Uncertainty After Microsoft-Nokia Deal; Irving Luring New Corporate HQ
IRVING (CBS 11 NEWS) - Nokia still isn't commenting on what will happen to the 150 employees at its U.S. Headquarters in Irving.
Only yesterday, Microsoft announced it's buying Nokia's mobile phone business in a $7.2 billion deal.
The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce CEO says he's been told nothing will be announced until after the deal goes through early next year.
Chris Wallace, CEO of the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce says, "It certainly may grow with this type of announcement it could also decrease. But I suspect Nokia will have a long term presence here."
Despite the uncertainty, the economy is still booming in Irving-Las Colinas.
The Chamber tells us one company, and possibly a second will relocate their corporate headquarters to the city, bringing with it as much as 750 jobs.
The chamber's CEO says one company will announce their move from the Chicago area to Irving as early as Thursday.
Wallace says, "We're going to let the company announce it. It is a big victory. It is a big victory for them. It brings them closer to their customer and bring them closer to other leads. It's a nice victory for the North Texas region and to Irving."
He says the second company is looking to relocate from the East Coast.
But that firm is also considering two other cities in North Texas.
Wallace wouldn't name those cities, but says in general, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and sometimes Richardson also attract corporate relocations.
He credits DFW International Airport, the state's low taxes, and Governor Rick Perry's recent highly-publicized out of state trips for luring businesses to North Texas.
At this Yummilicious frozen yogurt shop in Las Colinas, owner Vishal Makan says 40 percent of his business comes from corporate employees during the lunch hour. "We're really excited. I feel like we're gaining a good market share."
With the help from corporations relocating here, Makan hopes his business will continue to grow, one ounce at a time.
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