Economy

Google This: Media Giant Says it Generated $18.6B in Economic Activity in Washington

Economic impact report says 37,000 organizations and publishers used the companys products last year

By Rob Smith May 13, 2019

Seattle, Washington, USA - September 4, 2016: Front Entrance Sign at Google Alphabet Technology Corporation Building in Seattle Fremont Neighborhood

Google Inc. says its search and advertising tools helped drive $18.6 billion for about 37,000 businesses in Washington state last year.

The Mountain View, California-based companys 10th annual economic impact report says the companys products helped businesses, publishers and nonprofits increase their online presence, pumping money and jobs into the state economy.

Google also says nonprofits across Washington state received $8.59 million worth of free advertising though Googles Ad Grants program last year.

For small businesses across the U.S., the web is the most powerful tool to attract new customers and retain existing ones, says Mary Ellen Coe, president of Google Customer Solutions.

Google, which employs 4,500 people in Kirkland and Seattle, has been on a growth tear here. It is building a new five-building Seattle campus in South Lake Union which, when finished, will have almost 1 million square feet of office space. Construction has been delayed since a crane crashed at the intersection of Mercer Street and Fairview Avenue North in April.

Across the country, the report says Google sparked $335 billion worth of economic activity.

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