HAMLET — Students from Monroe Avenue Elementary joined corporate and local government officials in a ceremonial groundbreaking for Amazon Web Services Thursday at Cole Auditorium.
“These young people represent exactly why we’re here,” said Morgan O’Connor, senior manager of Construction Management for AWS, “to build not just a data center, but a foundation for their future.”
Amazon officially started clearing land at Energy Way Industrial Park about a month ago for its planned data center campus, which will eventually feature 20 buildings on site. The company plans to make a $10 billion investment — the largest in state history.
“You’re going to see a lot of changes over the next several months,” said Mike Bedell, general manager and vice president of Walbridge Southeast, the Charlotte-based construction firm working on the project.
Morgan O'Connor of Amazon Web Services and Mike Bedell of Walbridge Southeast briefly discuss the progress of the site.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Walbridge has cleared about 250 acres of the more than 700 acres in the industrial park, according to Bedell, who added that recent rains have actually helped.
Bedell also said Walbridge has worked on several Amazon campuses in the past and noted that there are many subcontractors, vendors and suppliers that are interested in being a part of the project.
“That’s what makes this project so unique,” O’Connor said. “It’s not just about what we’re building, it’s about how we’re building it. Every piece of equipment and every team out there represents the opportunity — and we’re just getting started together.”
Richmond Community College President Brent Barbee called the groundbreaking “a transformative moment for Richmond County.”
“What makes this occasion truly special is the foundation we’re building for our community’s future,” Barbee continued. “This project represents more than jobs — it represents opportunity, innovation and growth for generations to come.”
Barbee said the college has been working with Amazon to create a specialized training program that will equip students and the community “with skills needed for tomorrow’s technology driven workplace.”
Richmond Community College President Brent Barbee talks about the partnership with Amazon and what the project means for the community.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Thirty-two students earned a certificate in Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing during a two-day course held earlier this week.
One of those students, Jessie Dadzie, spoke during the ceremony.
“Not only did I learn what fusion splicing is, I learned valuable new skills that’s relevant to today’s workforce and opens the door to real career opportunities,” Dadzie said.
“This collaboration between education and industry represents the best of what’s possible when we work together for a common goal, creating opportunities right here in Richmond County,” Barbee said.
Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt said the Amazon project means hundreds of new careers for local residents as technicians, engineers, operators and support staff. The company plans to hire at least 500 employees over the next 20 years.
Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt talks about the impact of Amazon on the county and state.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“These are good-paying positions that will anchor this community for decades,” Hunt said. “It means local businesses will benefit from increased activity in this region. Richmond County is sending a message that we are open for business, we are ready for the future and we will make sure every citizen has a chance to participate.”
Hunt said state and local officials must ensure that the workforce remains local and that the benefits of the investment “ripple throughout our community,” including expanding broadband internet service so that all homes can connect, strengthening the public schools and community colleges, and supporting small businesses.
“Let us build the jobs, skills and futures rooted here in North Carolina,” said Hunt. “Let us show that rural communities … can lead in the tech economy that growth can lift everyone, and that when we invest in people, we invest in the promise of this state.”
The RO will have more from the ceremony in later stories. See photos from the event on the RO's Facebook page.
