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Press Releases

Contact: Steve Jensen
860-524-7377
Steve.Jensen@ct.gov
February 4, 2013

AGREEMENT WITH AMAZON WILL CREATE HUNDREDS OF JOBS

Amazon Plans to Invest $50 million in State; Revenue Collection to Begin in November

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Amazon today announced that over the next two years, Amazon will invest $50 million in Connecticut and create hundreds of new full-time jobs. The Governor made the announcement at the same time that he announced an agreement under which Amazon will begin collecting sales tax revenue in the state.

"All in all, this is a win for our state's taxpayers, our main street retailers, and our workforce," said Governor Malloy. "Amazon's multi-million dollar investment and the hundreds of jobs that will come with both the construction and operation of their future facility will unquestionably boost our local economy. Their agreement to begin collecting revenue is a great step, but federal action on this issue is still necessary."

"These are two more significant steps that our administration is making to create jobs and maximize our revenues whenever possible," Lt Governor Wyman said. "This will both put people to work and help balance the budget, and we welcome Amazon as our newest partner in our effort to create long-term prosperity for Connecticut."

Under current federal law, out-of-state retailers cannot be required to collect tax on sales to Connecticut, leaving consumers with the burden of paying state use tax and facing penalties for failing to pay the tax. Beginning in November 1, 2013 - prior to the most significant months of sales - Amazon will start collecting and remitting state sales tax.

"We thank Governor Malloy for his strong commitment to Connecticut jobs and investment," said Paul Misener, Amazon vice president, global public policy. "These are good paying jobs with good benefits that will contribute to the fabric of Connecticut communities. We are delighted to make this announcement today, and look forward to working with Governor Malloy toward passage of the legislation now being considered by Congress that would finally resolve the sales tax issue, level the playing field for all retailers, protect states' rights and allow states to collect the revenue owed."

"With strong support from Governor Malloy, this has been one of our top priorities for over a year now," said Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Commissioner Kevin Sullivan. "It's a great result for our consumers and businesses, state and local revenue, new investment and new jobs. Amazon is a great company. Good tax policy can be good business policy too."

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle Paperwhite is the most-advanced e-reader ever constructed with 62% more pixels and 25% increased contrast, a patented built-in front light for reading in all lighting conditions, extra-long battery life, and a thin and light design. The new latest generation Kindle, the lightest and smallest Kindle, now features new, improved fonts and faster page turns. Kindle Fire HD features a stunning custom high-definition display, exclusive Dolby audio with dual stereo speakers, high-end, laptop-grade Wi-Fi with dual-band support, dual-antennas and MIMO for faster streaming and downloads, enough storage for HD content, and the latest generation processor and graphics engine-and it is available in two display sizes-7" and 8.9". The large-screen Kindle Fire HD is also available with 4G wireless, and comes with a groundbreaking $49.99 introductory 4G LTE data package. The all-new Kindle Fire features a 20% faster processor, 40% faster performance, twice the memory, and longer battery life.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com , www.amazon.co.uk , www.amazon.de , www.amazon.co.jp , www.amazon.fr , www.amazon.ca , www.amazon.cn , www.amazon.it , www.amazon.es and www.amazon.com.br . As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment and data center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

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