Despite Economic Recession, Harlingen, TX Is Growing

UnitedHealth Group announced it has selected Harlingen, Texas as the location for a new service center that could employ over 700 people. UnitedHealth Group is ranked number 25 on the Fortune 500 list with annual sales of $75 billion.

"We're delighted to welcome UnitedHealth Group to Harlingen," Mayor Chris Boswell stated. "Our exceptional labor force and business climate have made Harlingen a productive location for many firms," Boswell continued.

UnitedHealth Group plans to open the facility by September. Beginning salaries will range from $9.50 per hour for customer service representatives to as much as $50.00 per hour for salespeople. Other positions will also be available for claims representatives, registered nurses as well as a wide variety of management, information technology and training personnel.

"Despite these uncertain economic times, Texas is a great place to live and do business, and this announcement is welcome news for the Harlingen area," Texas Governor Rick Perry said. "UnitedHealth Group's new service center will strengthen this community by providing hundreds of new jobs and the prospect for expansion."

The local construction industry will also get a shot in the arm as UnitedHealth Group plans to begin renovations immediately and equip the 55,000 square foot facility with an investment of more than $6 million. UnitedHealth Group will partner with Texas State Technical College and Workforce Solutions Cameron to begin training employees.

"This partnership is attractive to Harlingen for many reasons. It will not only create hundreds of jobs, but it will also bring a vacant commercial facility back to productive use," said Armando Elizarde, president of HEDC Board. "The $20 million annual payroll will have a major impact on the economy, and the project validates Harlingen's attractiveness for two of our target industries -- health care and technical services."

To facilitate the location of UnitedHealth Group in Harlingen, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation will purchase the former Albertson's building and lease it to UnitedHealth Group.

The new facility will handle the activities of one of UnitedHealth Group's major business units, Ovations. Ovations is the nation's leading health and well-being company for people over the age of 50.

"In our nationwide search, Harlingen was our top choice for its ability to support the future of our diverse membership," said Steve Schanz, vice president of operations, Ovations. "We look forward to being an active participant in the region's economic growth and prosperity."

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Contact: William A. Martin Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Office: 956-216-5085 Fax: 956-216-2580 Email Contact www.harlingenedc.com