Griffo And Picente Urge Amazon To Consider Utica-Rome Area

State Senator Joseph Griffo and Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente are responding to Amazon’s decision not to build a corporate headquarters in New York City by writing a letter to Jeffrey Bezos, the company’s CEO, and urging him to consider the Utica-Rome area as a possible location for a facility.

The full text of the letter is included below:

Feb. 14, 2019

Jeffrey P. Bezos
Chief Executive Officer
Amazon.com Inc.
410 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109-5210

Dear Mr. Bezos,

We are writing in regards to Amazon’s decision to cancel its plans to establish a corporate campus in New York City. As elected leaders who believe strongly in partnering with the private sector to create jobs and opportunity, we are disappointed in the crass political gamesmanship that has caused Amazon to reconsider its decision to locate HQ2 in Queens.

While HQ2 is not going forward in Queens, we can assure you an investment by Amazon in the Utica-Rome area of Upstate New York would be greeted with open arms. This region is centrally located, possesses a state-of-the-art airport and offers great home values, wonderful schools and a hard-working and highly-skilled workforce. In addition, as one of only 7 UAS approved test sites in the nation, the existing and emerging drone-related technology at Griffiss Business and Technology Park would be a tremendous asset to your company. In short, this region and its residents embody the spirit and ingenuity that Amazon is looking for when it comes to potential sites to build a facility.

As Amazon considers its future needs, we ask that you consider the Utica-Rome region. Whether it’s opening a new satellite corporate facility, expanding drone research and testing or establishing a fulfillment center or distribution hub we are ready and willing to be a partner with Amazon in any endeavor you choose to pursue.

Our area would benefit greatly from the jobs and economic infusion that a company such as yours would bring if it chose to establish a presence here and would serve as a great ambassador for Amazon.

If you have any questions about the area and what it can offer your company, please do not hesitate to contact either of us.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Griffo                                                 Anthony J. Picente Jr.
State Senate, 47th District                                        Oneida County Executive