Omaha and other cities are finding out why Amazon didn't choose them for the home of its second headquarters and the Greater Omaha Chamber says we should not be disappointed.
It's like you're interviewing for a job and you don't get it, but instead of the company just moving on, it gives you complete feedback. That’s what Greater Chamber CEO David Brown say Amazon did for Omaha. “That's an unusual step for economic development clients to take. Usually they just say we appreciate your interest and they move onto the finalist, but in this case they were willing to spend some time with us.”
Brown knew it would be a tough battle for Amazon's second headquarter as the city was up against more than two hundred other applicants. “We thought it made sense for us to put a bid in for this thing even if we felt that we weren't going to be their top ten choice right off the bat."
Although Amazon didn't choose Omaha, Brown says officials left impressed by Omaha's authentic lifestyle, but in the end, the company's decision came down to population. He says Amazon was looking for more of an international airport and also more choices when it comes to transportation.
Brown says he’s grateful the company went above and beyond in giving feedback and now Omaha is being written about in ways it hasn't before. “We’re being noticed by a lot of different places that may have not noticed us otherwise,” Brown said. “That's why we bid for this.”
He says that just the fact Amazon even looked at Omaha makes the city more marketable.