Google has named Reno as the 2014 eCity for the State of Nevada. 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. Reno joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy.
Small businesses across the city have leveraged the Internet to grow and reach new customers. For example, Reno Fly Shop, which was founded by four local fisherman, utilizes the web to advance the business by selling flies specifically chosen for best performance at the local Reno area fisheries.
“Reno serves as a prime example of how innovation and growth in e-commerce can successfully contribute to bolstering economic progress and competitiveness,” says Emma Ogiemwanye, a representative from Google. “Google is proud to recognize Reno’s accomplishment and the role it plays in creating Nevada jobs.”
“This award is a credit to our small business community, which is leading the state when it comes to embracing the power of the web to grow and thrive,” Reno Mayor Bob Cashell says. “I’m proud of Reno for its smart, creative use of technology and innovation, and it is my great pleasure to accept this award on behalf of our local businesses.”
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 50 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.
SOURCE: City of Reno.
