Area Development
Centene Corporation, a company that provides health care related services to organizations and individuals, is investing $15 million to open its third U.S. claims center in Tyler, Texas, with expectations of creating more than 300 jobs.

Gov. Rick Perry said as part of an incentive package the Texas' Enterprise Fund will invest $1.3 million in the project. "Here in Texas, we've fostered an economic environment that allows employers to create jobs and opportunity by keeping taxes low and regulations predictable, and making sure our courts are fair and our workforce is skilled and educated," Gov. Perry said. "Texas Enterprise Fund investments like this one in Centene help provide jobs for Texans and capital investment across our state."

Centene Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael F. Neidorff said. "We have already hired almost 60 people and look forward to further enhancing the economic climate in Tyler. We anticipate breaking ground this summer. The Tyler facility will be an integral part of the company's national managed care system, processing claims from physicians, hospitals and other health care providers."

"We are looking forward to having Centene as a new corporate citizen that will bring quality jobs to Tyler," Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass said. "By having one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Texas, an abundant workforce and a tremendous quality of life, Tyler is an ideal place for a business such as Centene to locate."