Collection agency creates 140 new jobs

EAST AURORA (RELEASE) - Empire State Development today announced that Windham Professionals, a debt collections agency, will invest $2.3 million in to expand its current operation, train employees and purchase and install new equipment and machinery for its East Aurora office. ESD has earmarked a $280,000 capital grant to help offset the costs.

“Windham Professionals first established a presence in Western New York only nine months ago, this past January. I am quite pleased that, as the company was faced with a decision on where to expand its operations, Windham chose East Aurora over other regions in which it has an established presence,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “This decision speaks volumes to both the amenable environment New York State provides to businesses, as well as to the extraordinary workforce we have in Western New York. New York State is dedicated to seeing its businesses not only grow, but also thrive, and we look forward to ensuring Windham reaches its goals for success.”

“An additional 140 jobs for Western New York is a huge win, particularly coming on the heels of the Yahoo! and GEICO job announcements,” said ESD Chairman & CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen. “It is ESD’s priority that businesses have the best opportunities to compete in New York State, as well as ensuring there are solid jobs available for our local workforce.”

Windham Professionals Inc. is an established national provider of debt recovery services that has demonstrated substantial growth since its inception. With multiple locations throughout the county, the company understands the value of each geographical subsidiary, including the labor market and cost of conducting business. Windham recognizes that the labor market in Western New York offers an exceptional talent pool that is experienced with multiple debt portfolios, including the Department of Education.

Utilizing the experienced labor market in Western New York coupled with the company’s signature training program, Windham is positioned to hire new employees immediately. The company offers careers that are well above the minimum wage standards, with base salary opportunities, a robust benefit plan and additional compensation programs. Currently, the company’s East Aurora office houses government student loans and private loan collection staff members; however, Windham hopes to make this office its primary call center for the Department of Education.

Created in 1982, Windham Professionals, Inc. is a nationally licensed, full-service collection agency. Windham offers the educational, commercial, government, and healthcare industries collection, maintaining specialized collection teams for each industry. The company’s services include skip tracing and asset/liability searches, as well as credit bureau reporting and litigation services.

Windham has sales offices located throughout the country, including Massachusetts, Tennessee, Nevada and New Hampshire. The company is authorized to collect in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and also provides international collection services.

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com.