Q&A with Rod Brown

Written by Innovate New Albany@InnovateNA14 years ago

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Nationwide Services Co., a Fortune 500 company, chose New Albany for its new state-of-the-art data center after a three-year national search led by Rod Brown, director of mission critical facilities. New Albany stood out from the competition with dual feed electric power, a robust fiber optic network and supportive economic development team.

What is involved in the site selection process for a data center?

The type of facility that we are building in New Albany, Tier 4, represents the highest reliability classification for data centers so we begin by eliminating high-risk locations, including sites near nuclear plants, chemical facilities or military facilities.

How did you narrow down the search?

We considered over 100 locations during the search. We used a 50 point check list that covers everything from taxes and incentives to demographics to narrow our search to 8 cities.

Why did New Albany make your short list?

New Albany was attractive to us from the start because of its robust fiber optic network, dual feed electric power capabilities and infrastructure which were essential to Nationwide’s selection. It quickly became one of two finalists with Alpharetta, Georgia as a result of a financial review of tax incentives, labor rates and demographic factors.

What factors led to New Albany’s selection?

We were very impressed by the personal attention of the economic development team. They were always available and at the table for critical meetings with landowners. They also paved the way through Village council. Also, as a master planned community, I felt I could count on the city to remain diligent about its investment in electricity reliability, road infrastructure and managing grow in a manner that would preserve the quality of life for our employees.

Innovate New Albany, the city’s incubator for technology startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses, features 16,000 square feet of space within the New Albany Business Park’s Signature Office Building, 8000 Walton Parkway.