Amazon HQ2

[15895]

It was a great video.  The speaking style was weird but it was great 

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, AirNostrumMAD said:

It was a great video.  The speaking style was weird but it was great 

They were trying to make it like a free style rap. so bad. SO BAD

[KJHburg]

2 hours ago, ricky_davis_fan_21 said:

They were trying to make it like a free style rap. so bad. SO BAD

I like the content but not so sure on the free style rap as mentioned above.  Some of those uptown shots did not have lit up buildings which is strange to me I would have used some different uptown shots with the skyline lit up like a candle.  Oh I will be glad when this America's Most Incentives Given City contest ends.  First round of the cuts is Dec. 1 

[Master of the Universe]

I took it as an attempt at spoken word poetry, not rap. 

[Cadi40]

Can't wait for Newark New Jersey to get it because of their Incentives. The up side is people are definitely going to move from Newark due to the already high taxes and the even higher ones to come. 

[HighRiseHillbilly]

1 hour ago, Master of the Universe said:

I took it as an attempt at spoken word poetry, not rap. 

I assumed this as well, and I kind of get it.

It was overall kind of crazy/cheesy, but it was at least lively and more or less well made. 

[Popsickle]

35 minutes ago, Cadi40 said:

Can't wait for Newark New Jersey to get it because of their Incentives. The up side is people are definitely going to move from Newark due to the already high taxes and the even higher ones to come. 

They won't go to the crap hole known as Jersey regardless of how much money they throw at Amazon. 

[Cadi40]

53 minutes ago, Popsickle said:

They won't go to the crap hole known as Jersey regardless of how much money they throw at Amazon. 

I guess that's true. I happened to really like the Video, Even though It wasn't the best I don't think any other city really blew it out of the ball park with their videos. IMO They should fly to the cities that make the shortlist and see it in person. There's only so much you can do from a computer screen in Seattle. 

[KJHburg]

Amazon worthless list of the day. Best cities for Amazon #7 New Orleans?  and Seattle is in the top 10 if that was the case they would not even being looking.   This is from REIS, 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/11/02/atlanta-getsskunked-in-new-ranking-of-best-amazon.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2017-11-02&u=oAaDx%2B74FoP4qOJ%2By4AU6dhJPpc&t=1509673850&j=79102621#g/423577/10

 

 

[Cadi40]

The reasons they picked the cities is because of Higher Education and Tech Labor. One thing in common in most of the cities - The cost of living is too high. I don't know why these writers for these articles find it so hard to imagine that people are going to move to where ever amazon picks for Tech. If the cost of living is too high it also means that constructing the HQ Would cost a lot more than in a cheaper city. Just my two cents. 

[deleted]

Regarding the video, it was corny and not exactly what I would have focused on but I still loved it.  I'm a sucker for pro-Charlotte videos (that one they played before Hornets games was awesome, IMO).  I thought the city looked great...

[kermit]

I think its safe to say that nobody outside of Charlotte will ever see that video. At the preliminary stage Amazon isn't going to look at anything other than some basic stats, a rough site plan and the incentives numbers. Nobody in Seattle is gonna watch 253 videos.

[cjd5050]

39 minutes ago, kermit said:

I think its safe to say that nobody outside of Charlotte will ever see that video. At the preliminary stage Amazon isn't going to look at anything other than some basic stats, a rough site plan and the incentives numbers. Nobody in Seattle is gonna watch 253 videos.

These videos carry no weight in the process and you're right that the numbers you mention are all that matter right now.  That said, it would be negligent for the site selection team at Amazon to not watch each of these videos.  There is an entire group of people on the site selection team and I am sure they also have interns.  I have no doubt that all applications and content like this will be reviewed and a one-sheet created on each application.  

This whole thing, is in large part, a PR stunt.  A stunt that could turn negative pretty quick.  Amazon getting caught in some way completely ignoring applications would be a PR nightmare.  I'll give you an example.

