Press Releases
10/19/2017
Gov. Malloy Announces Connecticut’s Submission for Amazon’s Second Headquarters
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith today unveiled the State of Connecticut’s proposal for Amazon’s second headquarters, which includes sites in the Hartford and Stamford regions. Last month, Amazon announced that it was seeking a site for a second headquarters – known as “Amazon HQ2” – in North America, which will create tens of thousands of additional jobs.
“Connecticut is filled with spirit and ingenuity, and is the perfect location for a global company like Amazon to position its next headquarters,” Governor Malloy said. “Our state is home to cutting-edge industries that are in the growth and innovation sectors, and we have one of the most in-demand talent pools in the nation, with an educated and skilled workforce that is second to none and guided by some of the country’s top educational institutions. We take pride in the accessibility, convenience, and interconnectedness that our small state offers, and the rich heritage of inclusiveness, diversity, and equity upon which our country was founded. Connecticut meets the needs of a forward-moving, 21st Century company like Amazon to succeed and thrive.”
“Amazon is an innovative company that competes for top talent, embraces strategic, energy efficient development, and promotes civic and philanthropic engagement within the company and among its employees,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Connecticut, already home to several Amazon facilities, is a very good match to achieve those goals – and more – in their second headquarters.”
“This proposal is the culmination of a lot of hard work at both the state and local level. Throughout this process, people came out of the woodwork to provide creative ideas, sign letters of support, and roll up their sleeves to help out,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said. “We also had input from the legislature, our federal delegation, multiple state agencies, municipalities, our colleges and universities, partners in the private sector, and residents. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support – it was a true all state effort. We will hope for good news from Amazon in coming months.”
Connecticut’s quality of life, diversity and inclusiveness, and strong educational systems are just a few of the aspects highlighted throughout the proposal.
**Download the State of Connecticut’s Amazon HQ2 application here. Additional documents on Connecticut’s proposal can be found by visiting CTisPrime.com.**
The department is not providing any details regarding financial assistance in order to preserve the ability to enter into direct negotiations with the company. The financial incentive package will include direct incentives for Amazon, as well as funding to support needed investments in communities benefiting from Amazon’s growth.
“We are confident that Amazon will find everything it is looking for in Stamford,” Stamford Mayor David Martin said. “Like the other Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and the wonderful people that call Stamford home, we believe Amazon will discover that Stamford is the place to be. Stamford is primed and ready to go!”
“We’re proud to submit a strong proposal for Amazon’s HQ2, highlighting the assets of the Greater Hartford region as a whole,” Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said. “Our region has tremendous talent, great quality of life, and the cultural richness of metro areas many times our size. Put those strengths together with our engaged corporate community, the affordability of housing, and our location at the center of New England’s Knowledge Corridor, and you have a very attractive package for Amazon or any employer. Landing Amazon anywhere in Connecticut would be a win for the entire state, and I think this process should remind us just how much we have to offer when we think of ourselves and market ourselves as one unified metro area.”
“We are very excited to be a regional partner in the submission of this proposal to Amazon and showcase the attributes that Greater Hartford has to offer as the epicenter of the 21st Century knowledge economy,” East Hartford Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc said. “Our communities have long been at the forefront of American innovation and ingenuity, and are leaders nationwide in education, quality of life and culture – at the crossroads of New England. Amazon’s HQ2 will be a great benefit to our state as a whole, bringing exciting new opportunities for growth and collaboration across our region.”
**Download: State of Connecticut’s application to Amazon [PDF]
**On the web: Visit CTisPrime.com for additional materials