Mar 25, 2018 2 min read

Reimagine Main Street, Observer Publishing Co.’s online advertising and marketing division, marked its fifth anniversary in January in relative silence. But when a belated birthday gift arrived via email two months later, it was time to celebrate.

OPC’s digital ad team was notified March 13 that it took third place in the Best Digital Agency category in the Local Media Association’s competition. Taking bronze was a golden moment for RMS, which was competing with more than 70 news organizations – newspapers (including those in large chains); TV and radio stations; and digital news sites.

RMS also is batting 1.000 in the awards category. This was its first foray into national competition, said Arlea Hoffman, digital strategy director.

Nancy Lane, president of the Local Media Association, said in a prepared statement: “This is a highly competitive contest that recognizes the best in local media when it comes to digital innovation. There is no other contest like it. The bragging rights are huge for the winners.”

Hoffman is part of the five-member bronze-winning team, along with Grace Dalmolin, Melissa Wescott, Cassie Augenstein and Coleen Mehlmauer.

RMS, which has a major partnership with Google, will receive its award at the annual Digital Revenue Summit May 1-2 in Chicago.