Buffalo/Rochester submit a bid with zero chance.  They do something 'unique' in the video or application.  2 weeks later a Buffalo News 'journalist' tracks down someone at Amazon to do a story about the HQ because they don't have much to write about and are milking everything they can about the possibility of Amazon coming.   An ooops happens and it's obvious the application for Buffalo/Rochester was never taken seriously.  Maybe a detail in the video overlooked.  We'll the Buffalo News runs with a story that some mid-level manager showed how Buffalo never had a chance.  The mayor of Buffalo gets involved and publicly slams Amazon.  The city council passes a resolution asking all of Western New York to boycott Amazon.  The Congressman wants to get a taste and suggest hearings need to be held regarding any public money being used to help that awful Amazon get money off the backs of hard-working Americans...that he represents in the fine city of Buffalo NY.  

You may think the above paragraph is a joke but it's exactly how small-minded most cities and leaders in those cities are.   They are full with sensitive people who celebrate any list that puts them in any top 20 and grabs a pitchfork for anyone who insults them.  

I would say out of the 253 videos, 225 are submitted by places like this.  

 

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by cjd5050

[Popsickle]

4 minutes ago, cjd5050 said:

These videos carry no weight in the process and you're right that the numbers you mention are all that matter right now.  That said, it would be negligent for the site selection team at Amazon to not watch each of these videos.  There is an entire group of people on the site selection team and I am sure they also have interns.  I have no doubt that all applications and content like this will be reviewed and a one-sheet created on each application.  

This whole thing, is in large part, a PR stunt.  A stunt that could turn negative pretty quick.  Amazon getting caught in some way completely ignoring applications would be a PR nightmare.  I'll give you an example.

Buffalo/Rochester submit a bid with zero chance.  They do something 'unique' in the video or application.  2 weeks later a Buffalo News 'journalist' tracks down someone at Amazon to do a story about the HQ because they don't have much to write about and are milking everything they can about the possibility of Amazon coming.   An ooops happens and it's obvious the application for Buffalo/Rochester was never taken seriously.  Maybe a detail in the video overlooked.  We'll the Buffalo News runs with a story that some mid-level manager showed how Buffalo never had a chance.  The mayor of Buffalo gets involved and publicly slams Amazon.  The city council passes a resolution asking all of Western New York to boycott Amazon.  The Congressman wants to get a taste and suggest hearings need to be held regarding any public money being used to help that awful Amazon get money off the backs of hard-working Americans...that he represents in the fine city of Buffalo NY.  

You may think the above paragraph is a joke but it's exactly how small-minded most cities and leaders in those cities are.   They are full with sensitive people who celebrate any list that puts them in any top 20 and grabs a pitchfork for anyone who insults them.  

I would say out of the 253 videos, 225 are submitted by places like this.  

 

 

I'm glad you included this paragraph. 

While Amazon, does not have to and should not watch each and single video.  They have their own criteria and cities that don't meet that criteria, honestly, most likely, their bids will not be taken seriously. 

And secretly, Amazon already knew of all the cities bids prior to submission....Alexa is always listening. *Removes tinfoil hat* 

[teeg]

If it were my operation, every video is watched.  And then, one of my small teams of people with important sounding titles visits every applicant city for a couple of hours to meet the mayor, city council, chamber of commerce, and visit the city's top site proposal.  And then, for all but the handful or finalists, Jeff Bezos sends a short customized video to the city:

"Hey there [city name]!

I wanted to personally thank you for expressing interest in our new HQ2.  I can tell that you really put your heart and soul in to your application.  We were so impressed, and really enjoyed the [unique, funny, etc] video where you [________].  Our site selection team thought your city was amazing, and still can't stop talking about how much they loved the [local specialty] they ate at [local cafe name].  

We're about to announce the list of finalists for HQ2, and I wanted you to hear from me personally that while [city name] did not quite make the list, we still love [city name]!  We love you so much that we're giving everyone in [city name] a free month of Amazon Prime AND a $5 [Prime Pantry, video, or digital music] credit.  

Thanks again, [city name].  I look forward to stopping by for a visit next time I am in [state name]"  

[Popsickle]

48 minutes ago, teeg said:

If it were my operation, every video is watched.  And then, one of my small teams of people with important sounding titles visits every applicant city for a couple of hours to meet the mayor, city council, chamber of commerce, and visit the city's top site proposal.  And then, for all but the handful or finalists, Jeff Bezos sends a short customized video to the city:

"Hey there [city name]!

