The new contact center will primarily serve Bank of America consumer customers, working in tandem with the company's contact centers in more than 30 locations to provide telephone services and assistance. Staffing for the new operations will begin immediately. Training will be conducted in phases beginning late this year, with the goal of full completion by mid-year.

"Our approach from day one was to show Bank of America that we wanted to work with them in helping them meet their business goals and objectives," stated Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "We are pleased to be working together with Bank of America to create new jobs and investment in Rhode Island. The size of our state is a competitive advantage, and we can use our size to help companies get their ideas and projects off the ground in a more efficient manner."

"Our goal is to grow our business in Rhode Island and throughout New England, and today's announcement is just one example of how we're doing that," said Kenneth D. Lewis, CEO and president, Bank of America. "We continue to value our strong, positive collaboration with Rhode Island's public leaders and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. This collaboration is a model for how we can work together to create jobs and economic growth across the region."

The jobs to be created through today's announcement will add to the company's presence in Rhode Island, currently including associates in Providence, Johnston, Lincoln and 48 banking centers across the state.

"Bank of America is committed to higher standards, and has been extremely impressed with the qualified workforce in Rhode Island and across New England," said Anne Finucane, Northeast market president, Bank of America. "The forward thinking business environment, combined with the skill levels found in the region - and particularly this state - are conducive to expanding and enhancing our service capabilities for the benefit of customers located across our geographic footprint."