AMD Coming to Albany

Advanced Micro Devices is opening a plant in New York's Capital Region. According to Times-Union interviews with locals in Austin, Texas, where the bulk of AMD's operations are, it's been a good corporate citizen ("A city without limits for AMD," Rulison, Larry; Albany Times-Union, September 17, 2006):

Although some in Austin have been upset by the construction of AMD's new campus -- the 59-acre site is located atop a sensitive aquifer -- others are happy the company is investing money in the city and solidifying its operations here. They praise AMD for its economic impact and support of the city's cultural and social welfare institutions.

Locals say New York's Capital Region should expect similar corporate involvement when AMD ultimately decides to build a chip fab here.

"You are very fortunate that AMD is coming to Albany," said Brewster McCracken, an Austin City Council member who says AMD is the city's largest user of renewable energy and one of the largest supporters of local nonprofits. "They're going to be a major contributor to your community."