GEICO to create new operation in Amherst; company begins recruiting for 300 new jobs

BUFFALO, N.Y. – GEICO will begin accepting job applications immediately for its new subsidiary operation in Amherst, N.Y., which will sell and service homeowners, renters, boat and other coverage.

New York Governor David Paterson was in Amherst this morning at the company’s subsidiary, GEICO Insurance Agency, to make the announcement at a press conference there. He pointed out that GEICO’s decision to locate a new operation in Western New York was very important for the local and state economies.

GEICO Chairman Tony Nicely said, “We are very pleased with what our associates here have accomplished in serving our policyholders throughout the Northeast. We’ve grown substantially through their efforts. Their dedication has also helped them take advantage of GEICO’s career opportunities. We know this new GEICO operation and the new associates we’ll welcome shortly will be every bit as successful.”

John Zinno, vice president of GEICO Insurance Agency, announced that the new operation is expected to create 300 new jobs over three years. He says there are job opportunities in the sales and service areas and invites candidates to apply online by going to www.geico.jobs. Click open “Search Jobs” and select the Buffalo location.

“We would be very interested in talking to people who have strong customer service skills,” noted Zinno. “We are at the heart of it all a service company. If we can provide the service that our customers deserve, we expect to continue a steady pattern of growth.”

Zinno started up GEICO operations locally when the company opened its Buffalo office in Amherst in 2004. He said that he could always count on hiring from a pool of very valuable people “We’ll be able to expand our business by tapping into the talented workforce in Western New York. GEICO is committed to providing more of our customers with the valuable insurance products they need like homeowners, renters, and boat coverage. We are excited that Western New York will help us achieve this goal.”

Julie Barefoot will manage activities related to the sales and service of new property policyholders.