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Amazon HQ2: how local towns like Pryor are benefiting from big tech

Posted at 5:16 PM, Oct 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-19 06:44:51-04

Google's impact in Pryor is far reaching.

Mid-America Industrial Park said Google's investment is about $2-billion, possibly the largest investment in Oklahoma history.

The search engine picked Pryor as a site 10 years ago and its campus has been growing.

"They brought a real credibility to Mid-America and to Oklahoma showing that a project of that size can be that successful," said John Schaffitzel, with Mid-America Industrial Park.

Part of that success is with the local tax base-- with Google in Pryor, the school district says it's self-sustaining and doesn't rely on the state aid formula anymore.

On top of that, the tech giant has helped the school district with robotics programs, mentoring and volunteer support.

Schaffitzel said Google s changing the workforce landscape.

"We have high tech here at the park now that we didn't think we could've had before and we have the people here, communities are growing and thriving because of it," said Schaffitzel.

Google also donated $200,000 in 2013 to help Pryor build a community WiFi network.

 

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