For the second year a row, Google has named Homer the eCity for the state of Alaska. The award recognizes the strongest online business communities in each of the 50 states, businesses that have embraced the Web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel the local economy, according to a press release issued by Google on Oct. 16.

“Homer joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy,” said the press release, using NOMAR as an example for using the Web to reach customers across the country and extend its reach beyond the Kenai Peninsula.

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

Comments by Homer Mayor Beth Wythe were included in the announcement.

“The city of Homer is proud to be recognized as the strongest online business community in Alaska for the second year in a row,” said Wythe. “The hardworking small business owners in Homer continue to find the Internet to be an innovative way to grow and flourish while still enjoying the wonderful quality of life that Homer provides. Technology savvy entrepreneurs looking for a great place to live, work and play are encouraged to consider Alaska.” 

Google and Ipsos, an independent research firm, analyzed the online strength of small businesses nationwide by considering factors such as the likelihood of small businesses to have a website, use a blog, promote themselves on a social network, sell goods directly from their web pages and whether they had a mobile-friendly website.