DevelopOhio

Amazon’s recent announcement that it will build two new distribution centers in central Ohio (see our November 20, 2015 blog post) may bring even more business to the area by boosting its reputation as a distribution hub, The Columbus Dispatch reports. Amazon’s plan “to build two massive distribution centers in Franklin and Licking Counties . . . is expected to generate interest from similar companies and lead to more projects in the area,” according to local development officials. Brad Kitchen, president of Alterra Real Estate Advisors in Columbus, said, “[i]t certainly shows credibility to the market and other parts of the country when Amazon plans distribution centers here.” Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said Amazon’s decision to locate here “is similar to Honda’s decision to build a plant in Ohio, which drew suppliers and more auto-related business to the region,” according to the article. Bubb said, “[i]f people see Amazon coming to Ohio and then Obetz and Licking County, that sends a message of, ‘Oh, my goodness. Amazon doesn’t make that decision willy-nilly. They think that through strategically.’”