Dream Local Digital Founder and Client Success Officer Shannon Kinney Elected as Corporator for Bangor Savings Bank

Thomaston, Maine, Aug. 10, 2022 -- Dream Local Digital’s Founder and Client Success Officer, Shannon Kinney, was elected to serve as a corporator for Bangor Savings Bank by its board. She holds this position as one of the few Midcoast Maine business owners voted in to represent the region.

 

"It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve as the voice of

Merritt Becknell Joins Dream Local Digital as a Designer

Rockland, Maine -  Dream Local Digital continues to grow, welcoming Merritt Becknell to the team as a Designer. She will be working with clients to develop branding and digital advertisements to help their small businesses build an online identity and find success.

Merritt recently graduated with her BFA in Applied Design & Digital Imaging. She has experience working with clients on a variety of design services. Merritt also has a deep appreciation for the power of the image to communicate, inspire, & inform.

Learn more about Dream Local Opportunities here >>http://dreamlocal.com/jobs/

Abby Hilt Joins Dream Local Digital as Marketing Strategist

ROCKLAND, Maine - Dream Local Digital continues to grow, welcoming Abby Hilt to the team as a Marketing Strategist. Abby will be working with clients nationwide, developing online communities and building brand awareness with social media and online marketing.

Abby is a recent graduate of the University of Maine, with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Art History. Her interests in publishing and content creation trace back to middle school, and she’s looking forward to applying her skills to help clients tell their stories online.

“It’s always great when we are able to hire a quality person from our intern program.  Abby was great to work with as a Dream Local Intern and we are excited to have her come on board as our newest Marketing Strategist.” – Dale Landrith, Chief Strategist, Dream Local Digital

In her spare time, Abby enjoys reading books, watching far too many YouTube

Digital Marketing Company to Expand in Rockland

Rockland, Maine - Dream Local Digital, Inc. is the latest Maine business to outgrow its existing facility. The digital marketing company was recently certified for a Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) incentive package designed to assist the company's upcoming expansion in Rockland. Dream Local Digital's investment is expected to lead to the creation of up to 30 new jobs over the next two years.

"Congratulations to Dream Local Digital on its expansion plans," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "The entire state benefits when existing Maine businesses have the opportunity to expand. This is what we've been experiencing recently in communities all across our great state. My Administration will continue doing all it can to help grow our economy by empowering the private sector to invest money and create good jobs for Maine people."

Company founder Shannon Kinney spoke to the competitiveness of the DECD incentives. "We're very driven toward trying to focus our efforts on job creation in Maine. The incentives help provide us with greater financial stability and help us plan ahead and make long term investments."

Kinney also spoke to her working relationship with Governor LePage Account Executive Jaimie Logan and posed it as a crucial cog in the gears of Dream Local Digital's expansion. "Jaimie continues to be a great resource and has already helped by connecting us with key resources and potential clients; attending events; engaging with us on a monthly basis; and zeroing in with us on improvements that the company can make. We're really grateful for Jaimie's ongoing support."

Dream Local Digital is dedicated to helping companies use social media marketing to interact and engage existing customers, locate new clientele, and develop and execute strategy.

For more information on DLD, and the Department of Economic & Community Development, please visit the links below:

Dream Local Digital: www.dreamlocal.com

DECD: www.maine.gov/decd

Shannon Kinney of Dream Local Digital to Keynote University College at Rockland Graduation Celebration

Rockland, Maine - Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital in Rockland will keynote the URock graduation celebration on Saturday, May 3 at 4:00PM. Kinney spent years away in Chicago, Boston and Silicon Valley before relocating to Maine and starting her own business with a focus on cutting edge new media.  She is committed to the local economy and hiring locally.

According to Deborah Meehan, Director at University College at Rockland, "Several of our students have gone on to happy and successful employment at Dream Local. They have also been a strong partner in hosting student interns. I know she will inspire these graduates."

URock will celebrate the graduation of 55 students this spring in both associate and baccalaureate degree programs. Although students march on campus in the traditional cap and gown ceremony, the URock celebration honors students in a smaller setting amongst those who have supported them.

