Why Richmond?
The short of it (for those who already know a bit about Richmond)
- We’re not too big and VERY affordable.
- Our population is large, diverse, creative, technologically skilled, AND productive.
- We’ve got businesses, banks, government facilities, media, schools, and hospitals out the wazoo.
- We’re so well rounded that we make a wonderful test market.
The long of it (for those who need some convincing)
A Test Market
One of the reasons Richmond is often chosen as a test market for new products and ideas is our balance of economic and political entities (i.e. not a one factory/industry town), is an affordable place to test and advertise, and has a growing reputation as a place for creativity. Richmond has regularly received accolades including the second-most charitable city in America, one of the 20 best cities of its size for young professionals to live and work, North America’s 9th best small city and 4th best in foreign direct investment strategy, A top 10 city for finding a job in 2009, an economic development “hot spot,” the sixth best metro area for business opportunity and ranked 27th of the nation’s 361 metropolitan statistical areas for long-term economic strength.
Population & Demographics
Richmond fits right into Google Fiber’s target demographic with just over 200,000 residents within the city limits. We’re a “small-sized big city” with a diversity in population and geography that statistically mirrors the United States as a whole. Put simply, we’re a great (and affordable) test market!
Location
Richmond is in the sweet spot to receive Google Fiber as it already sits on the spinal cord of the high speed network that runs up and down the east coast. Building the new network that will easily hook up to the existing infrastructure just makes sense.
Furthermore, Richmond’s proximity to the political and media center of Washington, DC is a huge advantage. We’re close enough for political and media power players to come take a peek at what’s going on, but we don’t have the high cost of living, land, labor, and everything else that makes big-ups cringe when they look at the bottom line.
Business & Government
Seven Fortune 500 companies have set up shop in Richmond. This city has also long been known as a creative center for advertising with the largest concentration of ad agencies between Atlanta and New York (including the VCU Brandcenter and Adweek’s 2009 Agency of the Year, the Martin Agency).
And let’s not forget that as the capital city of Virginia, Richmond is home to many State and Federal offices, courts, and other services, not to mention the Federal Reserve Bank.
Media
Richmond is home to a host of online media publications, some with print counterparts and others who rely solely on web-based applications to keep residents informed. In 2008, the Project for Excellence in Journalism ranked Richmond first (out of 15 cities studied) for citizen journalism web sites.
Education & Technology
Richmond boasts two regional governor high schools, three major universities, and a strong community college system, all of whom are undoubtedly ready (and willing) to take advantage of new technology that will encourage a greater connection between students and their community.
Speaking of technology, the headquarters of the Information Technology Division of all eleven Federal Reserve Banks is based in Richmond. We’re also home to the state’s largest university that includes an engineering school for computer science, electrical, and mechanical disciplines (among others), and one of the best medical schools and hospitals in the nation.
Health Systems
One of Google’s objectives for the high speed network is to improve access to medical care. Not only is Richmond home to VCU School of Medicine (formerly known as Medical College of Virginia), we’re also host to a large health care network among several major companies, serving urban, suburban, and even more rural areas. Google Fiber would allow doctors on one side of town to see patients and consult with other doctors virtually, reducing office visits but increasing options for doctors and types of care.