Amazon HQ2 in NH?

In an interview with the Concord Monitor, Gov. Chris Sununu said that his office is going to “aggressively go after” Amazon’s second headquarters. 

The tech giant invited cities to apply for the new headquarters after outlining many requirements, from tax incentives to good internet connections.

The second headquarters will generate up to 50,000 jobs with salaries over $100,000.

Could NH be a new tech hub?

According to Sununu, recent business tax cuts, the creation of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and New Hampshire’s highly educated population are all attractive to Amazon.

“With what we’ve done with business taxes, with what we’ve done with driving some of the other high-tech companies into New Hampshire – creating a brand if you will – we’re getting more known for driving more of those kinds of companies here.”

- Gov. Chris Sununu

Is chasing Amazon a waste of government time?

Amazon has several requirements that New Hampshire cannot meet, however. The company is seeking a population center larger than 1 million people. The entire population of New Hampshire is just 1.3 million.

Amazon also wants public transportation and close proximity to a major international airport.

In an editorial, the Union Leader also argued against special treatment for Amazon.

“Handing out tax incentives to big corporations just passes the burden on to small, less politically powerful taxpayers. As long as politicians are going to hand out special treatment, businesses like Amazon are going to seek it out.”

- Union Leader editorial

Do you think New Hampshire should aggressively pursue Amazon’s second headquarters? Let us know in the comments.