[Avian001]

There was an interesting article in the Minneapolis StarTribune (http://www.startribune.com/535/story/830777.html) about what they called the "Target Effect" on downtown Minneapolis.

Basically, the thrust of the article was focussed on the ancillary effects that a major headquarters has on a downtown area. In this particular case the article noted how the Disney Company might not have had an office in downtown Minneapolis if it weren't for the fact that Target is headquartered downtown.

What businesses in your city have a similar "Target Effect?"

[mhays]

Lots of big firms and organizations are HQ'd in or near Downtown Seattle. WaMu, Starbucks, Amazon, Nordstrom, Fred Hutch, and the Gates Foundation are among the biggest and most influential.

There was a story about the Gates Foundation in the Seattle Times this weekend. It talked about its contributions to global health, and how it's making Seattle a center for funding and strategic leadership, with donation levels on par with, say, the EU. A lot of local organizations are becoming more prominent on Gates' coattails (with Gates $), like PATH, SBRI, Children's Hospital Research, the UW, and even locally-based World Vision. Also, pretty much anyone in the global health arena will visit eventually.

[volguus zildrohar]

It seems Philly's 'Target Effect' is to attract the HQs of industries people despise - gasoline companies, insurance and cable companies.

Yeah.

[the pope]

It seems Philly's 'Target Effect' is to attract the HQs of industries people despise - gasoline companies, insurance and cable companies.

Yeah.

yeah, its a shame your new tallest is comcast, because I hate them with a passion and will subsequently blow up the building next time I have a billing dispute and go apeshit.

[alexjon]

San Antonio has AT&T and Clear Channel.

I think I suddenly loathe my hometown.

[OhioGuy]

Columbus has the headquarters of Nationwide Insurance as its downtown biggie.

[zilfondel]

Hmm, we don't have anything in our downtown. Just lots of small private beer companies.

Maybe that's why we're so laid back?

[Xeelee]

Hmm, we don't have anything in our downtown. Just lots of small private beer companies.

Maybe that's why we're so drunk?

Perhaps. We have numerous petroleum-based HQs in downtown here. Hrm...