Why Amazon HQ2 Should Choose Columbus

The most surprising city to reach the top remaining cities for Amazon HQ2 presents Columbus, Ohio. This is the only city to be included on the list from Ohio. Columbus is beginning to attract young workers with their welcoming community and innovative scene. The city has the trendiest restaurants and cafes which can accommodate younger generations to stay. Columbus is also the most beneficial city for Amazon’s pockets.

Columbus seemingly offered Amazon a package of incentives that is outlined in a five-page letter from the Director of Columbus Economic Development, Steve Schoeny during the bid for HQ2. The Midwestern city reportedly offered Amazon tax breaks for 15 years that encompasses 100% property tax reduction, and a 35% income tax refund. This offer will save the tech innovative company $456,750 per $1 million of investment in property.

Columbus plans to use at least 60% of the new income tax on payroll for the new Amazon workers from the company to assist the development of a new transit fund. It would be used to establish the Transit & Mobility fund for 15 years. Columbus views this to be the most attractive feature of the city. This can be held as an advantage to Amazon during their move.

Image From Tubefilter

“The city envisions improved state and municipal road access to the proposed project sites, which will require significant capital investments,” Schoeny wrote. “The city hereby commits to take the lead on creating a Transit & Mobility fund to support both transit and infrastructure investments to better connect the project sites …”

Columbus even offered to reimburse Amazon for land acquisition up to $5 million annually and a total of $75 million from the 25% portion of Columbus’ income-tax revenue created by Amazon employees.

“We have only presented a vision, not the vision,” Mayor Ginther wrote. “The ultimate vision that we will realize together requires collaboration. It requires linking Amazon with Columbus business leaders, university leaders, community leaders, schools and the best planners and architects in the world to develop the shared vision of our future.”

The tech company will announce the winning city later in 2018. Meanwhile, small businesses and agencies within Columbus are able share their professional insight to Amazon also. This is why Amazon HQ2 Should Choose Columbus:

How will Amazon HQ2 affect the economy of the city?

“Columbus already has an entrepreneurial, growth dynamic happening that I think is different than most other midwestern cities and certainly so in Ohio.  I believe that the Amazon HQ2 addition would increase that rapidly.  While we do get an inflow of highly skilled workers currently, this would increase significantly”. -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Amazon is searching for talent in software development and related fields. What is your city’s tech scene like?

“Under-appreciated.  There is definitely a lot of exciting things going on and I believe Columbus is leading the midwest in software development and related fields.  The Ohio State University being located here helps that along with several locally-based corporate headquarters”. -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image From ShutterStock

How will the community welcome Amazon HQ2?

“I sense that the community is overwhelmingly in support of Amazon HQ2 locating here.  I believe the local business community and civic leadership are already working on plans for supporting a major corporate addition like this.  That would include infrastructure improvements, tax incentives,  and local job training initiatives”.  -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image From MKSKStudios

Do you support the major’s proposal? Why, or why not?

“Yes.  It seems like a no-brainer for our local economy to have that sort of shot of capital.  I would be a game changer for our community and would certainly lead to affiliated industry coming here”.  -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image From The Columbus Dispatch

Besides financial incentives, what does your city offer?

“Columbus is a cool city.  It is young, inclusive, the cost of living/real estate is attractive, and there is a great creative vibe throughout the business community.  Columbus is within 500 miles of 50% of the U.S. population.  We have a highly educated population.  We have local professional and college sports, fun cultural activities, and growing, thriving nightlife and restaurants in many distinct parts of town”.  -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image From ABC News

What is in your city that isn’t found anywhere else?

“Ohio State Football tailgating on a fall Saturday.  It’s a social event/party unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else”.  -Herb Gillen of The Herb Gillen Agency.

Image From Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

If you are an agency from Columbus, and wish to contribute, please fill out this form here: https://ownersmag.com/need-talk-marketing-pr-agencies-amazon/

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