An investment in Austin proves much more than corporate dividends for the lives of those who work for Visa. A win through Opportunity Austin, Visa continues to make a difference in our community and a profound impact on those it employs.

"I bought a new house."

The spontaneous Visa employee beams a smile and reflects a gratitude, combined with hard work and determination, for the opportunities that crossed her path this past year.

"It was instant stability," Michelle Hastings resonates a drive to get to the most out of life. "Permanent job, full, benefits, and opportunity for growth." Raising her left hand she proudly displays a wedding band and adds: "also got married and bought a new house." A short time before, like many who get caught up in an economic downturn, Michelle was only able to work a temporary job and barely make ends meet. When Visa opened their doors in northwest Austin, she and many others found a new career, realized her potential, and earned an economic steadiness to personally grow and prosper.

"We opened in March of 2015 and basically started with zero," reflects Nathan May, Vice President of Prepaid Operations. "Our group now supports just a shade over 200 people and it's growing." Nathan continues, "this shows the commitment not just Visa has but with Opportunity Austin to continue to make it a great place to work."

In 2012, Visa chose Austin for its new Global IT Center with a total capital investment of $27,000,000. The project plans to create a total of 794 jobs through 2017, of which the average salary will be approximately $96,000. During the announcement of new jobs and incentive agreements, Visa observed:

“We regularly look at opportunities to expand our talent pool. Opening a facility in Austin makes sense for Visa because of the vibrant technology community and business-friendly climate. Austin is a growing payments technology hub with a mix of established companies and new emerging start-ups, along with a market of top technical talent. This agreement makes the most strategic sense, while providing the benefit of keeping jobs in the U.S."

The call center is located in northwest Austin, just off Research Boulevard in Austin City Council District 6. It is situated in a green space area surrounded by gated neighborhoods and master planned communities.

On top of providing economic stimulus, Visa is committed to supporting a higher cause that helps countless in Central Texas. In 30 offices spanning 23 countries, including right here in Austin, thousands of Visa employees support a variety of programs to help those in need to improve our local communities. Visa Austin sponsors six local area non-profits that reflect Visa’s on-going commitment to financial inclusion, diversity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs), as well as the humanities, including Girlstart, Back on My Feet, Austin Pets Alive, Austin Partners in Education, ZACH Theater, Keep Austin Beautiful, and Central Texas Food Bank.

In addition to sponsoring local non-profits, Visa Austin employees contributed over 2,000 volunteer hours to 14 additional non-profits in 2015, they expect to double this number by the end of 2016. Visa recognizes that giving back to the community is profoundly important to our employees and encourages volunteerism and philanthropy, including a generous employee giving matching program.

Opportunity Realized

Opportunity Austin's commitment goes beyond the initial opening of a business's doors, but we work to keep regulations at a minimum, taxes reasonable, and the incentive to hire more people to meet the growing demand.