor Tony Dodi: “We want to welcome everyone for an actual dream come true…”

… And while that dream involves a lot of money—more importantly it provides opportunities for people who love Southwest Virginia. They can now stay or return home:

Pamela Wilson: “I really hesitated coming back because I spent 20 years in the IT field and I didn’t want to change careers…”

But this company allowed Wilson to do it all—and they hope to keep the young people here. It started in 2005 when

Governor Mark Warner announced the vision of moving urban software jobs into Russell County.

Mark Warner: “People thought we were crazy…”

But he along with officials in Russell County took the risk and once they did things happened quickly.

Gov. Kaine: “I’ve been to a lot of ground breakings but not ribbon cuttings, so it’s nice to see one get the complete point.”

Northrop Grumman employs just over 40 people for now and they plan to grow in this community.

NG President James O’Neill: “Our plans are to stay here for as long as you nice folks will have us.”

And those at CGI have similar plans.

CGI CEO Michael Roach: “We have a backlog of signed work that’s over 12 billion dollars.”

And just over 200 employees are already working on those promises—all of them part of an historic day.

Gov. Kaine: “It’s one of the bigger deals we’ve announced in the past few years.”

Not only in Southwest Virginia …

Mark Warner: “This is the proudest achievement in my tenure as governor…”

… but possibly in the country. And for employees like Pamela it was twofold:

A big moment… but more importantly a ticket home.

Pamela : “This was meant to be and it’s been wonderful.”

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