VOICED: Call center rings in business for Colombia

Manizales, a city in Colombia, has transformed its economy from coffee exports to becoming a hub for telemarketing. The Spanish company Emergia employs 2000 people, benefiting from the city's eager and hardworking workforce. This shift has reduced unemployment significantly. The city's mayor has initiated programs to train telemarketers and plans to expand into English-speaking markets, aiming to capture a larger market share. Investments in English education for students are underway to prepare for this expansion.

What was the primary reason for Manizales' economic downturn?

• Political instability

• Lack of infrastructure

• Decline in coffee exports

• Natural disasters

Which company is mentioned as employing 2000 people in Manizales?

• Convergys

• Teleperformance

• Emergia

• Sitel

What initiative did the mayor of Manizales promote to boost the telemarketing industry?

• Creating special university programs

• Offering tax incentives

• Launching a marketing campaign

• Building new roads

By how much did unemployment decrease in Manizales due to the telemarketing industry?

• From 25% to 15%

• From 22% to 14%

• From 20% to 12%

• From 30% to 18%

What percentage of the market does Manizales currently serve with its Spanish-speaking telemarketers?

• 50%

• 4%

• 25%

• 10%