Henrico earns 2 Silver Shovel awards for economic development
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Henrico County recently earned two Silver Shovel awards, Area Development’s annual program that recognizes U.S. locations that attract major investment projects and create substantial new jobs throughout their communities.
The projects included the relocation of T-Mobile’s Customer Experience Center, which brought $30 million in new investment to the area and will create 500 new jobs at the former Sam’s Club location at The Shops at White Oak Village; and SimpliSafe’s establishment of a $5.5 million customer support center at Willow Lawn, which will create 572 new jobs.
Henrico’s dual wins helped Virginia to land a Silver Shovel Award in the 8-to-12 million population state category.
“For years, we’ve strategically invested in our data infrastructure and developed skilled talent so that Henrico would be equipped to support the future era of business,” said Anthony Romanello, executive director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority. “We’re thrilled that we attracted the attention of innovative leaders like T-Mobile and SimpliSafe in a single year.”
Last year when SimpliSafe’s investment was announced, company CEO Christian Cerda said, “We are proud to now call Virginia and Henrico County our second home…we are excited to partner with the talented, diverse workforce in the Richmond region to continue keeping more and more Americans safe.”
To heighten global connectivity for tech giants like T-Mobile, Henrico serves as the termination point for four subsea cables spanning to Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico, France and soon South Africa. The cables include Google-owned Dunant, which offers the fastest undersea data speeds on the planet.
In addition, Henrico soon will integrate with DE-CIX interchanges in Chicago, New York, and Dallas, which will create the largest neutral interconnection ecosystem in North America – and provide virtually instant connection with the leading IX operator’s more than 2,100 networks and 500 data centers around the world.
“The jobs we’re able to help create, the businesses we’re able to support…they’re just a couple of the ways we’re ensuring the long-term economic vitality of our area and the happiness of our community,” said Romanello. “There’s something special going on here in Henrico. Companies are learning that we are the place to be to thrive in this new era; I see even greater things ahead for our residents and our businesses.”