I wanted to personally thank you for expressing interest in our new HQ2.  I can tell that you really put your heart and soul in to your application.  We were so impressed, and really enjoyed the [unique, funny, etc] video where you [________].  Our site selection team thought your city was amazing, and still can't stop talking about how much they loved the [local specialty] they ate at [local cafe name].  

We're about to announce the list of finalists for HQ2, and I wanted you to hear from me personally that while [city name] did not quite make the list, we still love [city name]!  We love you so much that we're giving everyone in [city name] a free month of Amazon Prime AND a $5 [Prime Pantry, video, or digital music] credit.  

Thanks again, [city name].  I look forward to stopping by for a visit next time I am in [state name]"  

So, even if a city doesn't meet your RFP you still do this?  Is this not wasted resources? From a marketing standpoint it could be worth it. But Amazon continually does things that piss people off, and it has not hurt them. 

But still a waste, three months after some mayor from nowhere, Middle America gets has a hissy fit and gets put on the news for a local Amazon boycott, a day later everyone will forget or not care.  And yet, again, we have more wasted resources. 

I guess, everybody just wants to feel special...

I've been a firm believer from the beginning that Amazon does not give two craps about cities that don't meet their RFP.  

 

[cjd5050]

1 hour ago, Popsickle said:

I'm glad you included this paragraph. 

While Amazon, does not have to and should not watch each and single video.  They have their own criteria and cities that don't meet that criteria, honestly, most likely, their bids will not be taken seriously. 

And secretly, Amazon already knew of all the cities bids prior to submission....Alexa is always listening. *Removes tinfoil hat* 

I have no doubt they know the city.  Just saying that the PR stunt only works if they put on the facade of an opportunity.  There are people in Buffalo/Rochester who actually are debating why Amazon will go there with even more seriousness than in this thread to Charlotte.  

[Popsickle]

5 minutes ago, cjd5050 said:

I have no doubt they know the city.  Just saying that the PR stunt only works if they put on the facade of an opportunity.  There are people in Buffalo/Rochester who actually are debating why Amazon will go there with even more seriousness than in this thread to Charlotte.  

Spot on, facade, it's all just a political BS show by most cities. Resulting in wasted taxpayer time and money. 

[teeg]

4 minutes ago, Popsickle said:

So, even if a city doesn't meet your RFP you still do this?  Is this not wasted resources? From a marketing standpoint it could be worth it. But Amazon continually does things that piss people off, and it has not hurt them. 

But still a waste, three months after some mayor from nowhere, Middle America gets has a hissy fit and gets put on the news for a local Amazon boycott, a day later everyone will forget or not care.  And yet, again, we have more wasted resources. 

I guess, everybody just wants to feel special...

I've been a firm believer from the beginning that Amazon does not give two craps about cities that don't meet their RFP.  

 

I would do it, and would not consider it wasted resources.  I would count it as a marketing investment.  People do like to feel special, and I think the payoff for my plan is highest in cities that actually have the lowest odds of landing the headquarters.  And it would not be that expensive of an investment.  Give me 18 people (6 teams of 3) and a couple of planes, and we could knock out the full list in less than 2 weeks.  

[KJHburg]

Atlanta is getting a huge site ready for a HUGE company .   If I was in Vegas betting on this search I would put my money on the ATL. 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/video/2017/11/city-filing-could-hint-at-gulch-plans-for-amazons.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2017-11-03&u=oAaDx%2B74FoP4qOJ%2By4AU6dhJPpc&t=1509739890&j=79109761

[kermit]

^ and it would be over top of an Atlanta commuter rail station (and where the SEHSR service from Charlotte would terminate). As I said before, true HSR service between Atlanta and Charlotte (like the privately funded system currently under construction between Houston and Dallas) would create 1.5 hour downtown to downtown rides. This would be significantly faster than flying -- a banker could leave Gateway station at 8 and walk into a meeting at Amazon before 10.

