GE representatives to tour Atlanta soon as part of HQ search (Morgan: credit, how much)

[AtlantaIsHot]

Originally Posted by No2Monsanto

So basically it's battle of the biggest tax breaks.

I'm not the biggest fan of incentives but we are no longer living in a world where national economies are protected. All we are told is that these giant companies and their investment capital backers (the capital "herd") can move around the world with ease and no one can stop them (making or breaking economies in the process). Not even national governments. We are told that if any one location decides not to bow to the whims of the "herd," they can pack up and stampede elsewhere and begin grazing anew. We are told this is "globalization." In fact, some now say that multinationals and the global capital investors are largely immune to regulatory authority at all and that the nation-state is losing it's sway. We are told that corporate powers like GE are so powerful that governments must now chase after them and to gain their favor, must suspend their regulatory powers. Over the top? I used to think so, but am now starting to wonder. What are the consequences of this ever growing corporate power and influence? If governments are reduced, who provides any oversight? Even though I believe in a mostly free market, I don't think anything should be all-powerful. I personally don't feel that a totalitarian corporate world is any better than a totalitarian governmental one.

GE's move and the questions raised is a conversation that we will all have to have eventually.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I seriously doubt that many GE folks will be interested in buying stuff at 3:00 in the morning.

Especially water hoses and guns.

[Airforceguy]

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is ready to offer whatever it takes in the form of tax incentives to convince General Electric Co. to move its headquarters to the city, Bloomberg News reported Thursday.
“We will be offering whatever is reasonable to get it done if we have the opportunity,” Reed told Bloomberg during a meeting with its editorial board. “Having one of the 10 most important companies in the world put their logo over the city of Atlanta skyline is not just about the tax-break number. It is about what it says to the world.”

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/b...act-ge-to.html

[evannole]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/b...act-ge-to.html

Well, there goes his negotiating leverage...

"Yes,Mr. Car Dealer, I must have that particular car, no matter the price..."

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by evannole

Well, there goes his negotiating leverage...

"Yes,Mr. Car Dealer, I must have that particular car, no matter the price..."

Kasim gonna Kasim

[TripTychTwo]

Originally Posted by evannole

Well, there goes his negotiating leverage...

"Yes,Mr. Car Dealer, I must have that particular car, no matter the price..."

I'm sure the Mayor of Atlanta, a partner at Holland & Knight, and someone who has brought Porsche, MB and NCR to the COA, probably knows what he is doing. What are your credentials? Oh you live in mayretta and post on a message board for most of your working hours.

[JMatl]

Originally Posted by TripTychTwo

I'm sure the Mayor of Atlanta, a partner at Holland & Knight, and someone who has brought Porsche, MB and NCR to the COA, probably knows what he is doing. What are your credentials? Oh you live in mayretta and post on a message board for most of your working hours.

Not quite. Porsche was already here in Sandy Springs, and has been for years. Before Kasim ever ran for Mayor, actually. They moved across town to Hapeville and enhanced their North American HQ's with the new test track, but they are not in the CoA.

MB is moving from NJ to Sandy Springs, not the CoA.

NCR is moving to the City from Gwinnett with heavy subsidies, but it's still a fantastic deal.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Mayor helped facilitate the Porsche & MB moves, but accuracy is important when you make snarky comments based on where someone lives. Especially when they're right.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by JMatl

They moved across town to Hapeville and enhanced their North American HQ's with the new test track, but they are not in the CoA.

Actually they are in CoA, right on the border with Hapeville, but still officially in the CoA.

[1lifealex]

Originally Posted by JMatl

Not quite. Porsche was already here in Sandy Springs, and has been for years. Before Kasim ever ran for Mayor, actually. They moved across town to Hapeville and enhanced their North American HQ's with the new test track,

Actually Porsche is not in Hapeville its in the Atlanta city limits I don't think most people realize that

[Zanarkand A East]

I wonder how soon before GE replaces Philips as the arena name sponsor. Reportedly, Philips has been trying to get out of that deal for years.