Fayetteville, Arkansas Home to AMD Fab?
By Van Smith
Date: July 16, 2001
A local paper reported recently that a group of representatives from the University of Arkansas flew to Austin, Texas to meet with a major microprocessor firm to discuss establishing the company's next generation fabrication facility here in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although no company name was given, the article clearly described AMD who is still shopping for a location for its next fab.
Although this area possesses one of the highest per capita of millionaires in the world, much of this wealth is due to retail giant Wal-Mart, trucking, or poultry production (namely Tyson Foods). Recently there has been a concerted effort by local leaders to establish northwest Arkansas as a high technology center. These efforts have met with growing success. The Genesis Technology Incubator is nationally recognized as one of the most outstanding ventures of its kind. NASA is establishing a presence here. Companies like Acxiom have thrived in this environment.
I can vouch for the exceptional work ethic of the local population, although I know that Austin is similar. This area easily has Austin beaten in terms of natural beauty. The Ozarks are breathtaking, as are many of the nearby lakes and rivers.
The article made no mention about the outcome of this trip.
===================================
===================================