2 US IT companies to locate in Subic

President Arroyo has received the commitment of the chief executive officer of two leading IT companies in the United States to set up offshore operations at the Subic Freeport Zone within the next few months.

Ralph Reese, CEO and co-founder of Reese Brothers and Communication & Commerce, made the assurance during a courtesy call on Mrs. Arroyo at Malacañang recently.

In turn, Mrs. Arroyo assured Reese of her administration’s support for foreign investors and guarantee of a level-playing field.

Reese was accompanied by Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, who was instrumental in convincing Reese to locate his two companies in Subic.

Reese Brothers and Communication & Commerce are among the largest private firms in the customer response management (CRM) industry in the US.

Gordon said the two companies are currently negotiating for commercial spaces in Subic and can start operations within three months.

Reese Brothers and Communication & Commerce operate 14 call centers in the US, handling inbound and outbound voice, e-mail and online chat inquires and telemarketing services.

Employing more than 5,000 workers, they are also heavily involved in the development of CRM software and systems, a number of which are patented and being used by other CRM outfits.

Among their clients in the US are MCI, AT&T, Sprint, Microsoft, Providian Bank, Fleet Bank and the American Red Cross.