United States - July 2, 2009 - Blue Valley Telemarketing – A Great Place to Work

"Comfortable and controlled environment"

"Team-like atmosphere"

"Positive approach to employee development"

"A fun place to work"

"Everyone has a chance for advancement"

These statements are just a few of the positive things that are being vocalized and shared by employees of Blue Valley Telemarketing. Established by Blue Valley Telecommunications in 1991 to inspire economic development within the local community, Blue Valley Telemarketing has grown into one of the most successful employers in Northeast Kansas.

With the purchase of Integrated Sales Solutions, Inc. in 2004, Blue Valley Telemarketing has experienced exceptional growth. The completion of this acquisition created projections of 15% growth in the first year in publications. Instead, Blue Valley experienced 60% growth in the first year and an average of 40% over the past four years.

The company’s constant dedication to quality and professionalism has led to its continuing growth in a competitive market. As a cooperative, Blue Valley Telemarketing employees do more than just work for the company; they also take an ownership, which has helped to drive its consistently low turnover.

While the Blue Valley story today is an exciting one, the road to telemarketing success has not been an easy one. The emergence of Blue Valley Telemarketing in Home, Kansas was first seen as a blessing to the local economy as it not only brought jobs, it also delivered economic stimulus to the local economy, benefitting everyone.

With the development of the National Do Not Call List and the growing stigma associated with telemarketing in the mind of the consumer, Blue Valley developed a bit of a black eye. Locals did not understand the industry and the company floundered in its attempt to create a positive working environment.

Now in its 18^th year of operation, Blue Valley Telemarketing has hit a new high. With a change in management, the company is back on track to becoming one of the more preferred employers in the area. Instead of focusing on simply hitting numbers, the company is now focused on developing a strong team that works together to achieve strategic performance standards that are readily rewarded.

By focusing on developing employees as part of the overall strategic approach to strong performance, Blue Valley Telemarketing is growing like never before. As a company focused on developing an environment that creates enthusiasm for the job, Blue Valley is finding itself for the first time in a position where it has to turn away qualified applicants, simply because supply is exceeding demand.

For site supervisor Damon, the trip to management has been surreal: "I never thought that I would have the opportunity to advance like I have had here, especially in a short amount of time. In the past year, I have seen so much excitement build for the company and I now look forward to every company meeting. The communication that is now in place and the positive feedback make Blue Valley less like a traditional work environment and more like a family."

Amy Detimore agrees. As the Director of Client Services, Amy does everything from interacting with clients, to getting projects ready to go to measuring actual performance. Over 15 years with Blue Valley Telemarketing, Amy has seen and experienced all of the changes in the industry and is excited about what is happening at Blue Valley now.

"We are definitely on a path where employees can have fun while doing their jobs," said Detimore. "We are much more focused on motivation, but also on empowering employees to provide feedback and suggestions for how we should be doing things. That approach, coupled with specific programs and games helps to create an environment where people want to come to work."

Change is one thing that Blue Valley is not immune to. The company experienced a change of management in September that both employees and board members alike are calling a key driver of the positive direction the company has taken in the past year. What was once considered to be an endless cycle of working toward an invisible goal is now an invigorating career where employees can set their own goals and earn incentives for a job well-done.

The positive approach to work extends into the activities that Blue Valley participates in within the community. From scholarships on the telco side to local parades and organizational support, Blue Valley Telemarketing continues to put a priority focus on supporting local initiatives that benefit those within the community.

While Blue Valley Telemarketing has been on a strong growth path, the company believes the positives within the past year are really just the beginning. Publication sales have increased tremendously, increasing the demand for skilled employees as the company works toward its capacity goals. With a priority put on a positive approach to both internal and external service, Blue Valley anticipates an even better future.

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