Area Development
Verizon Communications will establish its finance and accounting “Center of Excellence” in Lake Mary, Florida, initially creating 300 jobs by the fourth quarter of 2014, with plans to produce a total of 750 new jobs by 2016. In addition, it will bring a $50 million capital investment to the Orlando area.

This new location will centralize Verizon’s accounting, finance, and back office operations. Integrating these departments into one location will help the firm improve processes, enhance service to internal and external customers, and improve career and networking opportunities for employees.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Verizon’s choice to locate their Center of Excellence in Lake Mary is great news for Florida families. With the second largest drop in unemployment rate in the country, this addition of 750 new jobs with Verizon is more proof we have made the right choices over the past two years to keep our economy growing.”

“We have received a warm welcome from the state and local economic development partners, who aided in our decision process to locate in Metro Orlando,” said Michelle Robinson, Verizon vice president in the southern area. “The region’s talent pipeline, which is full of finance and accounting graduates, was an integral factor in Verizon choosing to invest in Central Florida.”

Organizations that partnered to support the Verizon project include City of Lake Mary, Enterprise Florida Inc., Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and Seminole County. Workforce Florida Inc. and the local universities and colleges also provided assistance as well.

Seminole County Commission Chairman Bob Dallari said, “Our financial service sector is growing and with great locations, talent and livability. I know more companies will continue to join Verizon in Seminole County.”

Lake Mary Mayor David Mealor added, “Lake Mary is very pleased to have Verizon join our business community. Their decision to locate such a large back office facility in our city is an honor and we welcome the jobs coming with it with open arms.”