Governor Rendell Says New Medical Review Company Will Create Nearly 100 Jobs in Wilkes-Barre

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a boost from state investments, a start-up medical review services company will establish its headquarters in downtown Wilkes-Barre and create nearly 100 jobs within three years, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

Federal Review Services LLC, a newly-formed company that performs medical reviews for medical insurance providers, will establish its headquarters in Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The project will create at least 96 jobs within three years.

"The company's decision to set up shop in Wilkes-Barre and create nearly 100 family-sustaining jobs would be great news at any time, but it is especially welcome news now," said Governor Rendell. "This project illustrates how the commonwealth's ongoing economic development efforts are providing crucial assistance to companies in all stages of development."

Governor Rendell said his proposed budget continues to invest in job creation and economic development strategies that have helped keep Pennsylvania's unemployment rate significantly lower than the national average. The proposed budget increases funding for other job creation programs such as opportunity grants, customized job training, infrastructure development, and infrastructure facilities and improvement grants.

"Despite the tough economy and a tight budget situation, we will strive to do everything we can to lay the foundation for strong economic growth and job creation as the economy recovers," Governor Rendell added.

Federal Review Services will perform medical review services for both public and private health care insurers. The company's services determine the accuracy and completeness of medical claims.

"We are excited about providing new, high-quality employment prospects for the talented pool of healthcare professionals in Northeast Pennsylvania," said William O'Malley, vice president of Federal Review Services. "These new positions will provide health care professionals the opportunity to utilize their skills outside the traditional clinical venues and in turn, participate in cutting edge health care technologies."

The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state.

The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry worked with the company and the Governor's Action Team to secure a $342,000 funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the project. The offer includes a $100,000 opportunity grant, $50,000 in job training assistance and $192,000 in job creation tax credits.  

"Federal Review could have chosen to launch this company and hire skilled workers anywhere, but they chose Greater Wilkes-Barre because of its abundance of skilled professionals in medical and health care-related fields," said Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber CEO Todd Vonderheid.

Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,224 projects, resulting in commitments to create 131,169 new jobs and retain 308,496 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $2.3 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $16.8 billion in additional investment.

For more information on the Governor's Action Team and other Department of Community and Economic Development programs, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor