Chexar Networks, Inc., a leading provider of financial risk management solutions, will create 500 jobs when it expands its Georgia operations by opening a risk management center in Cordele, said Gov. Nathan Deal. Plans for the $1.9 million project call for the company to ultimately locate in two 18,000-sq.-ft. existing facilities in Crisp County. The first facility is expected to be operational by January 2012.

Chexar provides technology and solutions to enable banks, prepaid providers and other clients to serve the nation's under-banked population (now estimated to be more than 88 million people).

The new data center will help support the company's existing Roswell and Perimeter operations, and its overall rapid growth. "We are fortunate because our growth is accelerating in spite of economic headwinds," said Chexar CEO Drew W. Edwards, "and we are able to provide much-needed jobs to well-deserving citizens."

The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with the Crisp County Industrial Development Council to manage Chexar's expansion in the state. Georgia's Quick Start workforce training program will give Chexar custom training for new hires at the Cordele operation.

Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the state's Dept. of Economic Development, said Chexar "is one of more than 50 data centers that call Georgia home."