Governor Carney releases video, highlights Delaware’s competitiveness, low tax burden, educated workforce

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced three sites that Delaware has proposed to Amazon as the home for the company’s second North American headquarters. Governor Carney made the announcement at The Delaware Contemporary on Thursday afternoon on the Wilmington Riverfront, joined by Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer.

Also on Thursday, Governor Carney released a video highlighting what makes Delaware an attractive place for businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs. The video is available at OptionsInDE.com.

“Delaware is extremely well-positioned to be the home of Amazon’s second North American headquarters, and we believe that Delaware has submitted an aggressive, competitive proposal worthy of Amazon’s consideration,” said Governor Carney. “Delaware has great communities to live and raise a family, low taxes, responsive leadership, and a central location that has long been a great place for businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs. We look forward to talking more to Amazon about their options in Delaware.”

Delaware’s HQ2 site options are:

• First State Crossing – Claymont
  • 425 acres at the former Evraz Steel Mill with utilities in place
  • Future home to Claymont Train Stationo 1/3 of a mile to I-95 and I-495
  • 20 miles to Philadelphia City Hall, 13 miles to PHL Airport

•  Riverfront – Wilmington
  • A combination of properties on South Market Street along the Christina River
  • 82+ acres on the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront with utilities in place
  • 1/4 of a mile to I-95 and I-495
  • 1/3 of a mile to Wilmington Train Station
  • 27 miles to Center-City Philadelphia

• 1800 Concord Pike – Fairfax
  •  82 acres with utilities in place that is already home to AstraZeneca and a large JP Morgan Chase facility
  • 1 mile to I-95o 500,000 sq. ft. of existing office space available
  • 26 miles to Center-City Philadelphia

Delaware’s HQ2 sites meet the major requirements of Amazon’s RFP, which called for a second headquarters site within 30 miles of a population center of at least 1 million people, with proximity to an international airport with daily flights to Seattle, San Francisco, New York City and Washington, D.C., and easy access to mass transit, and major highways. Amazon also sought initial space of 500,000 square feet, with possible total space up to 8 million square feet, which Delaware’s site options would accommodate.

“Delaware and New Castle County are uniquely positioned to welcome Amazon’s second North American headquarters,” said New Castle County Executive Matthew Meyer. “Delaware has made a compelling case to Amazon – and to other job creators looking to expand – that demonstrates the exceptional value of our productive and skilled workforce, high quality of life, reasonable cost of living and responsive and responsible public sector. New Castle County is where they should build for their future.”

“The process of crafting the Amazon proposal has actually been quite uplifting. It’s given us the opportunity to collectively reflect on what’s been accomplished over the years to make our city, county and state wonderful places to live, work, enjoy life and raise our families,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “This effort has also confirmed a fact that makes Delaware a tremendous place to live and conduct business, and that is the ease with which government, community and business representatives can come together on a moment’s notice to meet, collaborate and make progress. We certainly know why Wilmington and Delaware are excellent locations for the new Amazon headquarters, and hopefully Amazon will agree after reviewing our proposal.”

In addition to the strength of the sites, Delaware’s application focused on the state’s low tax burden, central location, comparatively affordable cost of living, highly trained and educated workforce, transportation flexibility, connectivity speed, and significant cultural and recreational opportunities.

Part of the state’s response to Amazon’s request for proposals is an attractive and competitive package of incentives. Companies considering expanding in Delaware have access to a number of programs designed to encourage growth, including the New Economy Jobs Tax Credit, Business Facility Tax Credit and grants or loans through the Delaware Strategic Fund. Amazon – which is incorporated in Delaware and has fulfillment centers in New Castle and Middletown – has said it will make a selection for HQ2 in 2018 but has not announced a specific timeline for announcing that decision. The company issued a nationwide RFP last month as it sought to add a new headquarters to its existing one in Seattle.

Letters of support for Delaware’s HQ2 application:

• Batta Environmental
• Chemours
• Christiana Care
• Corporation Service Company
• Delaware’s Congressional Delegation
• Governor John Carney
• Incyte Corporation
• New Castle County Executive Matthew Meyer
• Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware
• Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki   

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Related:

Delaware Will Compete for Amazon Headquarters 

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Thursday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m., Governor John Carney will join Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, elected officials, and community members to announce the sites Delaware has proposed to Amazon for the company’s second North American headquarters. The event also will include the screening of a video highlighting what makes Delaware an ideal location for businesses, including Amazon, to grow and create jobs.

WHAT:         Announcement on Delaware’s proposed sites for Amazon’s second North American headquarters.

WHO:           Governor Carney

Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester

Executive Matt Meyer, New Castle County

Mayor Mike Purzycki, City of Wilmington

Cerron Cade, Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism Director

Members of the General Assembly

Community members

WHEN:        Thursday, October 19

2:00 p.m.

WHERE:       The Delaware Contemporary

200 S Madison Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

RSVP:           Media planning to attend Thursday’s event should RSVP to Jessica.Borcky@delaware.gov by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 to receive additional information prior to the event.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney said Friday that Delaware will submit a proposal to Amazon, which is seeking a location to open its second North American headquarters. The Governor intends to bring together Delaware’s federal delegation, leadership of all four caucuses in the General Assembly, the New Castle County Executive, and the Mayor of the City of Wilmington, as the state develops a proposal presenting Delaware as the ideal location for Amazon.

