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Area being targeted for company's expansion

Wisconsin company may bring hundreds of jobs to town

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Wisconsin-based Insurance Claims Management Inc. is interested in expanding into Springfield and has interest in two downtown properties: the Bushnell Building (left) and One South Fountain (right), formerly the Credit Life building. Before a site is chosen, CEO Paul Gross will send his information technology staff into each location to evaluate which is more hospitable from a technology standpoint.

Staff photo by Bill Lackey Wisconsin-based Insurance Claims Management Inc. is interested in expanding into Springfield and has interest in two downtown properties: the Bushnell Building (left) and One South Fountain (right), formerly the Credit Life building. Before a site is chosen, CEO Paul Gross will send his information technology staff into each location to evaluate which is more hospitable from a technology standpoint.

Hundreds of jobs will be created if Wisconsin-based company expands into Springfield.

By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer Updated 6:59 AM Thursday, October 29, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Downtown Springfield may soon be buzzing with hundreds of new workers if a Wisconsin-based company can close the deal to expand its business to Ohio.

Code Blue, a division of Insurance Claims Management Inc., was to apply today, Oct. 29, for job creation tax credits with the Ohio Department of Development. The company is targeting the first quarter of 2010 for the expansion.

The company is “strongly considering Springfield as part of our expansion plans in the offering and construction of a redundant claims processing center,” said Paul Gross, president and CEO of ICM, Code Blue and HSG, another division of the company.

Code Blue provides outsourced solutions for insurance carriers that manifest as the management of water damage claims when an insurance policy holder has a loss.

While the Springfield-based operation will carry the Code Blue name, both divisions will operate out of the facility.

HSG operates similarly, managing primarily auto glass claims.

The need for expansion grew, Gross said, out of ICM’s more than 50 percent growth in the past 12 months.

Once all state incentives have been secured and a few other details decided, Code Blue will be looking for a range of new employees, including executive management, trainers, claims specialists and support staff.

Gross would not specify an exact number of potential jobs, but did say the expansion would double the size of the company.

ICM will retain its Eau Claire facility as its center of operations.

The company will set up shop in one of two downtown locations — the Bushnell building or One South Fountain (formerly known as the Credit Life building) — both owned by attorney James Lagos.

“We are very much tenant-driven, so what’s good for them will be good for us. ... It’s my job to provide the space where growth is possible,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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