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Indy Makes Top 20 List For Amazon HQ

 

 On Thursday, Amazon announced the 20 cities being considered for its new headquarters, and Indianapolis is on the list. Some see the placement itself as a victory, but remain skeptical about the city's chances.

 

Amazon is deciding where to build “HQ2,” an up to 8-million square foot facility it says could produce 50,000 jobs. Indianapolis submitted a bid with Fishers, and was chosen as a top 20 candidate among 238 total proposals.

Steve Brunson works for McGuire Sponsel, an Indianapolis consulting firm. Brunson says ranking in the top 20 is a victory in and of itself, and says low business taxes and a culture of community help the city stand out.

But he says its biggest hurdle will be providing the necessary workforce.

Brunson.mp3

“We don’t have as many people to pull from as a lot of those other cities. So when Amazon’s looking at this from that perspective, it’s looking back to that culture of community – can they get people to move here.”

Some nearby cities that made the cut are Columbus, Ohio, Chicago and Nashville, Tennessee. Gary did not make the list. Amazon’s decision is expected to come by the end of the year.