Dream Local Digital Announces Three New Hires

Rockland, Maine – Dream Local Digital, the national digital marketing and communications agency, today announces three new hires to support the agency’s continued growth.

Tim Schau, most recently was the owner/operator of two European-style Market Cafes in Chicago and  joins the company as a Marketing Strategist. He has a background in independent small business, marketing, and organizational communications and has held positions with organizations ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups. He lives in Union and will work out of the company’s headquarters in Rockland, providing social media and online marketing to many of our small business clients nationwide.

Tom Tash, most recently the Recreation Director and Web Designer for the Town of Bridgton, joins the company as a Graphic Designer and Marketing Strategist. He has a background in Recreation Management and Graphic Design and has held positions with the City of Portland and Town of Bridgton. He lives in Winthrop with his wife, Emma, and will work in the company’s headquarters in Rockland, providing creative design services to Dream Local Digital clients nationwide.

Valerie Robinson, most recently a Marketing Team Member at Whole Foods Market Tampa, joins the company as a Junior Marketing Strategist. She has a background in cultural communications, marketing, and hospitality and has held positions in various organizations, such as WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), and Sweetwater Organic CSA. She lives in Cushing and will work in the company’s headquarters in Rockland, providing social media and online marketing to many of our small business clients nationwide.

“Attracting top talent is a key driver for our work at Dream Local Digital, and we are fortunate to add Tim, Tom, and Valerie to our team. They each bring strong experience and talent to the table, and their creativity has been a driving force in the clients they are serving. We are proud to have each one of them on our team.” - Shannon Kinney, Founder & Client Success Officer

The Dream Local Digital team is supporting a rapidly growing portfolio of business clients and media partners, providing digital solutions to drive revenue and new business through online marketing and social media. These new team members are critical to this growth, focusing on content development, customer engagement, and client revenue, helping businesses better perform online.

DREAM LOCAL DIGITAL IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR JR. MARKETING STRATEGISTS ANDINTERNS.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency located in Rockland, Maine, specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development, content strategy and social media to search engine optimization, reputation management and e-mail marketing. Subscribe to the the Dream Local Digital blog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts.

Dream Local Digital Announces Promotions

Rockland, Maine – Dream Local Digital, the national digital marketing and communications agency, today announces two internal promotions to support the agency’s continued growth.

Jessica Greene, who joined the company in 2012 and recently served as Office Manager, has been promoted to Junior Marketing Strategist, providing social media and online marketing to many of our small business clients nationwide.

Kasey Ahlquist, who also joined the company in 2012 and recently served as Marketing Strategist, has been promoted to Senior Marketing Strategist.  As part of this new role, Kasey will offer leadership and mentoring to Junior Strategists, lead strategy development for key accounts, and participate in innovating our research and processes.

“A key focus at Dream Local Digital is the dedication to the growth of our people, as our success depends on their creativity and talent. It is a happy day for me when I see dedicated team members grow and evolve into new positions and increased responsibility, and both Jessica and Kasey exemplify what it means to be a Dream Local Digital honeybadger. I am so proud of them both, and grateful that our clients will benefit from their well-developed expertise.” Shannon Kinney, Founder & Client Success Officer

The Dream Local Digital team is supporting a rapidly growing portfolio of business clients and media partners, providing digital solutions to drive revenue and new business through online marketing and social media. Jessica and Kasey’s roles are critical to this growth, focusing on content development, customer engagement, and client revenue, helping businesses better perform online.

Dream Local Digital is currently hiring for Jr. Marketing Strategists and Interns.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency located in Rockland, Maine, specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development, content strategy and social media to search engine optimization, reputation management and e-mail marketing. Subscribe to the the Dream Local Digital blog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts.

