Thomas L. Cardella and Associates, call center specialists headquartered in Cedar Rapids Iowa announced today that they are expanding into Ottumwa Iowa. Firm President Tom Cardella made the announcement alongside Ottumwa Mayor Tom Lazio and Ottumwa Regional Legacy President Brad Little. Cardella and Associates has been named one of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, is currently the 12th largest in its industry and has been awarded Call Center Excellence Awards and a Top 50 Teleservices Agency eight years in a row dating back to 2008.
According to Mr. Cardella, he has fond memories of Southeast Iowa, “Having grown up near here and employed thousands upon thousands of people in Iowa since 1995, we are truly excited to be opening a new call center here in Ottumwa. I first became familiar with Ottumwa while growing up in Keokuk, and participating in sports in the conference that included Ottumwa. In 1993 I built out the initial call center here for APAC. Thus, I have true appreciation and understanding of southeast Iowa, and the strong work ethic and down home values of the folks in this part of the world.”
The call center will be located in downtown Ottumwa in a key building that was formerly a call center that has stood vacant for more than 5 years. Cardella commented “Mayor Lazio, Brad Little and Rippling Waters President Sean Flattery have simply been amazing to work with. Our conversations started approximately two years ago, and they remained patient and willing to work with our company, until we were able to commit the needed resources to Ottumwa.”
According to Mayor Lazio, when fully operational, the call center will employ more than 150 individuals including front line staff along with trainers, supervisors and management positions with an estimated annual payroll of $3 million. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with such a fine organization as Cardella and Associates. Their reputation in the field is second to none. Not only will this provide much needed jobs to our area, but Tom and his company have a history of investing in both its employees and in the community where they do business” stated Lazio.
According to Brad Little, the building is currently under renovations while interviewing will begin sometime mid-November with a targeted opening date of February 2017. The hiring process will continue for several months with the goal of being fully staffed by late Fall 2017. “Jobs and creating opportunities for our residents are of critical importance at the Foundation. Keeping the jobs we have, growing with new, good jobs and expanding our existing jobs. This is a chance to bring a top-notch, nationally recognized company to our area with good opportunities while putting a significant building back into good use. With all the positive change in our downtown and the growth of other industries in our area, we simply could not let this one get away”.
