Progressive Corp., the nation's No. 3 auto insurer, plans to add 93 positions at a call center in Phoenix - the latest in a string of firms announcing big hiring plans for the Valley.
Progressive is working to fill the positions by February at a facility south of Sky Harbor International Airport. Most positions will pay $11 to $14 an hour, said Tom Ashworth, a human resources manager for Progressive, which counts about 800 Arizona employees.
"We're looking for people who have outstanding customer-service interaction and an outstanding work ethic," he said.
Progressive's expansion in Arizona reflects the talented labor pool in the state, he said. Also, Ashworth cited the lack of natural disasters in Arizona and later time zone as positives that complement other large Progressive facilities in Cleveland and Tampa.
Several additional firms also have announced ambitious hiring plans in recent weeks for the Valley. They include the American Funds, Countrywide Financial Corp., Edward Jones, Scottsdale Healthcare and General Dynamics Corp.
Progressive will fill the jobs at a 165,000-square-foot facility at 4425 E. Cotton Center Blvd. in Phoenix. The new workers will handle inquiries from prospective customers and calls made by customers reporting accidents. Minimum requirements for the open positions typically include at least one full year working at a company and a high school diploma.
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