TROY, Alabama – Canada-based CGI is marking the 10th anniversary of the opening the company’s IT Delivery Center in Pike County, which through collaboration with state and local agencies and academic institutions has grown to employ 285 local professionals.
In an announcement this week, CGI said it selected the Troy location because of the area’s quality of life, geographic proximity to an information technology services market, strong business incentives from the state of Alabama and existing local partnerships with academic institutions, where the company recruits and trains talent.
The company’s partnerships include the State of Alabama, Pike County, the City of Troy, the Pike County Economic Development Corp., Troy University and local academic institutions.
“Over the past decade, we have built a strong relationship with CGI, and the technology company has become a solid community partner in Troy, where it has become a major employer and collaborator,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“After achieving this milestone, I am looking forward to seeing CGI grow in Pike County and our state over the next 10 years,” he added.
COMMUNITY TIES
CGI said a key component of its Troy IT Delivery Center is active engagement in the community through several corporate social responsibility programs.
These initiatives have provided financial and volunteer contributions to numerous local organizations, including raising over $100,000 for the local Relay for Life of Pike County, donating laptops to the State of Alabama and participating in Troy Pride.
The center also integrates CGI’s signature STEM@CGI program, which introduces at-risk or underrepresented students to critical skills that help foster an interest in STEM-related careers. Locally, CGI member volunteers have introduced students from Troy Elementary School to coding, computer hardware and other key STEM skills.
“As we look toward the next 10 years of continued growth and partnership with the business and local community, CGI’s commitment to Troy delivery center and the Troy community has never been greater,” said Loren Gunst, CGI’s Delivery Center director in Troy.
“CGI leads the charge in providing a diverse and inclusive workplace that enriches the local workforce and community alike,” Gunst said.
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. The Troy IT Delivery Center is one of eight CGI delivery centers in the United States, including a location in Mobile.
LOCAL IMPACT
Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins said CGI’s operation has had a massive impact on the community.
“CGI’s decision to establish a delivery center in Troy changed the local workforce and provided career opportunities in the technology industry that did not previously exist locally,” Hawkins said.
“A decade later, CGI remains a valuable partner of Troy University, as we share a campus just one block from the main campus of the University.”
Alabama State Sen. Jimmy Holley said career opportunities at CGI in Troy have benefited local residents.
“Together, we’ve been able to create high-paying jobs for those who want to stay in Troy, offering them an opportunity to pursue careers in the IT industry, and have attracted new residents to the region — further contributing to the economy. I am proud of these accomplishments and look forward to continued success,” he said.
(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)
