Effingham is 2014 "eCity of Illinois"

(CONGRESSMAN JOHN SHIMKUS WAS ON HAND TO PRESENT THE GOOGLE AWARD TO MAYOR MERV GILLENWATER)

When Niall and Kristie Campbell initially heard from Google that their online activity at Firefly Grill led Effingham to be designated the 2014 eCity of Illinois, they thought it was spam.

The Campbells soon learned it was the real thing. A ceremony took place at the restaurant Monday morning to make the presentation with Congressman John Shimkus, Mayor Merv Gillenwater, State Representative John Cavaletto and Effingham County Chamber of Commerce President Norma Lansing among those on hand.

In his remarks, Mayor Gillenwater said he was accepting the award on behalf of all the businesses that made it possible for Effingham to be named eCity of Illinois. The eCity Award recognizes the strongest online business community in each state.

Google representative Wendy Gonzalez said Firefly Grill and their level of online interactivity was readily apparent; using the Web to find customers, network with them, and draw travelers to their tables. Gonzalez said there are many indications that people look online for destinations such as Firefly Grill and then make their travel plans accordingly.

(GOOGLE SPOKESPERSON WENDY GONZALEZ)

Kristie Campbell said they use Facebook, Twitter and various other online tools to market to those interested in vegan diets and food-to-table menus. She said the numbers are very good, and said she and Niall are pleased to have been a part of bringing the Google designation to Effingham.

Effingham Director of Tourism Jodi Jackson said the city's businesses as a whole are using the Web to find new customers, connect with existing ones and fuel the local economy.

Gonzalez said she hopes other Effingham businesses and industries will note the success seen at Firefly Grill and elsewhere and want to upgrade their online presence.