Thaindian News

AUSTIN, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) – Governor Rick Perry announced Thursday that the state will invest $1.4 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) for Facebook to create a sales and operations office in Austin.

The investment was announced through the Governor’s Office Facebook page, and it will be creating 200 jobs and more than $3.1 million in capital investment.

The social networking service Facebook connects approximated 400 million people around the world and this office is the first major U.S. expansion outside of Palo Alto, California, where the company’s headquarters is located.

“We’ve been exploring various options around the U.S. to establish an additional online sales and operations office and we’re grateful to the assistance we’ve received from the Governor’s office and the state’s leadership in discussing the possibilities in Austin,” Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said. “Facebook continues to grow and Austin, with its deep talent pool, would allow us to hire the high-caliber employees we need to properly serve the people, advertisers and developers that rely on our service.”

TEF was created in 2003 at Governor Perry’s request, helping the growth of Texas businesses and creating jobs throughout the state.

“The TEF continues to be a critical, deal closing tool for Texas, helping to attract jobs and businesses and grow our state’s diverse economy,” Gov. Perry said. “Facebook’s expansion in Austin will enhance the area’s robust technology industry, create 200 jobs for Texans, and strengthen the economy in Central Texas.”