In response to the news that a bid by Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties has put South Florida in the running to become the home of Amazon's HQ2, several members of Florida's congressional delegation have joined the effort to push South Florida to number one. The tri-county area is one of the top-20 finalists--chosen from among a group of 238 applicants. Winning could mean up to 50,000 high-paying jobs and $5 billion in investment in the state.
Led by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, 15 lawmakers have signed onto a letter to Amazon chairman, president and CEO, Jeff Bezos, to make a compelling argument about why South Florida is the ideal location for the corporation's second headquarters.
The area boasts several outstanding colleges and universities from which a "well-educated, culturally diverse, multilingual and talented workforce" can be drawn. It also has a first-rate transportation network that includes a new high-speed rail commuter train service, one of the largest cargo ports in the nation, and an international airport.
Studies have shown that happy employees are more productive, which is another reason South Florida is the optimal location. It is urbane and has a thriving performing, visual and literary arts scene and on days off, life can literally be a beach!
"South Florida is not only home to an existing high-skilled workforce that Amazon will need to fill most if not all of the positions it will offer, but is also a location that will attract the best and brightest from across the nation and indeed the globe," said Congresswoman Wilson, for whom bringing jobs to her district is a top priority. "In addition, this business environment will be hard to beat. We offer the best of both worlds: an innovative and intellectually vibrant climate and a physical paradise!"
"South Florida is one of the fastest-growing areas for high-tech in the country. The Tri-County region offers a talented workforce, great educational opportunities, and an unbeatable business environment. The entire region is thriving, and a top-rated company like Amazon would do very well here," said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20).
"If Amazon is looking for a vibrant region with a highly-skilled workforce, a global transportation hub, and idyllic beaches and tropical climate year-round, then welcome to sunny South Florida!" said Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22).
"South Florida is one of the great international regions of the world. It has a highly diverse workforce, a variety of transportation options, and unparalleled year-round outdoor recreation," said Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21).
"I'm proud to join my colleagues to champion our slice of paradise as the perfect home for both new businesses and those seeking to expand. From top notch educational institutions and rich cultural diversity to international market access and an economic climate that favors entrepreneurship, South Florida has it all. I urge Amazon's leadership to give our wonderful community full consideration as it seeks a home for its new headquarters," said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27).
"South Florida is clearly a prime location for Amazon's new headquarters," said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). "From our multilingual workforce to our sophisticated transportation network and an atmosphere of culture and recreation that is second to none, South Florida is the right place for Amazon to make its second home."
