Ever since Amazon announced plans back in September to build a second headquarters, everybody has been in a tizzy over the location. After all, this is no ordinary quest. The winner gets an investment of $5 billion along with 50,000 jobs. How the local economy would flourish!
Cities across the US submitted their proposals hoping to be chosen. The speculation extended to Canada and even Mexico. Finally, from more than 200 proposals, Amazon narrowed it down to 20 finalists.
It’s like the Miss America pageant for cities. Or should I say Miss Amazon?
Well, there can only be one winner, but the favorites are many. From Denver to Dallas, based on infrastructure, transportation, business environment and even tax laws, the picks are plenty.
Washington and Atlanta are two top contenders. Some experts say Washington with its high-flying crowd could be an attraction for Amazon.
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.
Amazon is not exactly on the government’s favorites list right now with regulators keeping a close eye on the online giant’s expansion.
If Amazon wants to make friends within the administration, how better to do that than to stay close to them and Washington is as close as it gets.
Washington, home to the high and mighty, does appear suitable for the greatly ambitious Amazon.
Atlanta has a regulatory climate that is quite healthy for businesses to grow. This coupled with infrastructure benefits, and affordable housing makes it an attractive candidate for Amazon’s HQ2.
There are plenty more likely options that are being pointed to, and the discussions continue.
However, the arrival of Amazon casts a gloomy cloud on the existing local businesses in the chosen city. Now, that gives you some food for thought.