Technology Company Announces Plans to Create 150 Jobs in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

November 26, 2024

North Wilkesboro, N.C. – Provalus, a cutting-edge information technology (IT) company dedicated to providing dependable, scalable, top-quality IT services from the heart of America, is expanding to North Wilkesboro with plans to create up to 150 jobs in the community.

Driven by a unique purpose, Provalus is transforming communities from the inside out in Alabama, Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Whiteville, North Carolina. Their mission is to uplift rural towns across the U.S. by identifying and developing untapped talent to deliver technology, business, and support services. Through these initiatives, Provalus aims to create sustained economic growth in each rural community where they are located. Their mission empowers individuals to build careers in the ever-evolving field of technology. With paid training programs, they have elevated high-aptitude individuals from jobs outside of technology to careers as technical support analysts, network operations and cybersecurity analysts, system engineers, and more.

“Establishing our second North Carolina Center of Excellence in North Wilkesboro is a meaningful step forward in our mission to create opportunities that revitalize rural American communities. This expansion allows us to tap into the region’s exceptional talent, fostering job creation and economic growth that will benefit both the local community and the broader region. We’re proud to deepen our roots in North Carolina and invest in the potential of this remarkable area.” – Mike Keogh, President

Wilkes County Government and the Town of North Wilkesboro have completed an inter-local agreement allowing the Town of North Wilkesboro to purchase 711 Main Street for $2.2 million and lease the property to Provalus with an option to purchase. Provalus has been awarded $150,000 from NC Department of Commerce One NC grant based on their planned job creation and economic impact, see attached press release. Additionally, the Town of North Wilkesboro has submitted an application to the Rural Building Reuse Program and is pending a determination. This program provides grants to local governments in eligible rural areas to support building renovations or expansions that create full-time private-sector jobs. Wilkes Economic Development Corporation has assisted Provalus and Town in both grant processes.

“Provalus is an absolute game changer for North Wilkesboro,” said Marc Hauser, North Wilkesboro Mayor. “We are honored to welcome this prestigious company to our community. Provalus’ presence will have a tremendous positive impact on our town, particularly in creating well-paying jobs and strengthening our workforce.”

Andrew Palmer, North Wilkesboro Town Commissioner shared, “I’m very excited for the opportunity that Provalus is bringing to the community of Wilkes, and downtown North Wilkesboro. Having 150 living-wage jobs located directly in our downtown is bound to have a huge positive impact on our local businesses and beyond. Tech jobs are a very important part of the world we currently live in, and with the advances we are seeing with artificial intelligence, it sure looks like that is where the future is going.

Casey Joe Johnson, Chairman of Wilkes County Commissioners, expressed, “The word opportunity means an occasion or situation that makes something you want or need to do possible. When I was approached about Provalus, the word opportunity was the first word that came to my mind. One of the main goals of Provalus is to utilize rural communities and breathe life back into them! When I ran for county commissioner in 2020, a Wilkes County lady, who has passed away now, asked me to not forget the youth of our county. She went on to say that they need jobs and opportunities. Provalus coming to Wilkes County will bring opportunities to all citizens of our community. I am excited for this opportunity and trust that our county will benefit for years to come. 

“Partnering with the city of North Wilkesboro, along with other community and state leaders, to bring a second Center of Excellence to North Carolina has been an incredible experience. This expansion is a testament to the shared vision between our team and local leaders to create meaningful opportunities for the community. We’re proud to bring new jobs and resources to this region and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come.” – Will Ruzic, Vice President of Facilities and Operations

Provalus is eager to begin working alongside the North Wilkesboro community to foster innovation and development with plans to begin operations after renovations in early 2025. To begin to learn more about employment opportunities explore Provalus | Join Our Team.

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Part of the Optomi Professional Services family of brands, Provalus is a 100% U.S.-based outsourcing organization dedicated to creating technology opportunities in areas where few traditionally exist. By leveraging a unique approach that includes creating talent in rural, veteran-heavy American communities, Provalus is generating a dedicated and superior workforce while fuelling a new era of technology talent equipped to strengthen America’s future. Provalus hires and develops the best and brightest talent in every small town they call home to deliver a remarkable experience for their technology clients and end-users alike. For more information, visit Provalus.com

To learn more about Wilkes County Government, visitWilkesCounty.net or
call (336) 651-7300.

To learn more about the Town of North Wilkesboro, visit North-Wilkesboro.com or
call (336) 667-7129.

Wilkes Economic Development Corporation is a 501 c3 public-private partnership. The mission of the Wilkes EDC is to facilitate the creation of new jobs and capital investment in Wilkes County, North Carolina through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses.

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