Local Business Owners Share Thoughts on OpenAI's Data Center
Small business owners who participated in a training session with OpenAI are sharing their insights on the company's $20 billion data center project planned for Effingham County.
Business Owners' Perspectives:
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Tim Long from True North Legacy Group and Savannah Honor Flights expressed initial community skepticism but has become more satisfied after engaging with OpenAI and understanding their plans. He attributes this to addressing concerns about water supply, electricity, and other community impacts.
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Geoff Thatcher, owner of Creative Principals, is a proponent of data centers, having toured them 20 years ago. He encourages embracing the future and the potential for AI to enhance businesses.
OpenAI's Engagement Strategy:
OpenAI is actively seeking community input and engagement as they prepare for the data center construction. Sarah Friar, their chief of financial operations, participated in the small business training, emphasizing their desire to be a good community partner.
"That’s our guiding light on this entire project, we want to make sure that the community benefits from having this data center," stated an OpenAI spokesperson, Aaron McLear.
The training sessions and community outreach are steps towards easing initial concerns and fostering a more collaborative relationship between OpenAI and local business owners.