Hoyer Kicks Off Google's Free Seminar to Help Maryland Businesses Get Online

LARGO, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after kicking off Google's Maryland Get Your Business Online seminar to provide training to Maryland businesses on how to establish a web presence and gain online visibility:

"I was pleased to welcome Maryland small business owners to today's event, where Google experts shared their knowledge of how to use free online tools to help businesses create a website, reach more customers, be more productive, and expand.  The role of the internet in our economy will only continue to grow, and businesses will need to be tech savvy in order to compete. Unfortunately, only 47% of Maryland small businesses have a website.  With 97% of internet users looking online for local products and services, we need to improve that number to stay economically competitive and today's event will make a difference.

"Google is transforming the way we interact with each other and our world and I thank them for holding this seminar today to share their incredible array of tools with small business owners. Small business development is central to creating jobs and boosting our economic competitiveness, and I remain committed to ensuring Maryland small businesses have the resources to continue to compete and expand."