NORWALK, CT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and representatives from Google announced today that Norwalk has been named the 2014 eCity of Connecticut. This award celebrates the digital capitals of America, those cities where businesses are embracing the web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel their local economies. They were joined at Chalk Talk Sports, a local small business with a significant online presence, by Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and other business leaders.
“Small businesses help drive our economy and keep America on the forefront of innovation,” Himes said. “Norwalk companies like Chalk Talk Sports have harnessed the power of technology and the Internet to expand their reach, create jobs and advance our economy. I join my colleagues in applauding these businesses and the City of Norwalk for receiving Google’s eCity Award and being named this year’s ‘digital capital’ of Connecticut.”
"This award recognizes the creative energy of Norwalk's business community-- sparking jobs and economic vitality across Connecticut. Smart small businesses make Norwalk thrive as a digital capital, and drive economic growth. Like Chalk Talk, businesses in this digital capital are embracing the web's power to grow and succeed," Senator Richard Blumenthal said.
“Norwalk has made great strides over the last few years, and its growth is largely due to the city’s commitment to technology. This commitment has allowed businesses, like Chalk Talk, to make new connections and strengthen their companies right here in Connecticut. Norwalk businesses have smartly taken advantage of all that the tech world has to offer, and as a result, we’re seeing impressive job creation in the region. Congratulations to the city of Norwalk on being named the 2014 eCity of Connecticut,” Senator Chris Murphy said.
“Our ‘eCity Awards’ recognize the new ‘digital capitals’ of America,” said William Floyd, Google spokesperson. “We want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Norwalk—and the role that it plays in both creating jobs and sustaining local economies. With 97-percent of Internet-users looking for products and services online, it’s clear that success is about being connected.”
“The fact that our business has grown so much through the Internet alone is a major testimonial to the benefits of merchandising on the web and the importance of using web-based tools,” said Chalk Talk Founder and Co-Owner, Tom Lynn. “We began this business venture out of our garage and now we employ over 26 year-round employees and up to 65 workers during the holiday season.”
Google worked with an independent research firm IPSOS to analyze the online strength of local small businesses in cities in all fifty states. Their research determined that Norwalk is among the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy. For more information on the eCity intiative, visit their website at www.google.com/ecities.