Brighthouse to Add Support Center in Manatee County

BRADENTON – Bright House Networks, the sixth-largest owner and operator of cable systems in the United States and the second-largest in Florida, is adding a customer support center at its Bradenton area location that will bring 155 new jobs over the next three years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.

“The Bradenton Area EDC, Manatee County Government and the City of Bradenton worked together to encourage Bright House Networks to establish its new customer support center in Bradenton,” Hillstrom said. “This collaboration is helping to stimulate creation of 155 jobs in the areas of customer service, technical support and administration.”

The EDC assisted Bright House Networks in applying for economic development incentives through Manatee County Government, and also provided workforce training connections. The Manatee County Board of Commissioners approved Bright House Networks for $155,000 in performance-based incentives based on adding 155 jobs over the next three years. The jobs must pay 15 percent more than the average annual wage in Manatee County.

In addition, the City of Bradenton has offered to expedite permitting when the company renovates its current facility at 5413 State Road 64 East to accommodate additional staff.

“Bright House Networks is proud to bring new jobs to the Bradenton area,” said Mike Robertson, Bright House Networks’ Senior Vice President for Florida Operations. “The addition of 155 customer support center positions will enable us to continue to provide locally dedicated and prompt service to our customers, and position us for future growth.”

Bright House Networks serves approximately 2.5 million customers in five states including Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan and California with video, high-speed data, home security and automation, and voice services. The company also offers customizable, advanced business solutions for video, voice, data, cloud-based and managed services. Bright House Networks also owns and operates local news and sports channels in its Florida markets.

Job candidates may learn about opportunities at Bright House Networks by visiting brighthouse.com/careers.

“Bright House Networks continues to be a valued employer in Manatee County, as well as a good corporate citizen supporting many community causes,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “This exemplifies the type of business the Manatee County Board of Commissioners seeks to encourage to locate and grow in the Bradenton area.”

Manatee County offers several incentives to businesses wishing to relocate or expand in the community. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev