Governor Gilmore Announces Data Services America's Expansion in Buchanan County

Expansion will create 50 new jobs in Southwest Virginia

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Data Services America, Inc. will expand its operations in Virginia by locating a facility in Buchanan County. The company will hire 50 employees by Fall 2000. Data Services America has operated a service center in Mecklenburg County since 1997. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the investment. 

"Data Services America's expansion is great news for the Commonwealth," Governor Gilmore said. "The expansion will create 50 new jobs for the people of Southwest Virginia. The region has a highly-skilled workforce, prepared to help this company meet its challenges into the next millennium." 

Data Services America, Inc. (DSA), was founded in 1988 and specializes in providing health care claims administration services to private and public sector health programs. Services include claims administration, data conversion and claims adjudication. DSA has supported programs in numerous states under contracts with state Medicaid agencies, Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations and other payors. DSA currently handles nearly 10 million health care claims annually. 

"DSA selected Buchanan County for our next site due to the availability of a high quality, well motivated labor force, access to regional markets and necessary infrastructure," DSA President Jean Hofheimer said. "The educational attainments of prospective employees and quality of life issues were also considered." 

"Existing businesses are key to Virginia's economic success," Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal added. "We are pleased that Data Services America has placed confidence in Southwest Virginia and its dedicated workforce." 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Alliance and Buchanan County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services. 

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