Apple to Build Data Center in NC?

News hit the street this weekend that Apple could be considering North Carolina as its next data center location. Just a couple of years ago Google selected Lenior, North Carolina as a location for a $600 million dollar data center and Apple may be joining them in the Tarheel state. The story is that the North Carolina legislature is offering large tax breaks to Apple in order to attract them to the area. I am happy to see that we are starting to think a little more about the types of jobs that will sustain the economy in the future. Computing power will always be needed and the demand for it is every growing. Technology will continue to drive much of the innovation that is occurring today and I welcome more of the support of that here in my home state. It has been sad to see the textile and furniture industry cause so much job loss and heartache as it has moved elsewhere and overseas, but it is time for us to look to the future and continue to reinvent ourselves. Another data center will drive more need for bandwidth and reliable power and will continue to draw more technology jobs this direction. It would thrill me to see North Carolina, especially Western North Carolina, become the Silicon Valley of the east. We are a long way from that now, but let's push forward and look ahead. Come on Apple, we are ready for you.