HAMLET — Amazon has barely broken ground on its data center complex, but is already showing its intent to invest in the community.
Roger Wehner, vice president of Economic Development for Amazon Web Services, announced during last Thursday’s ceremony that the company would be partnering with the Hamlet Fire Department for a substation on its campus.
Amazon will also be providing two fire trucks, equipment, uniforms and staffing costs for the first two years, according to Wehner.
“We’re doing this, honestly because, safety on our sites and our facilities is our number one priority,” Wehner said. “There’s nothing more important to us … and we want to make sure that our first responders have everything they need.”
The substation will not just serve the Amazon campus, but will also serve the roughly 900 residents in the area south of Hamlet, according to Wehner. Having the substation should improve HFD’s rating for that area, which, in turn, should lower premiums for the residents’ homeowners insurance.
Amazon's Roger Wehner holds up a copy of "Where the Wild Things Are" during a groundbreaking ceremony at Cole Auditorium.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Prior to that announcement, Wehner said that Amazon had partnered with some in the community for a school book drive. Several books were used as decorations around the stage and Wehner held a copy of “Where the Wild Things Are.”
“Y’all may know we have a strong affinity for books, it goes back to our history,” Wehner said. “We believe that reading is transformational.”
Porcha McDonald, a second-grade teacher at Monroe Avenue Elementary, thanked Amazon for its investment in the community.
“What makes Amazon’s arrival in our community so special is that they have proven to be true partners in education from Day 1,” McDonald said. “They came to build relationships. They asked schools what we needed, they listened carefully, and, most importantly, they followed through.”
McDonald said the books and supplies received “are wonderful,” but what excites local educators is Amazon’s long-term investment into Richmond County students’ futures through STEM programming, career tech curriculum and training opportunities.
Monroe Avenue teacher Porcha McDonald thanks Amazon for its investment into the future of Richmond County.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“These aren’t just resources, they are stepping stones in the future careers of our children,” McDonald said. “Thank you Amazon for showing us what real community partnership looks like. Just like the new books for our classrooms, we can’t wait to read the next story of this chapter together.”
Wehner said Amazon is proud of its partnership with Richmond County.
When the data center project was first announced in June, AWS said it was creating the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund to supply grants of up to $10,000 to educational instiutions and nonprofits.
“We want to grow with the community, not just in the community,” said Wehner. “That’s a hallmark of how we try to operate.
“When we work together … we translate our significant investment … and turn that into opportunity, jobs, economic vitality and prosperity in the local community.”
