  Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 137 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
The largest search engine company is coming to Michigan. 313 www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ticle?AID=/20060710/NEWS99/307 100004 | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 209 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 66.174.79.236 |
This is exactly the direction Michigan needs to move in. Approximately 1,000 jobs, the average pay at $50,000. Sure beats the $115/month the average ScAmway Independent Business Owner makes. | ||
Rokk_krinn Member Username: Rokk_krinn Post Number: 44 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.249.60.2 |
Am surprised there was no rumblings of this on this forum... this took me by surprise. Anyone else? | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 542 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.4 |
What, no room in Detroit? LOL (but crying a little inside too) BTW, any luck on Quicken Loans' decision yet? | ||
Mauser765 Member Username: Mauser765 Post Number: 863 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 4.229.54.155 |
A2 baby - birthplace of a little application known as "PhotoShop". | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3480 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
More the merrier I say!! | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1654 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 134.215.223.211 |
Great news! It is sad to see that Detroit didn't get the headquarters, but it seems a lot of high tech companies are choosing A2 over Detroit. I know access to highly educated workers is one big reason. Does anyone know if infrastructure plays a role in this? Does A2 have internet infrastructure that gives it an advantage over Detroit? | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 133 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.131.176.232 |
I knew that Google was considering Ann Arbor, but I honestly thought that Boston or Denver would get it. I'm glad that they chose Ann Arbor. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3483 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Any idea specifically where in A2 yet?? Other than in the general area?? I'm curious as to where they'll set up shop now. | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 1041 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.221.79.9 |
AA is only 90 miles from Detroit. Be happy. | ||
Michael Member Username: Michael Post Number: 741 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.74.9.14 |
Funny. Then how is it that I always seemed to make it there in about 30 minutes? | ||
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal Post Number: 852 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
"Does A2 have internet infrastructure that gives it an advantage over Detroit?" - Bvos That is an excellent question. I know Comerica has their IT operation center in Auburn Hills (AHOC). I always wondered if they were out there because of infrastructure issues or as a Diasaster recovery strategy. I would think with the addition of Compuware and GM that it isn't an issue, but it would be interesting to hear from someone that that has experience in this field. | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1389 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 207.145.38.104 |
You drive too fast? (Message edited by machoken on July 11, 2006) | ||
Michael Member Username: Michael Post Number: 742 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.74.9.14 |
Hardly. My point is that the distance between A^2 and Detroit is more like 45 miles. I know, I drove that route for a year and a half for work. | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1390 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 207.145.38.104 |
Yes, Ann Arbor is definitely not 90 miles from Detroit. Is Jackson even 90 miles from Detroit?? | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1391 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 207.145.38.104 |
No, the center of Jackson is only 76.5 miles from the center of Detroit. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4515 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.84.88 |
That would keep the unemployment down to 5.7% HAH Granholm is doing fine job brining the jobs to Michigan. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 556 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
Detroit can't get everything people... "I know access to highly educated workers is one big reason." <--- There is a higher percentage of educated workers in Detroit than A2 with all the colleges and universities around here. U of M is not the end all be all for educated workers. However A2 does not have all the taxes Detroit does and it's a more "desirable" place for families as a draw for workers. Hell who knows, people may move into the Detroit area and commute to A2, people do it all the time | ||
Michael Member Username: Michael Post Number: 743 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.74.9.14 |
It is not a big shock to me that they chose Ann Arbor, after all, one of the founders graduated from there. | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 791 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.220 |
Great news for SE Michigan! | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1663 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 134.215.223.211 |
Vision, I just checked the Census website and, as I thought, in Detroit only 11% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher. 69.3% of Ann Arbor residents have a bachelor's or higher. The two cities are no where close. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 561 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.43.107.72 |
By the way rumor i've heard from an employee of quiken loans is that they will be moving downtown | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 134 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.131.176.232 |
"I just checked the Census website and, as I thought, in Detroit only 11% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher. 69.3% of Ann Arbor residents have a bachelor's or higher." Well, 11% of 900,000 (Detroit) is more than 70% of 100,000 (Ann Arbor). But that's besides the point. Detroit, and most other major cities were never in the running. I think they were looking for a college town specifically. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 560 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
