Sault Ste. Marie submits Amazon bid

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

It's official: The City of Sault Ste. Marie has joined the bid to land Amazon's second headquarters. The City's bid was submitted electronically today and couriered to Amazon for overnight delivery.

"I want to commend City Council for its ambition and the committee for its very good work in completing and submitting a compelling bid," says Mayor Provenzano. "This bid demonstrates our strengths as a community and our commitment to working with companies of all sizes to develop, grow and succeed in Sault Ste. Marie."

At its September 25 meeting, Council voted unanimously to submit a bid for Amazon's second headquarters. Councillors Matthew Shoemaker and Ozzie Grandinetti tabled the motion that hopes to land the $5 billion project with as many as 50,000 jobs. A committee consisting of Councillors Shoemaker, Myers and Grandinetti spearheaded the City's effort to submit the bid.

"If we don't land Amazon's headquarters, at least we can say that we made an honest effort to do so, and in the process, we may entice other businesses to take a second look at Sault Ste. Marie," said Councillor Shoemaker on September 25. "I am proud of our community and the support we have received for this initiative. We have submitted an incredible package that highlights our strengths, is honest about our weaknesses, but that, through it all, promotes the Twin Saults as an ideal location for Amazon," added Shoemaker today.

While some the information in the bid is confidential, key highlights of the City's bid include:
  • A robust description of the benefits that the 'Twin Saults' provide businesses such as the competitive advantage of locating in two countries, while providing a natural balance of family, environment, growth and innovation;
  • Identification of potential sites for the new headquarters;
  • A strong outline of the 'Twin Saults' talent, skills and workforce; and
  • Letters of support from various community leaders and organizations.
"We are pleased to have developed and submitted a solid proposal at a minimal cost," says Al Horsman, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Sault Ste. Marie. "This has been a good exercise in compiling our many strengths as a community. I thank all those involved including Council, Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, the Innovation Centre and City staff who worked to put an excellent bid together in such a short time frame."

Further information about the bid, including excerpts from the bid, will be made available in the coming weeks.

According to the RFP, the deadline for submission is October 19, 2017. Site selection is expected in 2018.
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