The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced that Ameritas Investment Corp., an affiliate of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Ameritas), has opened a public finance office in Kansas City and will create 18 new jobs within two years.
“Having a reputable and long-standing insurance and financial services company like Ameritas open up an office in Missouri adds value to our already strong financial and professional services industry,” said Mike Downing, director for DED. “Missouri’s highly educated workforce, flawless credit rating, and robust corporate community make it a prime location for banking and commerce.”
The new Ameritas office is part of a regional expansion of its public finance and capital markets operation. The office will be located at 800 West 47th Street in the Country Club Plaza area.
“We’re excited to strengthen our growing presence in the Kansas City market with the addition of a regional public finance office,” said JoAnn Martin, president and chief executive officer of Ameritas. “Our local investment banking team has built an outstanding reputation in structuring visionary public finance projects with national and regional significance. This addition will be a great opportunity to further the region’s successful growth and momentum.”
The Ameritas public finance office will be led by Kansas City investment bankers Jack Holland and Brad Max. “Our investment banking team brings extensive expertise and experience to this market,” commented Holland. “Helping our clients access the capital markets to fund public development projects enhances the quality of life in our communities and fuels economic development growth.”
“It is a pleasure to welcome Ameritas Investment Corp. to Kansas City,” Mayor Sly James said. “We’re pleased to see the company add its name to our city’s vibrant financial services business community.”
“We are very excited to welcome Ameritas Investment Corp. to the KC region,” said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “It’s a great day when we can announce more new jobs locating in our area, and companies finding opportunity to grow in KC.”
This announcement is the latest string of success stories for the state in the financial and professional services sector, an industry posed for growth as identified in the 2010 Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth. During this administration, Missouri has garnered expansion projects from a number of companies both large and small, including Influence & Co., HNTB Corporation, Sedgwick Law Firm, Burns & McDonnell, and US Bank. As the only state in the country with two Federal Reserve banks and one of few with an AAA credit rating from all three rating agencies, Missouri was recognized by Money Rates as the #1 Best State for Banking in 2014.
To assist Ameritas Investment Corp. with its expansion, DED has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation criteria. The Missouri Partnership and the Kansas City Area Development Council also partnered with Ameritas Investment Corp. on its expansion.
About Ameritas
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and its affiliated companies provide a wide range of insurance and financial services to customers throughout the United States, including life insurance; annuities; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; individual disability income insurance; retirement plans; investments and public finance. Securities and investment advisory services offered through affiliate Ameritas Investment Corp., member FINRA/SIPC. For more information, visit ameritas.com.
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