Iheart, that was my point. I guess the word percentage was incorrect. But you are most likely right about the college town theory. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 1712 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234 |
If you are comparing raw numbers of those who have a bachelor's degree or higher, also remember to compare the number of people who do *not* have a degree (Detroit's 801,000 vs A2's 31,000). It's an important part of the equation and says a lot about how a community values education, and educated people. I think that's why looking at the percentages vs. actual numbers is a good guide for something like this. A2 is a great spot for this, in lots of way. (Message edited by dialh4hipster on July 11, 2006) | ||
Michael Member Username: Michael Post Number: 744 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.74.9.14 |
With the state of our fair state, I would say Michigan (state of) is a great spot for this. | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 136 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 69.136.155.244 |
Really? You really think this is an example of how the state of MI can best diversify and grow the economy for the benefit of all their residents? Do you really prefer to see the Granholm administration focus on keeping perhaps a thousand recent college grads from leaving to get jobs in another state, while the rest of the state economy languishes and many workers at all income levels suffer? I think this is a clear admission by the Granholm administration that the SBT is a barrier to job creation. However, rather than work on fixing the problem, the Granholm administration prefers trying to pick and choose winners by granting special tax breaks. By focusing on competing for the few large employment projects that come along each year, they are turning their backs on the thousands of potential small business creations/expansions which are hamstrung by the SBT. Why settle for a thousand new $50K jobs through special tax breaks when instead, by making permanent changes to the state business tax policy, you could have a thousand $50K jobs plus a thousand $40K jobs, a thousand $30K jobs and a thousand $20K jobs...... | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 112 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
How come no can ever tell me how the SBT has "killed jobs?" I do the hiring for my company here in MI (two locations), and my boss never says... man if we could only create this job in Ohio (where the company is based) we would save a ton of money. Plus there is the thing that most people don't know, that Granholm is already getting rid of the SBT, it is already scheduled. How can you turn the great annoucncement of a high tech company moving a significant portion of their operations here form California into a bad thing? This is a whole division folks, and in fact the one that actually generated the revenue for Google. I love how MikeG disputes if this is diversification of the Michigan economy... of course this is, and of course it is good for the state. Any other view is foolish and self-vindicating for those with a specific political agenda. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 1714 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234 |
Yeah, I like how getting 1000 jobs for college grads is a bad thing for one of the least educated states in the country. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1872 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.72.6 |
I agree Jd...this is diversification. I give much more credit to Google for deciding to come here than to the gov for her "political victory" (good fortune really), but Mikeg seems a little bit misguided. If 1,000 (that's a lot) white collar jobs come here, that is sure to create more low paying jobs in the SERVICE ECONOMY, (which represents the future of entry level jobs everywhere, due to the economic truth that is outsourcing of low-paying manufacturing jobs). The service economy itself is broad and diverse, and with 1,000 new well-paid workers in the area, there will be more services being requested. I'm a little let down that the article said "Ann Arbor area," meaning we'll probably get another office park down by I-94 or something (however it's not like Main St. needs more traffic). And regarding this rubbing off on Detroit--perhaps the next move once their in Washtenaw county will be create satellite offices in Tech Town--possibly recruiting Wayne State people? | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 513 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
"outsourcing of low-paying manufacturing jobs" Um, a shitload of outsourced manufacturing jobs are actually high-paying. | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 137 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 69.136.155.244 |
I did not say that this announcement was bad news for MI, it is in fact good news and it will help diversify the MI (not A2 area) economy. What I took issue with was the the statement that "this is exactly the direction that MI needs to move in". I think it is short-sighted policy for govt. to pick and choose winners and what we exactly need is a long-term solution and we need it now. If Granholm is really committed to eliminating the SBT, what the hell is she waiting for - things to get worse? If the SBT is not an impediment to job creation, then why was it necessary for Granholm to give a $38M SBT tax credit to Google? | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1874 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.72.6 |
Agreed on that. SBT is like hindering all businesses, so that a few can be brought into the market. That's correct. Between this backward system, and the school funding scheme created under proposal A, this state has got some messed up programs. Yeah Burnsie, sometimes that is the problem itself. They were too high paying in the global context, and now they are GONE. | ||
Spaceboykelly Member Username: Spaceboykelly Post Number: 158 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.246.28.145 |
I'm not sure if anyone has already posted this, but one of Google's founders graduated from U of M in Ann Arbor. Google has made a habit of hiring people [like my good friend] straight out of U of M. It makes sense that they'd locate AdWords HQ there. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 514 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
