DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad says the state will partner with Google to assist Iowa businesses in establishing an online presence. Speaking Monday at his weekly news conference, Branstad noted about 59 percent of the state’s businesses don’t have websites. He says the new partnership will help cut into that number. He says Google will host events in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Waterloo and Pella during September to help businesses develop a Web presence.

Besides Google, the governor says a series of business groups such as the Iowa Association of Business and Industry will take part in the partnership. Google will offer the tools for businesses to get online and will provide websites free for one year.