Google sets new engagement standard

By Bob Mundt

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In today's high tech environment, we sometimes get caught up in the virtual benefits provided by these high-tech companies. Access your computer and you can access multiple applications to accomplish multiple objectives without ever talking with anyone or meeting the people or the companies responsible for these modern tools.

Companies can remain anonymous, distant and disengaged and still make profits working from unknown locations. Involvement from these companies in the communities they do business in is nonexistent and profits are taken from the community without reinvestment back to that community.

Google has once again taken the lead to break that stereotype and put “Boots on the Ground” to engage communities in their own success by providing tangible and usable talent and programs for communities across Iowa and the United States. Utilizing its human capital and innovative approach to problem solving, Google has opened the doors for many communities and their small businesses to access the power of the Web and reach audiences once thought to be too distant for these small businesses.

With deep roots in Council Bluffs since 2009, Google has worked to maintain the highest standards for contributing back to Iowa. The company has invested more than $600 million in its current data center in Council Bluffs, and recently announced an additional $300 million investment in a second data center in the area.

Google led efforts for the 2012 Iowa caucuses with its Media Filing Center and Media Hangout, and launched its “Google For Veterans” program in the state. Google has held at least 46 “Get Your Business Online” seminars for Iowa small businesses, from Council Bluffs to Des Moines to Holstein, with more planned for the upcoming months.

Recently released Economic Impact data shows Google's activity has generated more than $182 million for Iowa's businesses, website publishers and non-profits in 2011 alone.

Google also recently announced a unique partnership with the Iowa State Fair in which Google will serve as a media partner in 2012. In its role as media partner, Google will be posting daily stories from the fair, hosting hangouts, highlighting special events and promoting the Iowa State Fair to a worldwide audience through the fair's redesigned YouTube and Google+ pages.

Google is setting the new standard for technology companies and its new style involvement in communities throughout the nation. Using technology and the creative and innovative spirit of its workforce coupled with the progressive and forward-thinking communities, businesses and communities are recognizing that virtual benefits can translate to a boots-on-the-ground approach to community, business and economic development in our communities.

Bob Mundt is president/CEO of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce. Comments: bmundt@

councilbluffsiowa.com