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Pfizer Inc. is counting on a new $40 million employee training center in Rye Brook to help it become the world's largest pharmaceutical giant --- the same way the maker of Viagra banked on almost $18 million in state, county and local incentives by choosing New York City over New Jersey.
The new Pfizer Learning Center is scheduled to open at Doral Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in January, 2000. By the following year, Pfizer hopes to be come the world's leading pharmaceutical company. In order to achieve that, Pfizer reasoned that it had to centralize its international sales, management and executive training programs -- now scattered between Doral Arrowwood, three other sites and additional area hotels as needed.
"If we are to reach our go, we know that we have to attract, train and retain our people," said B.J. Robison, senior vice president, corporate employee resources for Pfizer. "That they'll learn and bring back to their jobs is the intellectual capital that will underwrite our growth in the future."
Robison was among six executives and officials who spoke Nov. 20 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pfizer Learning Center, held at Doral Arrowwood. More than half the 110,750-square-foot Pfizer Learning Center (65,550 square feet) will consist of meeting space, with the. remainder for administrative and food/beverage areas. Pfizer has signed a 15-year lease for the new center and 100 new employee guest rooms with Doral Hotels and Resorts, which owns and operates the 114-acre, 274-room Doral Arrowwood. The center is a joint venture between Pfizer and Doral, which are both headquartered in Manhattan.
Pfizer spokesman...