Mackinaw-- I'm not saying they weren't too high-paying in the global context-- I just thought it was weird how you labeled them as low-paying. | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 242 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.148.87.134 |
This would come as no shock to anyone who'd been reading Ann Arbor blogs like ArborUpdate for the past year or so when Google first started shopping around for sites in the area. As for internet infrastructure in Ann Arbor -- it is where Internet2 is based, and is where Merit/MichNet is based. But that's probably not why A2 was chosen over Detroit. It was probably more to do with the large and well-ranked university which puts out a ton of engineers each year who can't find jobs locally (many of them actually ending up at Google already), the academic culture in the town not to mention the counter-culture, the existing high tech startup scene, the concentration of new and used bookstores and people actually reading them and all the coffee shops to meet and read them and (the real internet infrastructure) sit and get online with their laptops with the freely available wifi. I don't think it has to do with taxes either considering what state they decided to go and found the company in -- California. | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 243 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.148.87.134 |
Mackinaw, there's no room around downtown Ann Arbor for a Google and their 1000 people. Who knows if it will even be as close to the city of A2 as the 94/State office park area. It could very well be in east/northeast Washtenaw County (only 12 miles to commuters in northwest Detroit!). | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1877 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.72.6 |
Well there isn't a completely correct label, Burnsie, but to be clear, I wasn't saying that all manufacturing jobs are or should be low payig. There is low-skilled, low paying. Then advanced-skilled, higher paying. You also have to consider that entry level pay even for skilled workers is usually a lot lower, and for this reason, aged employees get fired. Then there is the effect of unions... | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2011 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244 |
Mikeg please think before posting. While I’m not a fan of SBT and do believe that a simpler tax needs to be installed the SBT is not a job killing tax. Was the SBT a job killing tax during the boom of the Clinton era when Michigan was one of the strongest states? Lets me help you out on a few points. 1. Jobs have become a commodity that are in demand throughout the US. States are competing for these jobs so they offer deals to bring them to their state. Other states offer tax breaks to create jobs and these states don’t have an SBT. Companies have the power because of the US economy (or Bush) and all states are willing to bend over backwards to please them. 2. Jen Jen did not create Michigan’s problems the big three were here long before her. No matter who was governor Michigan would still be hurting because long ago we hitch our wagon to manufacturing economy (automotive mostly) and now we are paying the price for not diversifying the economy over the years. 3. Now if you want to plan someone for the SBT blame the fat man himself Engler. He was the governor during the boom times when Michigan had more money then we knew what to do with. We had surplus after surplus spending more money then we do today. That was the time to get rid of the SBT (and would be the easiest time to do it) not when the state is struggling to balance the budget every year. So I ask you why didn’t fat man get rid of it then? Now I’m not saying vote for Jen Jen because she was dealt a shitty hand I just saying you have to look at the big picture. Remember she tried to dramatically change the way the SBT was which would have cut taxes for a large percentage of companies but the Republican voted it down because insurance companies that have more money then they know what to do with would have received a tax increase. Signed , Undecided who I am voting for | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1878 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.72.6 |
Yeah Tomoh, I'm betting on something near Domino's or perhaps close to the Canton border. It will be sprawling, to be sure. You can't say there isn't room in downtown A2. This would be a prime opportunity to finally build something tall there. I just wouldn't want the traffic and parking issues, though. | ||
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy Post Number: 2680 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.221.68.243 |
Ron, Since you give DeVos the "blame" for Amway jobs, does he also get the credit for DeVos Place, DeVos Children's Hospital, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Orlando Magic, etc. jobs? 1,000 Google jobs and 300 Toyota jobs added = good 2,000 Honda jobs and hundreds of thousands of other (KMart, Big 3, etc.) jobs lost = bad | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 114 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
No, DeVos does not get credit for that. His father gets credit for that. | ||
The_aram Member Username: The_aram Post Number: 4960 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.41.124.8 |
Let's not also forget that one of the co-founders of Google is a UM alum. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 515 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
No, DeVos doesn't get the credit for that stuff, since virtually all of it stemmed from his old man's money. | ||
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy Post Number: 2681 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.221.68.243 |
Burnsie/Jdkeepsmiling, the same could be said for Amway. So bashing Dick DeVos (the son, not the father) for Amway is invalid. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 566 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
^= the reason I love this forum | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 138 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 69.136.155.244 |
Translation: If you don't hold the same kind of views that I do, I get to belittle you and make myself feel good at the same time. BTW, if "thinking before posting" could be somehow mandated as a requirement on this forum, most threads would be a whole lot shorter.
