Georgia, Michigan tussle over 'Priceline' callcenter

(Courtesy)

Columbus, Georgia and Wyoming, Michigan are in competition for a new call-center for Priceline, an Internet-based travel site.

A Columbus Chamber of Commerce official confirmed the report, but was unable to provide further details, saying that the negotiations were still in progress.

Columbus is reportedly offering an $11 million incentive package to the Norwalk, Conn.-based company, according to the Grand Rapids Press. The Chamber of Commerce says the amount offered in the package was lower, but could not confirm the sum.

Officials say such a center, which would handle online flight, hotel and car-rental bookings would create upwards of 400 jobs, although the Chamber of Commerce would not confirm that number.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority on Tuesday approved a state tax credit worth up to $3.9 million over seven years to encourage the Norwalk, Conn., company to open a call center in Wyoming.

The Grand Rapids suburb is proposing an additional seven-year property tax abatement worth $1.1 million. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has offered up to $200,000 in job training assistance. according to the Michigan newspaper.

The Chamber of Commerce and Priceline spokesman Brian Ek say a final decision is expected early this summer.

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(With The Associated Press)