Thursday, July 20, 2006

Pharell Williams Planning Community Computer Center In Virginia Beach

Pharrell Williams is in negotiations to build computer resource center for residents in his hometown of Virginia Beach, VA.
Virginia Beach economic development director Don Maxwell told The Virginian Pilot that the size, location and cost of the center are still being determined, but plans could be finalized and presented to Virginia Beaches' City Council as early as next month.
According to reports, Williams is also in negotiations with computer giants
Apple and Microsoft to support the center, which will utilize a local architect to design the building.
"One of these kids could be the next chemist for Pfizer," Williams said referring to the health care giant Pfizer Inc.
Williams has also aligned with
HP to appear in a new spot for the "Computer is Personal Again," which debuted with rapper/mogul/Def Jam president Jay-Z.
Others featured in the "Computer is Personal Again" campaign include Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, U.S. Olympic, snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White Shaun White and television executive Mark Burnett (The Apprentice, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, On the Lot).
All three spots will be available
online prior to hitting major television networks.
"Online
video sites and their prominence in the blog community are today's 'word-of-mouth,' providing a very personal avenue to help HP reach an audience that doesn't necessarily respond to traditional media, but who will watch an ad online if it's been recommended by a well-liked blogger or a friend," said David Roman, vice president of marketing communications, Personal Systems Group, HP.
Williams is preparing to release his highly anticipated solo album In My Mind July 25.