Translation: There will never be a good time to get rid of the SBT. It usually takes a significant emotional event, like a near-death experience, to create the climate for making long-needed restructuring. The competition will eventually provide that impetus for companies that defer making the hard decisions (like the Big 3). What kind of impetus will it take for the State of Michigan to ditch the headcount-based Single Business Tax in favor of one that is based on the profits generated by the business? Common sense says that the SBT will influence managers of existing Michigan businesses towards delaying the timing of their new hires (or moving the location of new hires if they have that option). What is debatable is the strength of that negative influence and I'm sure it varies greatly across different companies and business sectors. What should not be debatable is any notion that the SBT has a positive influence on hiring decisions. Republicans and Democrats both agree that the SBT needs to be scrapped because it is a drag on growth. What they can't agree on is when they will absolutely have to do something about it. So in the absence of a significant emotional event, the party in power in Lansing continues to award SBT tax breaks to select large businesses that are willing to come to MI and nothing changes for the small businesses already here in MI. Small businesses are where most job growth potential lies and the state should scrap and replace any taxes that penalize an employer just for adding a Soc Sec number to their payroll. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2013 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244 |
Have a different opinion I just want you to think and be informed. I notice you didn't dispute anything I wrote.
No my point was the fat man drop the ball in my opinion. The best time to get rid of the SBT would of been when there was a surplus because we could afford to change it to profit based or gross receipts which are a couple of the ideas being tossed around now.
Like I said I have no problem with getting rid of the SBT but you are wrong when you blame the governor. No one actually has a problem with the SBT when they are making money. No one has a problem hiring employees when that employee will bring higher profits to the company. Common sense says people have a problem paying a tax when there company is losing their ass.
The governor cannot do anything without approval of both houses. Both state's houses are currently controlled by the Republicans. The Dems have the governor’s office so I do not see how either party is in power. We have a government of checks and balances both houses need to approve those tax credits you hate so much. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1050 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Dick DeVos has to be saying crap right now because of this announcement. Dick DeVos cannot really take much credit for the things in Grand Rapids. The convention center was being built anyways, it was originally named Grand Place until Dick's daddy gave a chunk of change for the naming rights (also happens to be connected to the hotel he owns). Another thing is that Dick likes talking about that he is former Alticor President, but he is one of their largest stockholders. Although the argument that DeVos shipped jobs to China is a bad argument at best and not in the Dems best interest. DeVos saw an investment opportunity in China (one of the fastest growing economies in the world) and jumped at a way to make a company with a bad reputation some badly needed money. Think about it, when someone says Amway to you, do you think of great things, not really. Why do you think they changed the name to Alticor. And they expanded to create Quixtar, which most people involved with do not even know that it is just Amway renamed and rebadged and brought into the modern internet age. The thing I personally have wrong with Alticor/Amway/Quixtar, is how they and their largest stockholders support lots of causes that I do not agree with. But that is their right and their money, I just will not choose to support their company with my money, but that is everyone else choice. I wish Dick would be more open about their dealings (like for example releasing his tax return like most politicians do). They are running the campaign that the less you know the better, but in reality the more people begin ot know about DeVos, the less I think people will like him. But back to Google, this is huge. This is exactly the kind of jobs will need to be courting and bringing to this state. Much like the google founder, we should use the great people that have come from here and court them to bring their business back. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 518 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
