Google to create data center in Nebraska; excites smaller tech companies
Omaha start up tech companies want Google as their neighbor
Omaha start up tech companies want Google as their neighbor
Omaha start up tech companies want Google as their neighbor
The Greater Chamber of Omaha announced big news on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon.
According to a blog post from Google, the company announced more than $13 billion in investments throughout 2019 in data centers and offices across the U.S., one of which will be located in Nebraska.
Even though the exact location hasn't been announced, observers said it's a win for all cities in the state, especially Omaha.
"The type of jobs Omaha is becoming known for, is quickly changing," Jeff Slobotski said.
Slobotski is the founder of Silicon Prairie, a news site for the technology business in the Midwest.
As the city's traditional companies, like Union Pacific continue to downsize, Slobtoski said startups are popping up.
"What I get excited about, is how do you place those workers into quickly growing tech companies that can't hire fast enough? " Slobotski said.
Start ups, like Flywheel. A tech company that supports hosting of WordPress websites. In 2012, it had three employees. Today it has almost 200. It already partners with Google.
"Having another company like that in Nebraska that is doing good things on a very big scale is exciting for us," Tommy Vasek, director of engineering for Flywheel said.
Vasek said Flywheel stores most of its data is stored at the Google facility in Council Bluffs.
"Having another data center in Nebraska brings up a real interesting conversation as to where is our key focal point in North America going forward," Vasek said.
Vasek said he expects the company to continue growing, making room for 400 employees in a new building in North Downtown. Flywheel expects to move into the Millwork Commons area next year, along with other tech companies.
Those entrepreneurs wouldn't mind having Google as a neighbor.
"It tells a compelling story to the rest of the country, ' Look, what's happening in Omaha, '" Slobotski said.
Google's investments will create thousands of jobs locally and enable the creation of more than 10,000 new construction jobs in Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia.
Google will have a home in 24 total states, including data centers in 13 communities.
Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news from Google:
“Nebraska has built a reputation for itself as the Silicon Prairie and a hub for tech companies, start ups, and entrepreneurs,” said Ricketts. “Today’s announcement from Google underscores that reputation and will bring great opportunities for Nebraskans. We appreciate the work of all the partners who teamed up to successfully promote Nebraska as the destination for Google’s next investment.”