Amazon has asked New York City employees to go to City Hall and support HQ2



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The memorandum was brief and precise, and the fact sheet highlighted some of the points of discussion that illustrate how the company is approaching its upcoming public relations offensive. The information leaflet is brightly colored and organized much like a subway map of New York City, titled "Amazon <3 NY". It says "some details on how Amazon's investment will benefit New Yorkers", including $ 27 billion in tax revenue claims will help the city and the state with transportation and transportation needs. public housing, as well as new schools. In the memo, Amazonians are asked to clarify the points of discussion before going to the audience and are informed that they can ask questions. to City Council via email or Twitter if they can not attend the meeting.

Here is the text of the e-mail:

Subject: You are invited | Audience at the City Hall for the new Amazon Headquarters in Queens

To all the Amazonians of New York,

You are invited to attend the next hearing at City Hall to show your support for our new headquarters in Queens.

City Hall is accessible by the N, R, W subway lines of the city center.

Attend New York City Council Hearings January 30

The city council is holding a series of hearings with representatives of Amazon. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, January 30 at City Hall. The hearing starts at 10:00. However, you will need to arrive about an hour early to check in.

If hearings interest you but you can not commit, you can ask the Council a question via email or Twitter. Please click here for more details. You can download this fact sheet on Amazon's partnership with New York and find ways to get more involved. Click here for more details.

This is Amazon's latest public relations blitz initiative, which involves sending flyers to Queens residents and hiring some of the city's hottest lobbyists. But asking their employees to join the front lines of this battle, although legal, could be perceived as a pressure and some employees seemed put off by the memo. An Amazon representative has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Two weeks ago, residents of Queens found on their doorstep pamphlets signed by the online commerce giant wishing them a happy new year, and all that Amazon will offer the city once the seat is open. "The announcement of our new headquarters on Long Island was the beginning of what we hope will be a long and mutually beneficial partnership between New Yorkers and Amazon," he said.

Since the announcement of QG2's plans, Amazon has been met with fierce local resistance. The city is already facing budget problems and infrastructure problems, many of which are likely to be exacerbated by the partnership. Despite the fact that Amazon is touting all the money she will bring back to New York, she neglects to mention the huge tax breaks offered by the city in exchange for her selection for the company's new headquarters.

In addition, as New York Times According to some reports, the company has also sent leaders and lobbyists to various municipal events to garner support and build goodwill. Amazon representatives in recent weeks have hosted dinners with local businesses, as well as private meetings with elected officials. In a statement to the TimeBrian Huseman, Vice President of Public Policy for Amazon, said, "We have met with small business owners, educators and community leaders. We are excited about what we mean by them and the work we are doing together. "

And the push is just beginning. Politico New York reports that the company has been busy bringing together New York's most powerful lobbyists, spending $ 80,000 a month to advance their interests. This includes an "annual lobbying contract of $ 60,000 per year and $ 5,000 per month" with lobbying firm Featherstonhaugh, Wiley and Clyne, among others.

politico written:

Amazon also pays Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson, LLP an estimated $ 120,000 for one year of lobbying. Their hourly rate? $ 1,180 – $ 1,550 hourly for the work of its partners, $ 1,075 – $ 1,140 for legal counsel, $ 575 – $ 1,000 for partners and $ 295 – $ 420 for legal badistants Amazon also hired Greenberg Traurig at $ 30,000 a month, Whiteman Osterman and Hanna at $ 15,000 a month, and Yoswein New York at $ 20,000 a month. SKDKnickerbocker works for Amazon pro-bono, a lobbying registration filed at JCOPE salons.

But the question remains: will New Yorkers be conquered? Of course, since the agreement is reached, is it even important?

If you know Amazon's HQ2 projects, contact us.

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