Metrodetguy wrote, "the same could be said for Amway. So bashing Dick DeVos (the son, not the father) for Amway is invalid." Huh? That statement is worded strangely. I merely said that DeVos Sr. is the one that deserves credit for all that named stuff because he started the company and made the money. | ||
Ray Member Username: Ray Post Number: 720 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.209.191.126 |
This is a great day for Michigan and (disliker her though I do) a great accomplishment the Granholm administration. Adwords isn't just a division, it's the whole revenue model so this is a very strategic part of google. It may be a bit more sales and administrative oriented than the heavy lifting back in Mountain View. Google is an unorthodox company and its founders have ties to U of M. They are kind of wacky, and prone to do offbeat things, like move facilities to wacky places such as Michigan. Consequently, I don't think we can leverage this into a trend of relocation by major, mainstream information technology firms to Michigan. It's sort of a one shot deal. However, if we are smart, we will leverage the hell out of this to help drive new company formation in Southeast Michigan. It is also a much-needed psychological boost. Thank you, Google! | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 352 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
I doubt Google being here will convince out-of-town firms to relocate...however, some start-ups may STAY, rather than relocate. Though Google is high-tech, Adwords isn't really all that glamourous. This office will most likely be sales and marketing focused. Still very good for the region, considering the number of marketing and advertising folks being let go from the Big 3's agencies. | ||
Brandonz Member Username: Brandonz Post Number: 35 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 68.40.195.29 |
If only we can talk them into actually locating in Ypsilanti... a few former industrial sites that will have plenty of room... and near future commuter rail. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1667 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 75.10.21.159 |
Brandon, I can't think of any sites in Ypsi near Depot Town that could hold the new Google site. There are a few near the highway (the old Visteon/Ford plant for one) but those are no where near the possible light rail station. | ||
Perfectgentleman Member Username: Perfectgentleman Post Number: 104 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 71.227.26.121 |
This announcement has to be put in perspective. As of today, Google has only about 5600 employees worldwide. If you believe that they are going to hire 1000 people in Ann Arbor anytime soon, you are dreaming. That would represent close to a 20% increase in their global workforce. They will add people slowly, over many years, and only if they see decent revenue from this new initiative. Based on the performance of some of their recent ventures, this is questionable at best. The fact that the tax breaks were based on the SBT is very significant, it makes the case that DeVos, Brooks Patterson, and the Republican House have been right all along. This seems like a little gift from the lefties at Google who want to see Jenny re-elected. They announce some vague plan to hire 1000 people and Jenny gets some good press. So far there are 7 jobs in Michigan listed on the Google site. Hopefully there will be much more soon.... | ||
Brandonz Member Username: Brandonz Post Number: 37 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 68.40.195.29 |
The Motor Wheel site would be doable, no? And next to the Corner Brewery. And techies love beer. Visteon was the other idea (a Google shuttle from the train station?) In any case, I think Ypsi needs to at least pursue the possibility... Google probably doesn't even know Ypsilanti exists, and it is certainly within the "Ann Arbor area"... and certainly less likely to face NIMBY opposition/delay from any possible construction... | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1669 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 75.10.21.159 |
While Ypsi would be a cool idea, I don't think it has the infrastructure to do a Google deal at this point. A high-tech campus for 1,000 people uses a lot of land. Much, much larger that the Motor Wheel site. I do think that there could be some positive spin off for Ypsi from the Google deal especially if light rail connected A2 and Ypsi, but I seriously doubt they'll come to Ypsi no matter how hard the city lobbied. I think the best Ypsi can hope for is to get some of the Google workers moving into town. A big win for Ypsi would be getting a supplier for Google moving in to Ypsi. | ||
Brandonz Member Username: Brandonz Post Number: 39 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 68.40.195.29 |
Well, they are considering downtown Ann Arbor, which, to me, seems to have less space than these large Ypsi brownfields. Though I don't exactly have a sense of how many square feet 1000 workers would need, admittedly. | ||
