August 28, 2013
Maryland Heights Named Missouri’s 2013 Google eCity Recipes
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Maryland Heights has been named the digital capital of Missouri by Google. The 2013 Google eCity Awards identified the strongest online business communities in each state as part of the company’s annual economic impact report. “We are extremely proud to be recognized by Google for the strength of our online business community,” Mayor Mike Moeller said. “The City Council and I have worked hard to make Maryland Heights a place where businesses can thrive, and this award is a good indication that our efforts have been successful.” Sherry Huibonhoa, the executive director of the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce, explains how winning this award will affect the residents of Maryland Heights and its future business development: “Knowing your community has a strong economic force brings an extra sense of comfort and stability. Meanwhile, attracting new businesses means increased revenue through taxes, added goods and services available locally, and extended opportunity for employment. Such a prestigious award will put Maryland Heights on the map as a great place to grow your business. It shows that you don’t have to be in ‘the city’ to be forward-thinking and success-
ful; we have all the resources needed to make a successful venture at-hand. Being identified as a progressive business community is one of the best compliments a city can receive; we look forward to attracting businesses from all around the region.” Google and independent research firm Ipsos MORI analyzed the online strength of local small businesses in cities in all 50 states, evaluating them on criteria such as social media presence, eCommerce and Google AdWords penetration. The city with the highest scores in each state was designated a 2013 Google eCity. The analysis also showed that Google helped generate $1 billion in economic activity in Missouri last year. “Key players like Edward jones, Schnucks Corporate, Hollywood Casino & Hotel, World Wide Technology, and more all lay the groundwork to a progressive business environment,” explains Huibonhoa.” Knowing that we live in a digital world and that business can be done at a moment’s notice, our community partners keep up with what is necessary to stay on top.” “The Internet plays a critical role in growing our local businesses and our
local economies,” said Scott Levitan, Google’s director of small-business engagement. “With 97 percent of American Internet users looking online for local goods and services, businesses that make use of the web are growing twice as fast and creating twice as many jobs.” For more information on the eCity initiative, visit www.google.com/ecities.
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