GoDaddy Global Technology Center Breaks Ground in Tempe

PHOENIX, AZ (May 7, 2013) — Governor Jan Brewer today was proud to stand with GoDaddy, the Web’s top platform for small businesses, as executives with the Arizona- based company announced plans for a significant expansion in Tempe. The expansion is expected to generate 300 quality, new jobs for the fast-growing provider of Web domain names, Web hosting and SSL.

Joining the Governor for the announcement at Arizona State University Research Park was GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving and Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, as well as officials with Ryan Companies, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

The ceremony featured Governor Brewer and GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving “cementing” their footprints at the property – symbolizing the tech giant’s expanding footprint in the Valley and around the world. The footprints are destined for display in the new building, which is expected to open in 2014.

“GoDaddy is a true Arizona success story,” said Governor Brewer. “It started with a handful of people and a dream. Now, GoDaddy is among the largest Valley employers. Year after year, it is ranked as one of the metro area’s ‘Best Places to Work,” and GoDaddy has expanded each of the 16 years it has operated in our state.

The Governor continued: “This is a great example of the type of company we had in mind when we championed legislation two years ago aimed at putting our economy on the right track. The hard work is paying off, and we are proud to have played a role in helping keep GoDaddy firmly-rooted in Arizona.

The GoDaddy Global Technology Center is a planned two-story, 150,000-square- foot facility. It will provide a creative new space for 1,300 employees, including engineers, developers and customer-care representatives. Construction is scheduled to begin later this month. GoDaddy currently employs more than 3,400 people worldwide, with a significant portion of the personnel based in Arizona.

“GoDaddy has worked hard to become the largest platform for small businesses around the world,” said CEO Blake Irving. “GoDaddy is changing people’s lives by helping people turn their dreams and ideas into real businesses – and this new facility is a key piece to making that happen. This location in the heart of the ASU Research Park is a sweet spot; it’s in the hub of the state’s technology corridor and gives us the space we need for the years ahead.”

“Tempe is thrilled to welcome Go Daddy and its talented employees to our community,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “They are a great fit for our community, where 20 percent of all jobs are in the technology sector. Tempe is known as a smart, fun and thriving city, and we are happy to welcome Go Daddy into that mix. We are looking forward to being great partners now and in the future.”

“The ASU Research Park is the perfect location for companies to align with our large number of faculty members at one of the world’s leading research universities,” said ASU Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO Morgan R. Olsen. “Collaboration with the ASU Research Park companies offers students the chance to enhance their education and gain skills that can result in jobs for them post-graduation. The ASU Research Park currently houses more than 47 companies and employs 4,600 people. We welcome GoDaddy to our community and believe their presence will be beneficial for all.”

“The fact that GoDaddy chose to expand its already-prominent Arizona footprint speaks volumes about our competitive business environment and favorable tax structure for corporations,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The ACA is committed to working with companies around the state, connecting them with every possible resource to help expand operations, invest in Arizona and create quality jobs.”

“As one of the nation’s most recognizable brands, GoDaddy is one of the region’s greatest success stories,” said GPEC President and CEO Barry Broome. “With more than 2,600 employees across 10 locations in Greater Phoenix, including their global headquarters in Scottsdale, they’re one of our most productive economic drivers. We’re proud GoDaddy continues to call Arizona home.”

“This is an extremely important project for Ryan Companies because it continues and strengthens a long-standing business relationship with ASU Research Park and ASU Foundation, as well as begins a new business relationship with GoDaddy,” said Ryan Construction Vice President of Development Molly Ryan Carson. “We are proud to be a part of the continued business growth in Tempe.”

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.