One of Vermont’s most picturesque ski towns is now considered one of the nation’s most tech-friendly towns, according to Google. Google has named Stowe as the 2014 eCity for the State of Vermont. 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 fueling their local economies. Stowe joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy.
“Stowe serves as a prime example of how innovation and growth in e-commerce can successfully contribute to bolstering economic progress and competitiveness,” said Matt Dunne, Head of Google Community Affairs. “Google is proud to recognize Stowe’s accomplishment, and the role it plays in creating Vermont jobs.”
Stowe is home to a robust array of businesses that have created growth and advanced the digital economy in the state. Businesses like Inntopia, an online travel reservation system, and Springer Miller, which builds management solutions for hotels, and Stowe Mountain Resort have a been a driving force in the town’s digital growth.
Stowe’s recognition as Vermont’s eCity is also built upon the many small businesses that are participating in e-commerce and the technology industry throughout the community.
"We are thrilled to be chosen as the 2014 Google eCity in Vermont in recognition and celebration of our robust e-business community,” said Lisa Hagerty, chair of the Stowe Selectboard. "Stowe's extraordinary natural surroundings, active and growing e-economy and authentic bricks and mortar Main Street make it one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit. We look forward maintaining our status as a cutting edge eCity."
BACKGROUND/STATISTICS:
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 US, 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. This is the second year Google has announced a list of eCities for the United States. For more information visitwww.google.com/ecities .