Local business owners trained by OpenAI share thoughts on $20 billion data center

by Cam McCann

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Small business owners who took part in a training session with OpenAI are sharing their thoughts on the company’s $20 billion data center project planned for Effingham County.

OpenAI says the training is one of the ways it is giving back to the community as it prepares to build the data center.

Business owners describe early skepticism

The agreement between Effingham County and OpenAI drew opposition from hundreds of people when it was first announced.

Tim Long, who runs True North Legacy Group and Savannah Honor Flights, took part in Thursday’s training. He said his neighborhood was skeptical when they found out about the deal.

“That caused us to engage more and figure out, ask those questions, talk to us about their water supply, electricity and all that stuff, what does it mean for us as a community? And I’ve been really satisfied with what we’re hearing and seeing,” Long said.

Long said fear surrounding the data center campus can stem from rumors.

“I think it’s the fear of the unknown, and what I’ve seen is this data center is going to be done differently,” Long said.

OpenAI says it wants community input

Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s chief of financial operations, took part in Thursday’s small business training. She was unable to speak with WTOC.

OpenAI spokesperson Aaron McLear said the company wants more community engagement on how it can be a good partner.

“That’s our guiding light on this entire project, we want to make sure that the community benefits from having this data center,” McLear said.

Another business owner says he’s a ‘big fan’ of data centers

Geoff Thatcher, owner of design firm Creative Principals, said he toured data centers 20 years ago.

“I’m a big fan of data centers,” Thatcher said.

Thatcher said he believes the county should embrace the future and its role in it.

“I’m a design firm, I have two kids at Savannah College of Art and Design, and a lot of people say to me ‘ohh AI is going to put me out of business,’ I always respond to them and say ‘no, AI’s only going to put you out of business if you don’t learn how to use it,’” Thatcher said.

Thatcher said he believes the data center will go on to help the world.

Long said he remains more cautious in his outlook, but events like the small business training have made him more optimistic.

“If you will and so time will tell, for sure, the check’s in the mail, but the answers to the questions that we’ve asked have sufficed,” Long said.