Annapolis has been selected as Google’s 2014 eCity, claiming the title of digital capital of Maryland as well as state capital. Thanks to its strong online business community, Annapolis was named over last year’s winner, Ocean City.
Google debuted the eCities program in 2013, when they partnered with research firm IPSOS “to analyze the online strength of local businesses in cities and towns across America. Businesses in these communities are embracing the power of the web to find new customers, connect with existing ones and fuel their local economies.1”
Criteria for the award included use of social media, leveraging the digital domain for commerce and online business presence.
“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’s accomplishment and the role it plays in creating Maryland jobs.”
A local Annapolis business, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Annapolis hotel is contributing to this award-winning online business community by demonstrating sound ecommerce practices, actively participating in social media, and utilizing digital strategies for commerce with their Annapolis hotel website. Of hotels in Annapolis, the Holiday Inn Express is proud to contribute to the thriving online digital economy and to the local Annapolis community. Thank you to all of the local businesses whose hard work led to Annapolis receiving this honor from Google.
1 Google - Official Blog “Congratulations to America’s eCities” August 21, 2013