Nashville Jobs Created by Loews Hotels

One hotel chain is helping to create more Nashville jobs.

Loews Hotels recently announced its plans to open a shared services center this September in Nashville, which will in turn create 200 jobs during the next two years and invest up to $12 million in the local economy.

Loews, based in New York, will occupy a 40,000-square-foot space in the Fifth Third Center. The shared services center will be used to consolidate the back office functions of the company's 19 hotels and resorts, including accounting, payroll and purchasing.

The majority of the available positions - most of which are white-collar jobs in accounting, purchasing and guest services - will be filled locally, and Loews has already received 2,000 applications for the first 25 jobs posted on the company's Web site.

"They're very good, high-quality, high-paying jobs — sales, finance, IT, human resources," Janet Miller, chief economic development officer for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, told The Tennessean. "They're an example of the kinds of jobs that we want to attract.

"The fact that it's Loews Corp. — such a strong corporate leader in America — sweetens it that much more," she added. "On top of that, putting it in the middle of downtown Nashville, it's a big win for the city."

The company was initially considering 10 different cities for its new office, and Nashville made the final cut once that list was dwindled down to four potential locations. Nashville's efforts to attract new businesses, relatively low costs and well-educated employee base were all part of Loews' decision.

"Every city wanted us, but it was Nashville that really led the way, and they have truly been a partner," Loews Chief Executive Jonathan Tisch said.

The new shared services center will cost up to $12 million to create, including technology and training costs. The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency will award a $310,000 grant to Loews to help offset new information technology investments.

Loews also plans to make a $10,000 contribution to the mayor's business response team, which is meant to facilitate businesses' volunteer efforts and help employers affected by recent flooding in the area.