Performance Software Announces New Software Development Center In New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (02/27/2014) — Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Performance Software Corp. CEO Tim Bigelow announced a new software development project by the company in Louisiana, where Performance Software will establish a software development center in New Orleans.
The project will create 58 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $75,000, plus benefits. LED estimates the project will result in an additional 59 new indirect jobs, for a total of 117 new jobs. Performance Software is a Phoenix-based systems and software developer specializing in the avionics and defense industries. In New Orleans, the company also will develop new business in the energy and healthcare industries.
Gov. Jindal said, “We’re proud that Performance Software chose Louisiana over several other states for the creation of a new software development location that will support the energy, defense, aerospace and healthcare industries. This is a significant win for our state, bringing valuable technology expertise to Louisiana while creating exciting new career opportunities for many Louisiana families. We are pleased that Performance Software recognizes Louisiana’s thriving business climate, outstanding growth potential and highly skilled workforce.”
Performance Software is evaluating real estate options for housing its software development center in New Orleans. Initial hiring will begin by the second quarter of 2014 as the company secures office space for its seventh location.
“Performance Software is experiencing healthy growth in the aerospace, defense, and medical devices markets,” Bigelow said. “Having top talent is critical to our continued growth in these areas, and expanding outside of Phoenix with regional offices helps us grow that talent base. We have successfully opened regional offices in other states, and we find that bringing jobs to these high technology centers is a win-win. It’s a win for the local high-tech economy by expanding its employment base and a win for Performance Software by giving us local access to the best talent coming out of local engineering colleges.”
LED began discussions with Performance Software about the potential project in August 2013. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana is offering the company use of the Digital Interactive Media and Software Development Incentive, which provides a 25 percent refundable tax credit for eligible production expenditures (35 percent credit on eligible payroll expenditures for Louisiana residents). In addition, the state will provide the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart®, the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development training program.
“New Orleans is establishing itself as a hub for talent, fresh ideas and creative minds,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “As the most immediate laboratory for innovation and change, our city has the fastest-growing tech market in America. We are continuing to diversify our knowledge-based economy while strengthening our energy, technology, healthcare and hospitality sectors.”
“Greater New Orleans Inc. is pleased to have played a leading role in recruiting Performance Software to New Orleans,” said GNO Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht. “Greater New Orleans is the fastest growing technology market in the U.S., with a growing base of local companies now complemented by an increasing number of new companies like Performance Software. The result is more high-quality jobs for our community.”