Archive: Business & Technology

In recent weeks, it has become increasingly clear to legislators in Albany that the Amazon.com project in New York City could be in jeopardy. Legislators say it is time to talk about relocating the proposed second Amazon Headquarters perfectly between Rochester and Syracuse, NY. Both cities have world-class colleges and universities, providing a rich pool of potential employees to support the Amazon campus.

"There is huge potential in Upstate for Amazon! NYC's loss could be Upstates gain and a real win for Amazon," said Senator Pam Helming (R-C-I, Canandaigua). "Our region has an abundance of affordable, shovel ready sites. We have highly skilled local workers who could fill the 25,000 plus positions and a regional workforce development program to support Amazon. The Finger Lakes region offers easy, convenient access to major transportation routes and international airports. Our area includes world-class medical institutions, superior public education, and affordable housing opportunities. The sorts of incentives NYC offered Amazon would not even be needed because upstate is significantly more affordable than New York City. Our unmatched quality of life and beautiful environment draw visitors from across the world and would certainly help Amazon in their efforts to attract top talent."

Along with a current pool of job seekers who would embrace Amazon's wages and benefits, our region boasts beautiful and expansive landscape that would allow Amazon to develop a headquarters that would be suitable for a company of their stature. The potential of 25,000 new jobs created by this project would transform the region and change the course of two upstate cities.

"In the event New York City rejects Amazon's relocation, we should make every attempt to bring the potential jobs and needed economic boost to Upstate New York," said Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua). "There is unlimited potential in upstate's workforce, resources and infrastructure. Because of the vastly different cost structure and greater affordability upstate, it's possible bringing in Amazon could take place without needing a multi-billion dollar incentive package. This is a move that would be a win for the company, for the region, and for taxpayers."

"If New York City won't welcome the jobs and economic investment Amazon would bring, we in Rochester certainly would," said Senator Rich Funke (R-C-I, Fairport) " "When you have the luxury of finding every reason under the sun to reject 25,000 jobs, you obviously don't need them that badly. Upstate New York is less expensive, has a highly trained workforce and is ready, willing and able to welcome Amazon. All they have to do is say yes."

"It is apparent the obstacles in New York City are going to be difficult to overcome and with all of the resources we have in the Syracuse-Rochester corridor we would hope Amazon would give us a chance to become the home of the new headquarters," said Senator Bob Antonacci (R-C-I-UJP, Onondaga). "We would be willing to work with them to help boost economic and job growth in our region."

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-C-I-Ref, Pulaski) said "Amazon.com in Upstate New York would be transformative. Of course I support efforts to have them consider our region as their home. We need private investment to spur jobs and add to the overall economy. If political forces in NYC continue to put up hurdles to some 25,000 jobs, we would gladly accommodate them Upstate."

Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-C-I, Springport) said, "Smart economic development is about unleashing the potential of a world-class workforce. It never made sense to provide Amazon incentives to headquarter in the most prosperous city in the world. Bringing Amazon Upstate means good jobs for talented workers starving for opportunity. Situated in the most beautiful region in the world, the Finger Lakes, Amazon workers would enjoy a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life. Senate Democrats have never prioritized job creation and strong economic growth. While Republicans in the Legislature will continue to do so. Billions of dollars in corresponding state tax revenue could be used to fortify our infrastructure, protect the Finger Lakes and invest in drug treatment."

Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R-I-C-Ref, Lyons) said "There's plenty of room for Amazon in the Finger Lakes area of central New York. The number of jobs that it would create would open opportunities for the entire region. Amazon would be a strong partner in the revitalization that we desire for our economy. It would help us retain our local young people, and even bring some people back. We already have a great quality of life here that would certainly be attractive to young professionals. We have a workforce that would be excited to transition to new opportunities."

All legislators said the details would have to be ironed out and they all look forward to working with the Chamber of Commerce and business leaders from both the Syracuse area and Rochester area along with Cayuga, Wayne, and Seneca County officials but we must begin the process especially in light of the continued obstacles Amazon is facing from New York city-based legislators. If NYC does not want to work with Amazon we invite Amazon to visit upstate and see all we have to offer.

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