Google Names Annapolis Maryland's 2014 eCITY

Google has named Annapolis as the 2014 eCity for the State of Maryland, noting its early offering of free WiFi to consumers and web-based business growth.

The eCity Awards recognize the strongest online business communities in all 50 states. The businesses in these communities are embracing the web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel their local economies, says the internet company in a news release.

The Internet giant says of Annapolis: “In 2006, Maryland’s state capital became the first American city to offer free, advertising-supported WiFi to locals and visitors. A gem of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis continues to lead the way in online resources.”

Small businesses across the city have leveraged the Internet to grow and reach new customers.

For example, Carrol’s Creek, a family owned and operated restaurant for more than 30 years in Annapolis, uses the web to strengthen its online presence by continually updating information and evolving as the internet expands, says a news release.

“Annapolis serves as a prime example of how innovation and growth in e-commerce can successfully contribute to bolstering economic progress and competitiveness,” said Emma Ogiemwanye, a representative from Google. “Google is proud to recognize Annapolis’ accomplishment, and the role it plays in creating Maryland jobs.”

“The city understands the power of the web in relating real-time information that both customers and business can benefit from,” Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides said. “We are thrilled with the national recognition and applaud Annapolis businesses for keeping up with new innovations in the ever-changing world of technology.”

BACKGROUND:

Ninety-seven percent of Internet users look online for local products and services. Businesses need to be where their customers are and in 2014, that is online. The impact of being online is significant – businesses that are online grow twice as fast and are twice as likely to create jobs as their offline counterparts.

Google and independent research firm, Ipsos, analyzed the online strength of local small businesses across all fifty states. They weighed a variety of factors to determine the leading cities and towns across the country, including the likelihood of small businesses to have a website, use a blog, promote themselves on a social network, sell goods directly from their webpages and whether they had a mobile-friendly website. The winning cities exhibited strong engagement and potential for growth within the digital economy.