Statement of Governor Warner on Travelocity.com Closing Dickenson Facility

RICHMOND - Governor Mark Warner today issued the following statement on Travelocity.com's decision to close its customer service center in Dickenson County.

"Travelocity.com's decision to close its customer contact center in Clintwood after nearly three years in business is very disappointing. While I understand the decision was a 'cost-saving initiative' for the company, it is unfortunate that nearly 300 Southwest Virginians will be out of work."

"I am sending Secretary of Commerce and Trade Mike Schewel and senior staff from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to Dickenson County tomorrow to meet with community leaders. VEDP will outline specific measures it will implement to immediately do everything possible to market the building to a new corporate tenant."

"I have also directed Secretary Schewel to attend a meeting on this topic which U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher is organizing at his office in Washington D.C. to discuss more collaborative tactics to assist Southwest Virginia as it responds to this situation."

"We have worked hard to spread economic development success to all regions of Virginia with a unique commitment to Southwest and Southside Virginia. Secretary Schewel and I will partner with Dickenson County, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Congressman Boucher to immediately market this vacant building while continuing to promote the region as a good place to business."