The Spokane-Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, area is home to more than 20 call centers with about 3,000 employees.

Business officials tell The Spokesman-Review ( http://bit.ly/RkcMXQ) the Inland Northwest is an attractive region for call centers because of the workforce and available properties.

Robin Toth of Greater Spokane Incorporated says residents have neutral accents, which appeal to customers on the phone.

The US Bank call center in Coeur d'Alene has about 500 employees. Agents start at about $11 an hour and have benefits that include medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and vacation and holidays.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com