MarketplaceMilton.com optimizes voice access to local business information through a comprehensive, database, using smart home technology.
Through a collaborative effort, the Milton Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area (DMBIA), and Escarpment Country launch Marketplace Milton. The three business associations recognized there was an opportunity to bring local businesses and consumers together, in an easier way.
“Miltonians can now more easily access local business information by using their smart home devices,” says Scott McCammon, President of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. The new platform is a voice query directory that offers users a convenient information search about Milton businesses listed on Milton Marketplace.
“This is a significant benefit to Milton residents and advances Milton business community members with the latest, innovative, trends and technology,” states Rachel Shuttleworth Executive Director of the DMBIA.
“Just say: “Ask Marketplace Milton” to access useful information”, adds Shuttleworth. Users can then proceed to ask “find my nearest restaurant, or where is the closest hair salon.”
Miltonians can visit marketplacemilton.com for details on how to get started.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, research has shown more users turning to their smart home devices for voice search queries.
Gartner reports that 32% of consumers are interested in hands-free technology that would limit touching or possible contamination. Voice search is one of the fastest-growing types of search.
- 55% of users do voice search to ask questions on a smartphone
- 4% of internet users (US data) operate a voice assistant at least once a month
The Milton Chamber of Commerce and the DMBIA have worked with Qwhery, a local Burlington-based company to help bring the benefits of optimized voice search to its members.
Voice chat is also becoming increasingly reliable as technology improves. “It is now no longer just a fad,” says Matt from Qwhery, the Burlington-based IT firm that helped with the database development. “As the big players the like of Google, Amazon and Apple, compete for the best mobile assistant, voice search is evolving from voice recognition to voice understanding (artificial intelligence).”
Beyond mobile phones, connected devices, and smart speakers, over 49% of Google Home and Amazon Echo users find them a necessity.
About the Milton Chamber of Commerce
The Milton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, membership-based, volunteer-driven, organization representing over 700 Member Businesses. As the voice of business Milton, the Chamber is a strong advocate for the continued development of our community and a partner for prosperity. By working together and focusing on initiatives that support growth, members use the services of the Chamber as an important catalyst for their business success. For more information visit Www.Miltonchamber.Ca.
About the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area
The Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area works to enhance and restore Downtown Milton and promote it as a vibrant and growing business community. They support local businesses and the community through beautification efforts, special events, marketing and promotions and strategic partnerships with government and community organizations. For more information, visit Www.Downtownmilton.Com.
About Escarpment Country™
Escarpment Country™ is a registered trademark and marketing initiative of the Milton Chamber Of Commerce. This tourism partnership, launched in 1998, brings together a group of farms, businesses and organizations which are committed to protecting and preserving this area for future generations, as well as showcasing its beauty and bounty for visitors to share and enjoy. For more information, visit Www.Escarpmentcountry.Ca
