WRAL TechWire: Duke Energy exec to Amazon- ‘Your next HQ should be in North Carolina’

Date Published:

by WRAL TechWire — December 13, 2017

CHARLOTTE – David Fountain, North Carolina President for Duke Energy, is telling Amazon that North Carolina should be the winner in the bidding war for its massive second headquarters project.

“As a lifelong North Carolinian, I have always been impressed by the collaborative spirit of our state — diverse people, ideas and resources coming together to enhance the vitality of our communities. It’s this collaboration and innovation that make Duke Energy proud to serve communities and customers here. And it’s this collaboration and innovation that make North Carolina a great fit for Amazon’s second North American headquarters.” Fountain wrote in a “Letter to Amazon” that was published at political news site The Hill on Wednesday.

The letter headlined “Your next HQ should be in North Carolina” was published as sponsored content, meaning The Hill was compensated for carrying it.

North Carolina has emerged as a leading contender to win the project.

“Amazon empowers people across the world to seize the opportunities of today’s digital economy. They understand that an idea can turn into something much bigger if given the right tools. We know that Amazon would thrive here in North Carolina — not just in the business sense, but as part of our community. And we want to make sure they have the right tools to succeed. For us, that means providing affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy,” Fountain says.

The state of North Carolina through the Department of Commerce submitted multiple bids to Amazon for the $8 billion project that Amazon has said would create some 50,000 jobs. The winner from more than 200 applications is expected to be announced in 2018.

North Carolina also recently launched a marketing campaign including ads on buses and through social media in Seattle, where the ecommerce giant is based.

Fountain touts Duke Energy as having “powered” North Carolina’s “economic transformation, from agriculture and textiles to advanced manufacturing, health care and high-tech sectors. And we’re preparing to serve our state for the next century.”

He also points out that North Carolina has emerged as a provider of solar energy.

“A cleaner, smarter energy future requires collaboration — working with customers and communities to meet their unique energy needs,” Fountain says. “Just as we work with our existing customers and communities, we want to help light the way for Amazon to succeed in North Carolina.”

Original Article Source