Edited November 3, 2017 by kermit

[Cadi40]

5 hours ago, KJHburg said:

Atlanta is getting a huge site ready for a HUGE company .   If I was in Vegas betting on this search I would put my money on the ATL. 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/video/2017/11/city-filing-could-hint-at-gulch-plans-for-amazons.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2017-11-03&u=oAaDx%2B74FoP4qOJ%2By4AU6dhJPpc&t=1509739890&j=79109761

Would be great if we got a wave of development like that. We need a Hard rock Café, Some sort of Entertainment district (larger than the epicenter or music factory) And another large mixed use project such as the Turner Field Project. I honestly could care less where Amazon ends up, If anything I don't want it here. It would raise taxes, Encourage big corporations and discourage small businesses. Charlotte has a good mix of large companies and small ones and I don't want that to change. 

[elrodvt]

14 hours ago, Cadi40 said:

Would be great if we got a wave of development like that. We need a Hard rock Café, Some sort of Entertainment district (larger than the epicenter or music factory) And another large mixed use project such as the Turner Field Project. I honestly could care less where Amazon ends up, If anything I don't want it here. It would raise taxes, Encourage big corporations and discourage small businesses. Charlotte has a good mix of large companies and small ones and I don't want that to change. 

I don't like this idea.  We have the genesis of a decent downtown area which we need to grow rather than creating another disconnected fake entertainment district in a field somewhere, put a hard rock there, and say look "we're just as good as Atlanta". But then I can't imagine who wants to go to a Hard Rock other than tourists. If we make our downtown/uptown a better place to live more people will want to visit. That will happen organically. As a resident I avoid epicenter at all costs unless I need to go to CVS. To each his own I guess.

[lewy2000]

http://tcrn.ch/2lRomQy

Amazon chose Vancouver for a second corporate office (with 1000+ jobs).

This is an obvious signal that 2nd tier east coast cities have no shot since their ONE advantage is lower costs. Vancouver is arguably the most expensive city in North America, and they chose it anyway.

They are going to either Boston, NYC or DC.

 

[Durhamite]

On ‎11‎/‎4‎/‎2017 at 12:35 PM, elrodvt said:

I don't like this idea.  We have the genesis of a decent downtown area which we need to grow rather than creating another disconnected fake entertainment district in a field somewhere, put a hard rock there, and say look "we're just as good as Atlanta". But then I can't imagine who wants to go to a Hard Rock other than tourists. If we make our downtown/uptown a better place to live more people will want to visit. That will happen organically. As a resident I avoid epicenter at all costs unless I need to go to CVS. To each his own I guess.

Why does it have to be disconnected or what is wrong with the epicenter?   I like downtown Atlanta, it's who southerners  are at the core and anything else is simply denial.  It has a bunch of overrated tourist attractions, some not so bad.   When I visit downtown DC, NYC, etc I'm not there to visit "how" or "where" people live or hit up some random watering hole in Cleveland Heights or Easter Market (DC).  Well, unless I know them or someone takes me there.  It's all about the overpriced tourist trap for outsiders (Georgetown, etc) and I say the more gaudy entertainment venues the better in uptown Charlotte....live music, anything even it seems "fake".   I wish a NC city had a casino downtown.   Uptown Charlotte ain't ever gonna be downtown Charlestown, never.  Or have a strip like the 16th mall in Denver (yep, I liver there as well). I hope you didn't move uptown  with the slightest of those expectations.  Let the fringe neighborhoods be the soul of the city.

Quite honestly,  prior to the epicenter, what was the other tourist or action draw to go uptown/downtown other than a smattering of restaurants and bars....now they have movies, bowling, sort of centralized "action" area.   I know this, I visited Charlotte a ton over the past decades and recently relocated from there.    All I am saying is both can co-exist and doing anything organic isn't the Charlotte way...keep Chalotte "fake", I like it that way.

As for the topic, no NC city has a chance in hell of getting that HQs.  No NC city particular really needs it...we don't have  the infrastructure to support it.  Just a big dose reality.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2017 by Durhamite