WB&A Expands Call Center

US-based WB&A Market Research has announced it is bucking the trend for call center closure, by setting up additional telephone interviewing stations at its Ithaca, NY center. The firm plans to add 25 more part-time workers to its team of 60.

Since its launch in 1987, the Maryland-headquartered firm has been conducting brand awareness studies, public opinion polls and customer satisfaction surveys by telephone, mail, online, focus groups and executive interviews. In 2006, it extended its presence by opening the call center.

President Steve Markenson explained the expansion: 'Research generally holds its own in downturns and sometimes, actually, will do better. A lot of companies really need to make more educated decisions when times are rougher and want data and information to back up their decisions.'

Last week, Ipsos Reid announced plans to close its call center in Ottawa, Canada and Kantar Operations said it would be shutting its UK telephone center.

So far this year, Synovate, Western Wats, Kantar and ICT have also announced plans to close call centers.

WB&A is online at www.wbanda.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.