Kilgore_south Member Username: Kilgore_south Post Number: 118 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 204.110.228.254 |
Perfectgentleman - I swear some of you conservatives see a dark conspiracy around every corner. Somehow Google's anouncement is really a statement about Michigan state politics and the SBT. WTF... Anyway I'm just hoping that Google will enjoy it so much around here that they might expand into the D. Lots of office space up for grabs... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2427 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.125 |
From what I heard today, Texas has instituted a SBT. Let's just see what happens there..... | ||
Dtwphoenix Member Username: Dtwphoenix Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.190.215.201 |
Ypsi Visteon, GooglePlex East http://maps.google.com/maps?f= q&hl=en&q=ypsilanti&ie=UTF8&ll =42.234555,-83.608317&spn=0.01 9001,0.045662&t=h&om=1 - great freeway access - great visibility from the freeway - yet a half mile from downtown ypsi - urban yet suburban - it would have great views overlooking ford lake from the upper floors - there are parks adjacent to the north and south for all the Googlers to walk their dogs at lunch. -The Marriott at Eagle Crest is across the freeway for out of towners visiting the facility. -The site is well connected into AA/Y public transit. This would allow easy access to the facility for interns and summer interns from Michigan or Eastern, as well as any employee in the AA/Y area wanting to take the bus. -some crazy Googlers might even canoe to work. Downtown Ypsilanti has a lot of potential. A large corporate campus on that site could really transform Ypsilanti. btw: going from 2 to 5600 employees in 8 years is a much higher growth rate than 20% a year. I have trouble dreaming of a better situation than one of the world's most admired companies moving the headquarters of their most profitable unit to SE Michigan. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 1047 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.242.223.42 |
"Though I don't exactly have a sense of how many square feet 1000 workers would need, admittedly." One consideration, which hasn't been discussed, is the possibility of them being telecommuters. That type of high-tech worker doesn't take up much office space at all. It's convenient, that telecommuting... Last year, I had a telecommuting gig as a technical writer/editor for Freescale Semiconductor (and Metrowerks) in Austin. | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1327 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.60.143.186 |
I just find it hard to fathom that someone from East Lansing with a dad who taught at MSU went to school in Ann Arbor. Just goes to show you Mr. Page wanted a quality education.  Hey if the conservatives can turn this into being about the SBT I wanna make it about MSU bashing. | ||
Crash_nyc Member Username: Crash_nyc Post Number: 630 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.193.161.193 |
A good friend of mine works for Google at their Times Square offices in NYC, and he has it made in the shade! Google is one of the best employers in the country. Here are a few of the perks he enjoys: -Comprehensive benefits. Doesn't have to pay a penny for anything. -Generous annual bonuses, stock options, and vacations -Free gourmet lunch, served daily in their cafeteria -Fun work atmosphere, complete with games, pool tables, foosball, etc. -Transportation costs covered -Casual attire permitted every day -On-premesis childcare -Free laundry service. Bring your laundry to work, and it's ready by the end of the day. -Great holiday parties (including New Year's Eve, to watch the ball drop in Times Square) Granted, he's one of the higher-paid idea/creative people, but most of their employees enjoy many of the same perks. He had to go through a pretty exhaustive process to land the job -- something like a dozen interviews, and numerous trips to the Googleplex in CA. Don't know about the "1000 jobs" thing in Ann Arbor though... By throwing out a statement like "1000 jobs over 5 years", Google lands itself in a pretty nice position to score huge tax breaks, without ever being obligated to deliver anything past simply setting-up shop. A LOT can change in 5 years in this business -- 5 Years in the tech world is equal to perhaps 20 years in most other businesses. WIth A2, Google has simply found a hip town in a financially struggling state that is thirsty for big-business. The location will be good for Google's "cool company" image, and taking advantage of Michigan's financial position will end up saving them a lot of money. In the long run, A2 and Michigan will undoubetdly benefit less than Google itself, but all things considered, I think it's a win-win deal. | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 234 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 68.42.171.59 |
If one of the originators was from AA and had a drink, he knows about Ypsi. Many AA folks hung out in Ypsi. | ||
