Vegas.com call center among world’s best

Thursday, June 7, 2007 | 7:14 a.m.

Las Vegas Sun

While the phones at many American companies are answered overseas, Vegas.com is winning awards for its homegrown call center.

Vegas.com on Tuesday received the top technology and innovation award among companies in North, South, and Central America at the second annual Contact Center World Awards in Orlando, Fla.

"Given the amount of contact center jobs that are being farmed out to India and places around the world, it's an amazing testament on how to use technology and innovation to create jobs here in America, let alone in Las Vegas," Vegas.com President Howard Lefkowitz said.

"I think it's amazing for Nevada to have that kind of recognition and skill set created and developed here."

Lefkowitz said he was overwhelmed by the award and honored to be nominated with other prestigious technology companies.

The Vegas.com call center, which opened four years ago, is on Corporate Circle in Green Valley and employs 108 people. Of the center's three original employees, two still work there.

Vegas.com is owned by the Greenspun family, which owns the Las Vegas Sun.

Seven U.S. companies - including WellCare Health Plans, Cross Country Automotive Services and Vangent Inc. - were nominated for the technology and innovation award. Awards were also given for best overall call center, best trainers and supervisors, and best customer service.

Vegas.com will go on to compete against award winners from the Europe-Middle East-Africa region and the Asian-Pacific region. Those worldwide awards will be presented in November in Las Vegas.