Local officials’ confirmation that Amazon.com, the country’s largest online retailer, is negotiating a proposal to build two large distribution centers here represents another welcome economic milestone for the Chattanooga region.
If negotiations are successfully concluded, the Amazon.com proposal would generate an estimated $164 million investment in facilities at two sites – one at the Enterprise South industrial park next to Volkswagen, and one in Bradley County – and up to 1,400 total jobs with average salaries of around $32,000. Regardless of the outcome, the fact that Amazon.com has engaged so intensely in negotiations over the past couple of months to place facilities in this area can only further enhance the community’s economic potential in the eyes of other companies seeking new business locations.
Amazon’s interest may not be linked to the billion-dollar investments already brought here by Alstom and Volkswagen, and Germany’s Wacker Chemical in Cleveland. But like the auto parts supplier plants that are being drawn here by VW, Amazon almost certainly would have given this region a closer look in its search for a new distribution site because of the top-tier companies that have already selected the Chattanooga area, over many competitors, for new business development.
The synergism created by the first big new plants to come to the city clearly builds the sort of momentum that attracts others. At their core, the growth in economic development reflects crucial, major investments by local and statement governments in the metro area’s infrastructure and amenities, and a dedicated commitment to quality long-term growth.
Development of the Enterprise South industrial park, a certified megasite for utility infrastructure, has taken more than a decade of effort and immense investments for utilities, energy, transportation and site preparation. It has also required a reinforced commitment to public education and worker training programs.