BRUNSWICK

Brunswick has been designated Maine’s eCity for 2014 by tech giant Google.

The award recognizes the strongest online business communities in all 50 states, according to a statement from Google.

Google held up Gelato Fiasco on Maine Street as an example of a Brunswick company that “utilized the web to strengthen their online presence and grow their brand, affording them the opportunity to serve their gelato in select grocery stores around the country.”

The award is a way Google “recognizes and celebrates companies that are using the internet to grow their businesses” said Brunswick Business Development Manager Linda Smith, addressing the Brunswick Town Council on Monday.

Smith also pointed to Tech- Place, a planned shared space for start-ups at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, as an example as to how Brunswick recognizes “the vast potential offered through the internet for a world-wide customer base …”

This is the program’s second year. Last year’s inaugural Maine eCity was Scarborough,

“It shows we’re techsavvy,” said Brunswick Downtown Association Executive Director Debora King in an interview on Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s much of a surprise to folks that we are as connected as we are.”

BDA has embraced the internet, said King, using a twice-monthly online newsletter as well as social media outlets such as Facebook and Yelp to spread the word about its events and keep connected with other groups

“We utilize our online presence in every way we possibly can,” said King.

King said it was rare BDA member that doesn’t have a website.

“Everyone recognizes the value and need to adapt to changing buying habits and methods,” said King.

Google said it weighed a variety of factors to determine the leading cities and towns across the U.S., 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, according to Google.

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

Smith on Monday acknowledged that Google isn’t providing any sort of monetary award to the town along with the eCity recognition.

However, King on Tuesday noted that the recognition is “another feather” in Brunswick’s cap.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com

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