2020 Economic Impact Awards Celebrates Amazon

In February of 2020, Amazon announced plans for a new fulfillment center in Bondurant, Iowa. “Project Bluejay,” as it was originally called, will launch later this year, creating more than 1,000 new full-time jobs where employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers. These items will include books, electronics and toys. The completed fulfillment center is a stunning 645,000 square-foot facility and is anticipated to bring in major tax dollars that will go to funding development for even more essential amenities for the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community. 

Amazon is guided by four basic leadership principles: 

• Customer obsession rather than competitor focus
• Passion for invention
• Commitment to operational excellence
• Long-term thinking 

The above leadership principles determine the way the company approaches new projects and solves issues for its customers and employees, leading to exploration throughout the organization and high=quality products and processes.

Amazon Employee Benefits

Employees benefit from these principles as well. On top of Amazon’s $15 minimum wage, the company offers full-time employees comprehensive benefits including full medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as a 401(k) with 50 percent match starting on day one. The company also offers up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.

Learn more about Amazon’s culture and benefits to understand more about why the company is a Greater Des Moines Partnership 2020 Economic Impact award winner.

The Economic Impact Awards are presented in the fall by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Awards recognize regional companies for their outstanding contributions toward the economic vitality of Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn more about all Partnership awards here.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 17 percent below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life.