Google names Norwalk ‘digital capital’ of Connecticut

Google Inc. recently recognized Norwalk as the “digital capital” of Connecticut. The city received Google’s eCity award, which recognizes the strongest online business community in each state.

William Floyd, a Google spokesman, said Norwalk has been a leader in job creation and maintaining a sustainable local economy.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Rep Jim Himes announced the award Wednesday at ChalkTalkSports, an online seller of sports equipment that the officials recognized as an example of a small business in Norwalk that used the Web to grow its customer base, social media following and employees.

“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,” ChalkTalk founder and co-owner Tom Lynn said in a statement. “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 independent research firm Ipsos to analyze the strength of local online businesses in all 50 states. Google said it hopes the award will inspire other cities to spearhead business development on the Web.