“Delaware is extremely well-positioned to be the site of Amazon’s second North American headquarters,” said Governor Carney. “We have a world-class workforce, and communities that are ideal places to live, work, and raise a family. Delaware is centrally located, with easy access to international airports, extensive railroads, shipping ports, and major interstates. Combine our location with the state’s ability to work quickly and collaboratively with government, business, and academic leaders, and it becomes clear why Delaware would be an attractive option for Amazon. The company is already creating jobs in Delaware, and our bottom line is this: Delaware stands ready to help businesses create good-paying jobs and grow right here in our state. We look forward to making our pitch directly to Amazon, and giving Delaware the best chance to secure the new headquarters.”

“Delaware may be small, but that’s what makes us so nimble when it comes to creating a nurturing environment for business,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “With our first-class workforce and easy access to major highways like I-95 and the northeast corridor railway, the First State would make a great location for Amazon’s second North American headquarters. Moreover, employees look for a place that their families can grow and thrive. Great communities, good schools, pristine beaches, proximity to major cities, and friendly people are hallmarks of Delaware and make it a great place to call home.”

“Delaware is the best place for Amazon’s second HQ because Amazon’s corporate values of excellence, agility, diversity, and inclusion mirror what we value and practice in Delaware,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “I’m proud of our business-friendly economy, our world-class workforce and ample space for commercial development. Which is just the reason why companies like Incyte, Bank of America, Chemours, and others chose to either have their corporate headquarters in Delaware, or a substantial presence in the First State. Amazon already has an impressive footprint in Delaware, and I highly encourage Mr. Bezos to continue to invest in Delaware by locating their second North American headquarters in Delaware.”

“Delaware, coined the ‘Diamond State’ for our central location and accessibility, has so much to offer Amazon’s expansion,” said U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “We feature a dynamic workforce, forward thinking leaders, and opportunity for growing businesses to thrive. Our size allows us tremendous flexibility and interconnectedness. We have diversity, arts, and cultural opportunities for employees to enjoy. Political and local leaders have a history of working together for our community, our businesses, and our neighbors. As our state economy continues to transition, Delaware is investing in jobs for the future and creating an ecosystem for growth.”

“We are pleased to work in partnership with the State and County governments and our Federal delegation to bring Amazon to Delaware,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “Naturally, I have a preference for the company coming to Wilmington, but this is a huge opportunity to provide employment for our City residents as well as those who live beyond Wilmington’s borders and to boost our local economy. Amazon will find that Wilmington and all of Delaware welcomes and supports business and knows how to help businesses grow and prosper. We appreciate this opportunity to show Amazon why coming here is the best move it can make.”

“Delaware is the premier destination for Amazon to tap into an exceptional workforce, extraordinary location, high quality of life and a responsive and responsible public sector,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “New Castle County is where Amazon should build for the future, and we look forward to collaborating to make that case.”

“Delaware has a well-earned and longstanding reputation as an excellent place to live and to do business,” said Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride. “Fortune 500s like Amazon flock here for our business-friendly attitudes and legal system, but we offer far more than the world’s foremost Court of Chancery. We also have one of the most skilled, educated workforces in America. We have easy access to I-95, rail, and the Port of Wilmington, in addition to the country’s best digital infrastructure. We’re within two hours of four major cities, and twenty minutes from Philadelphia International Airport. And we have a small, nimble government that values its employers and constituents, and can act quickly when they need something. Amazon knows that firsthand, since they already have two successful fulfillment centers open here. I speak for my colleagues when I say that I’ll do everything in my power to support our efforts to bring them to Delaware.”

“Delaware has been home to some of the best and most innovative companies in the world,” said Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf. “It’s my hope we can add a giant like Amazon. Being home to its second national headquarters would mean good-paying careers for residents. We have the advantage of location and flexibility. Being a state of neighbors, we can respond to any issues or questions they might have. I hope Amazon sees that and it gives us a leg up.”

“I am eager to begin work with all governmental agencies, including our municipalities, counties and State to achieve what I hope will be a long-term relationship between Delaware and the Amazon corporation,” said Delaware Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson. “Our strong business reputation for getting things done quickly and efficiently has always been rooted in our unique ability to work together to achieve results for the businesses that choose to call Delaware home.”

“Our size is an advantage,” said Delaware House Minority Leader Danny Short. “We can literally bring all the players to the table in a single room and be more responsive than perhaps any state in the nation. When DuPont and Dow merged, not many people would have believed we would be able to land the headquarters of two of the three resulting businesses, but that’s what happened. I think we have the same type of opportunity here.”

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Middletown Fulfillment Center Celebrates One-Year Anniversary by Doubling Hiring Expectations

Middletown –  Governor Markell released the following statement, as Amazon announced a significant milestone in hiring at its Middletown fulfillment center celebration. Today, Amazon invited the community to see its new 1.2 million square foot center. When the site began operating in October 2012, there were about 500 full-time employees.  When the state announced Amazon was opening its second fulfillment center in Delaware in February of 2012,  the company was expected to hire 850 people within three years as part of its commitment to the state.   Since that time, Amazon has doubled its hiring expectations and now employs more than 1,600 full-time employees at the site and expects to continue hiring.

“I congratulate Amazon on its continued expansion, which demonstrates the company’s confidence in Delaware’s workforce and business environment. We’re excited about this and other recent announcements of job growth in the state, while also recognizing that we still have much more work to do to grow our economy in a challenging time. That means focusing on an economic plan that includes workforce training, manufacturing, support for entrepreneurs and building on the strengths of our state’s key industries.”

Amazon also expects to hire hundreds of seasonal employees to meet customer expectations for the upcoming holiday season.    The company opened its first fulfillment center on the East Coast in New Castle, Delaware in 1997.  The second fulfillment center opened in Middletown October 9, 2012.