Google award
Susie Kockerscheidt
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Scott, Mayor Tony Van Bynen, Tim Dresser of Google and chamber chairperson Steve Hinder celebrate the town receiving a Google eTown award today at CDA Dance Academy.
The Internet has changed the business landscape dramatically and Newmarket businesses are adapting and thriving, according to Google Canada.
Google presented the town with an eTown award today at CDA Dance Academy in recognition of community members leveraging opportunities on the Internet and investing in online resources to grow their businesses and connect with customers.
Cassidy’s Flowers & Gift Shoppe owner Henry Startek was among the crowd at the presentation.
No longer are people limited to dropping by his store on Main Street to make a purchase, as the Internet provides the option to order online, he said.
He embraced the web 15 years ago and the business has grown to serve not only the local community, but customers in the United States and as far away as Germany, Mr. Startek said.
The Internet has only yielded positive results for his shop, which has been around since 1905, he said.
Newmarket is one of five communities across the country recognized by Google. The others are Halifax, Saint-Sauveur, Que., Canmore, Alta. and Whistler, B.C.
Newmarket was chosen based on research Google did with independent firm Ipsos to analyze the online strength of local small businesses in Canada, Google Canada spokesperson Andrew Swartz said.
Examining a variety of factors, including how businesses have adapted web-based technologies and engaged customers in social media, he said Newmarket stood out with the best.
The town is proud and honoured to accept the award on behalf of its residents and businesses, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.
As the third most densely populated municipality in Ontario next to Toronto and Mississauga, Mr. Bynen noted the town recognized the need to explore technology to sustain Newmarket’s future in its economic development plan.
He credits the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce for the work it has done over the years in helping prepare its 850 members for the change and opportunity of the digital age.
It is a unique source of pride for the chamber to have Newmarket recognized as one of the strongest online business communities in Canada, chamber chairperson Steve Hinder said.
“The chamber’s focus is on leading business, leading communities. We believe strong communities and partnerships can drive economic development and community transformation,” he said, adding the award validates what the chamber has been doing since 2009 to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies through its programs and services.
It’s important to grow and change with the times, CDA Dance Academy owner Chantal Chretien said.
Her studio has used the Internet to highlight what it does and communicate with current and potential clients.
“We have online registration for parents, so its easier for them to register and look up all of the classes on the website,” Ms Chretien said, noting parents are reading their email more and seeking information through a variety of digital sources.
The dance studio also uses social media, YouTube and online newsletters to engage with its clients, she said.
Following the award ceremony, Google Canada led a workshop at the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce office to teach interested businesses how to use online tools and develop strategies to promote their businesses on the Internet.
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