Amazon’s potential HQ2 sites leaves many cities disappointed

Associated Press

Amazon’s move to whittle its list for a second headquarters leaves more than 200 municipalities disappointed. Here are statements from some of the places that didn’t make the tech giant’s cut to 20 contenders:

Detroit

“We would have loved to have made it into the next round for Amazon’s second headquarters but everyone here is incredibly proud of the proposal we submitted,” Mayor Mike Duggan said. “It showed a clear vision for the future of our city and brought out the very best of our city and our region.”

Memphis, Tennessee

“We came together and gave it our best shot,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “The good news is that this exercise showed us new ways to showcase our city that we are already using to attract other businesses.”

“Memphis has momentum and other companies have seen and will continue to see our value”

The city offered Amazon $60 million in cash incentives.

Kansas City, Missouri

“I can understand that some Kansas Citians may be disappointed, but it’s important to remember that as a result of this very collaborative effort, more people today know more great things about Kansas City than they ever did before,” said Mayor Sly James. “Kansas City will continue to develop transformational projects and partnerships that continue the momentum you feel in every block and every neighborhood of this great city. We truly are a city on the rise, and I look forward to our exciting future.”

Delaware

Delaware’s Gov. John Carney and the state’s congressional delegation said they were “of course” disappointed not to be chosen.

“But we used this opportunity to showcase all the options in Delaware not just for Amazon, but for any business looking for a location to set down roots and grow,” they said. “In that respect, Delaware’s effort — which brought together leaders in the public and private sectors to promote our great state — was a resounding success. Going forward, we’ll do everything we can to support Philadelphia’s application, to help bring Amazon to our region.”

New Hampshire

“New Hampshire’s groundbreaking proposal to recruit Amazon was the most comprehensive business marketing plan our state has ever produced,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. “While we always knew that our bid was considered a long shot, we are excited that it is already serving as a template for other businesses that now have New Hampshire on their radar. Our commitment to economic and workforce development is already yielding results. We will never stop emphasizing that New Hampshire is open for business, open for workers, and open for opportunity.”

New Hampshire’s Amazon proposal was centered in Londonderry and emphasized the state’s lack of a sales or income tax.

San Diego

“While disappointed San Diego/Chula Vista did not advance, we are not at all surprised,” said Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. “We knew that this would be a long shot based on geography and incentive options, but we also know that as a region, San Diego can most definitely compete with others in terms of talent, entrepreneurship, innovation and quality of life.”