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
July25.