Press release provided by Go Daddy
TEMPE, Ariz. (May 7, 2013) – GoDaddy, the Web’s top platform for small businesses, today with Governor Jan Brewer, and representatives from Arizona State University Research Park, Ryan Companies, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), announced plans for a major Arizona expansion with an unusual groundbreaking for its GoDaddy Global Technology Center in Tempe. The ceremony featured the Governor and GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving “cementing” their footprints at the property as a representation of the tech giant’s “expanding footprint” in the valley and around the world. Their footprints are destined for display in the new building.
The GoDaddy Global Technology Center is a planned two-story, 150,000 sq. ft. facility. It will provide a creative new space for 1,300 employees, including engineers, developers and customer care representatives. GoDaddy currently employs more than 3,400 people worldwide, with a significant portion of the personnel based in Arizona. GoDaddy’s Tempe expansion creates 300 new jobs to start with room for further growth.
“GoDaddy is well on its way to being the largest platform for small businesses around the world,” said CEO Blake Irving. “GoDaddy is changing people’s lives by helping people turn their dreams and ideas into real businesses – and this new facility is a key piece to making that happen. This location in the heart of the ASU Research Park is a sweet spot; it’s in the hub of the state’s technology corridor and gives us the space we need for the years ahead.”
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer added, “GoDaddy is a true success story. It started out with a handful of people and a dream. Now, GoDaddy is among the largest Valley employers. They are ranked as one of the Valley’s ‘Best Places to Work’ year after year and have expanded each of the 16 years they’ve operated in our state. This is a great example of the type of company we had in mind when we championed legislation two years ago aimed at putting our economy back on the right track. The hard work is paying off and we are proud to have played a role in helping keep GoDaddy firmly rooted in Arizona.”
“Tempe is thrilled to welcome GoDaddy and its talented employees to our community,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “They are a great fit for our community, where 20 percent of all jobs are in the technology sector. Tempe is known as a smart, fun and thriving city, and we are happy to welcome GoDaddy into that mix. Tempe and GoDaddy are great partners now and into the future.”
“The ASU Research Park is the perfect location for companies to align with our large number of faculty members at one of the world’s leading research universities,” said ASU Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO Morgan R. Olsen. “Collaboration with the ASU Research Park companies offers students the chance to enhance their education and gain skills that can result in jobs for them post-graduation. The ASU Research Park currently houses more than 47 companies and employs 4,600 people. We welcome GoDaddy to our community and believe their presence will be beneficial for all.”
“The fact GoDaddy chose to expand its already prominent Arizona footprint speaks volumes about our competitive business environment and favorable tax structure for corporations,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The ACA is committed to working with companies around the state, connecting them with every possible resource to help expand operations, invest in Arizona and create quality jobs.”
“As one of the nation’s most recognizable brands, GoDaddy is one of the region’s greatest success stories,” said GPEC President and CEO Barry Broome. “With more than 2,600 employees across 10 locations in Greater Phoenix, including their global headquarters in Scottsdale, they’re one of our most productive economic drivers. We’re proud GoDaddy continues to call Arizona home.”
“This is an extremely important project for Ryan Companies because it continues and strengthens a long-standing business relationship with the ASU Research Park and ASU Foundation as well as begins a new business relationship with GoDaddy,” said Ryan Construction Vice President of Development Molly Ryan Carson. “We are proud to be a part of the continued business growth in Tempe.”
Construction on the new GoDaddy facility in the ASU Research Park begins later this month. The center is expected to open in 2014.
MEDIA CONTACT:
GoDaddy: Nick Fuller, Nick@GoDaddy.com
Photo provided by GoDaddy
Congrats, GoDaddy! I think it’s important they add positions that require critical thinking to the valley and minimize becoming a massive call center employer.