Publicmsu Member Username: Publicmsu Post Number: 658 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 71.65.11.17 |
Sounds like geek porn to me. :| | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 135 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.131.176.232 |
I'm pretty sure Google is anti-telecommuting. One of the reasonings behind Google offering so many free, on-site services to their employees is so that they spend less of their time away from the office. They try to create an environment that you don't want to leave in hopes that it boosts productivity. | ||
Mgd04 Member Username: Mgd04 Post Number: 163 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 70.229.231.102 |
Google should be moving to downtown Detroit. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 354 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Can we just ban further discussion of where Google should be moving instead of Ann Arbor, and focus on the positive that it is coming anywhere NEAR us? Conventional logic says they SHOULD BE moving to Denver, Boston, Chicago, any number of cities besides Ann Arbor, so lets not focus too much on where they SHOULD be, because it's probably not here. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2017 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244 |
Personally I think Google should move to Delrayo Rancho. That is the place to be. | ||
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy Post Number: 2682 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 70.228.57.223 |
Burnsie wrote, "I merely said that DeVos Sr. is the one that deserves credit for all that named stuff because he started the company and made the money." Kilgore, how is discussing other real-world factors that possibly/probably played a role in this matter (conspiracies) any different than the conspiracies that liberals also "see around every dark corner". Huh? Burnsie, that "reasoning" is applied strangely. I merely said that DeVos Sr. (primarily) started/funded all of those entities, including Amway. Therefore you can't "blame" DeVos Jr. for Amway, without also giving him credit for the other entities. Also, if the offspring of a founding father cannot be given credit for their own separate accomplishments in continuing the family business, then someone better clue in The Waltons, Taubman Brothers, Fords, Farbman Brothers, Terry Adderly, John Rakolta, Karmanos Brothers, Sam Burnstein's kids, etc. | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 1649 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 67.36.21.222 |
http://www.mlive.com/news/aane ws/index.ssf?/base/news-18/115 27152409090.xml&coll=2 | ||
Pjazz Member Username: Pjazz Post Number: 47 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.212.57.249 |
Great News! Way to Go Jenny!! | ||
Mike Member Username: Mike Post Number: 641 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.41.93.235 |
I was just working in AA the past few days. The people there different greatly than those in Detroit. And its not a skin color thing either. AA has somewhat of an uptight population that are very needy and have high expectations. Detroit on the other hand has people who are just happy that you are helping them and do not expect the extra mile. But it did seem like everyone in the AA area was educated, rich, and upstanding. Even the college kids are not poor. But maybe thats just the area that I was working in. AA is not your typical college town in the since that even those kids have to either be incredibly smart to be there (full scholarship ride) or come from rich parents. I would consider living in AA, however, its about a 30-45 min hike to the central city (Detroit) which is kind of far for concerts, arts, events and such. AA is nice, but it still does not have the draws that a central city has. | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1404 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.61.100.126 |
I and many others I know did not have a full ride (or much of a ride at all) and I didn't come from rich parents. This was 6-10 years ago though, I think there have been reductions in the availability of federal student loans. | ||
Pkatmsu Member Username: Pkatmsu Post Number: 6 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 69.14.88.98 |
The Van Andels and DeVos families did start the company and yes they did earn the money. I'm not going to object to that. As for deserving their name on the buildings that they have helped fund, I also agree that they are completely deserving. HOWEVER, it seems that they only care to get their names on the buildings. After the business is open, the buildings have begun to fail or the businesses are failing. They have their names on all those medical related buildings in Detroit but then they cut a high percentage of the nurses that work and screwed them pay wise. I grew up in GR and it seemed like a race between the families for awhile there, who could get their name on the most buildings... |
