Why Amazon HQ2 Should Choose Miami

The unexpected city to be on Amazon’s top 20 short-list is Miami,Florida. Information about the proposal for Amazon has yet to be released. South Florida is currently keeping it a secret, but from the looks of the region, Florida holds the best benefits. Florida has no state income tax, which can save Amazon a lot of money. The founder of Amazon holds personal ties with the city as well. CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos spent some time in the Miami area. He spent his childhood there and was valedictorian of his class at Palmetto High in 1982. Bezos now has the opportunity to return to dominate the corporate scene of the region. Florida may be the perfect choice for Amazon HQ2.

The massive tech company seeks a city with a high population in order to attract employees. Miami holds a population of 453,579 people and is growing. The location is perfect in size and the site holds special features. The area will cover the southern-region for Amazon, but is still remotely close to the East Coast. South Florida is also a pipeline for Amazon to connect with Latin America. This represents a positive, diverse company. The southern location also emphasizes the importance of weather forecast. South Florida embodies the perfect temperature for businesses. There won’t be any delay due to snow or low temperature, so traveling and delivery will hardly get affected.

Amazon is currently looking to adopt 500,000 square feet of space but will then move on to consume a total of 8 million square feet after 2027. South Florida had offered at least eight sites that is located in downtown Miami. Other locations include government buildings, so in total there are five in Miami-Dad, two in Broward, and another in Palm Beach. Florida had planned out this move drastically and is offering various options to fit the taste of Amazon.

The University of Miami and Florida International University are within the region, along with other colleges. The region attracts a younger scene, which is beneficial to companies seeking employment. Miami also provides the Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport to Amazon for transportation.

“There are a lot of cities that are showing off for Amazon … We took a different approach. We put out a challenge,” Commissioner Russell said. The message of the video, he said: Miami isn’t for everybody and if you are not welcoming of diversity, don’t come. “We believe that will resonate with Amazon because they do embrace a lot of the values that we have in Miami and they will recognize how this is really a jumping off point not only for South America but for Europe and the world.”

Small businesses and agencies within Columbus are able share their professional insight to Amazon now. This is why Amazon HQ2 Should Choose Miami:

How will Amazon HQ2 affect the economy of the city?

“Beyond the short-term construction and long-term full-time job direct economic benefits, delivering such a high-visibility endorsement of South Florida as the diverse, international and “enterprise-ready” region that is has become, would create the momentum needed for long-term prosperity. South Florida is about so much more than beaches and cruises and bringing HQ2 would reinforce that message for decades”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

Image From David Balyeat

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

“South Florida has seen a vast expansion of tech startups, incubator programs and higher education development. In fact, the 2017 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity recognized South Florida as the leading region for startup activity, ahead of Austin. As the President of the South Florida Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, I can also attest to our region’s thriving tech and entrepreneurship scene first hand. Our chapter is among the top 10 largest worldwide and continues to grow with mature, scaling businesses as well. Considering that Amazon is much more than just an online store, we also offer one of the few direct backbones to the global internet, right here in Miami. Finally, it’s no accident that several “unicorn” tech startups are based here already, including MagicLeap”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

How will the community welcome Amazon HQ2?

“Not with a parade, but with an unforgettable beach party. Seriously though, there is a unified and aligned vision across three counties and more than 9 million residents who are ready to embrace and support Amazon. We are also a perfect region for Amazon to test new innovations and reach a global audience, not just a domestic one. Our businesses, residents, organizations and local governments have spent years investing in ourselves to prepare for such an opportunity”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

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

“Absolutely. As a business owner and South Florida resident for nearly 4 decades, I have the shared opinion that our area has more of a branding problem for enterprise business, versus a lack of opportunity and infrastructure. We have been ready for Amazon HQ2 since before it was an idea”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

Image From Translating Cuba

Besides financial incentives, what does your city offer?

“South Florida offers a diverse metropolitan culture that combines international influences with a rich history of hard working, but equally fun loving people. We thrive on our diversity and it’s a community that celebrates living. From the arts, sports, entertainment and of course the fabulous weather and beaches, there’s no other part of America like it”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

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

“I’d have to say that the rich diversity of our people has helped build a community that reflects the global world we live in today. It’s a region that also reflects the nature of Amazon’s vision and scale as well. We are a city of the world, built by people who have come together from all around it, sharing their culture and experiences to create something truly unique”. -Aaron Lee of The iluma Agency.

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

*Sponsored by Penji*