Dream Local Digital Named Small Business of the Year

Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces ‘The Best of 2013: The Year in Review’ Awards

Rockland, Maine – Dream Local Digital, the national digital marketing and communications agency based in Rockland, Maine, has been namedSmall Business of the Year by the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. They will receive the award at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala on February 12 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, Maine’s 4th largest Chamber, is based in Camden and Rockland and serves 24 communities in the Knox, Waldo, and northern Lincoln county regions, representing over 1,000 businesses and organizations. The gala, slated, ‘The Best of 2013: The Year in Review,’ will recognize businesses and individuals for Economic Enhancement, Small Business Development, and Innovation in Business. Awards are also given to the Community Person of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year.

The Gala, expected to draw 450 people from surrounding communities, will be topped off by an after-party at the aptly named Dream Local Digital Midnight Lounge, at the Samoset Resort, and will feature the company’s exclusive drink, the ‘Dream Catcher.’

“On behalf of the entire Dream Local Digital Dream Team I would like to say we are thrilled and honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award. Each day we work hard to effectively tell our clients’ stories online to grow their businesses, and this intense customer focus has allowed us to expand our business nationwide as well. This allows us to bring national best practices and experience to small businesses in local markets. I am proud to be here in Midcoast Maine and an active member of this terrific chamber, proud to be creating jobs and strong customer value, and most of all proud of all of the Dream Local Honey Badgers that get it done every day.”

Dream Local Digital, recipient of the Chamber’s 2010 ‘Innovation in Business’ award, continues its significant growth, having created 26 local jobs over the last three years and slated to add another 25 this year alone. The company was recently selected for Blackstone Accelerates Growth’s, Accelerated Ventures Program and founder, Shannon Kinney was named a Mainebiz Woman to Watch last summer. Dream Local Digital’s portfolio continues to broaden nationally, as they currently have partners in 19 markets, with plans to expand to 30 additional markets in 2014. The ‘Dream Team’ is sticking close to their roots, renovating an old newspaper building on Main Street in downtown Rockland, to help support the growing team.

Find out more about Dream Local Digital’s business and media services here.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development, content strategy and social media to search engine optimization, reputation management and e-mail marketing. Subscribe to the the Dream Local Digitalblog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts.

Blackstone Accelerates Growth Announces Dream Local Digital as New Accelerated Venture

Growing online marketing company receives support from Blackstone’s Maine initiative

Brunswick, Maine – Blackstone Accelerates Growth today announced the newest company to be selected for its Accelerated Venture program in Maine. Dream Local Digital based in Rockland, Maine has joined six other Maine companies to benefit from the Blackstone Accelerates Growth initiative designed to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in Maine. Shannon Kinney founded Dream Local Digital in 2009 to help local businesses use social media and other online marketing to communicate with existing customers, find new customers and increase sales. The company employs 26 people and with the assistance of Blackstone Accelerates Growth is poised to grow even more. Dream Local Digital is the first Accelerated Venture to join the Blackstone Accelerates Growth initiative from the Midcoast area of Maine.

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency that help small to medium-sized businesses and large media companies achieve their online marketing goals. The company also works with media organizations and other partners to offer these services in their markets. The largest market opportunity is with newspapers and newspaper groups who are struggling to reinvent themselves and grow their digital revenue channel. According to Kinney, the company currently counts 15 partners among its clients, with more than 20 “in the pipeline.” The company expects to grow in excess of 100% annually and to increase employment from the current level of 26 to 60 in 2014.

Kinney who worked with major online marketing firms in Chicago and Silicon Valley knows

Two More Newspapers Join Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Program

Lawrence, Kan. – The digital agencies of Steamboat Pilot & Todayand the Lawrence Journal-World, both part of the World Company family of newspapers, have joined Dream Local Digital’s expanding Media Partnership Program, to broaden market share, drive new revenue through digital media and provide clients a new suite of online marketing products. Dream Local Digital is holding seminars this week in Steamboat Springs and Lawrence to launch the two new agencies and start training their new partners, Explore Digital (Steamboat Pilot) and Free State Digital (Lawrence Journal).

This partnership will help build and strengthen relationships with local business owners interested in marketing with these two news organizations, providing solutions ranging from website development, content strategy and social media to search engine optimization, reputation management and e-mail marketing. Dream Local Digital expects these newspapers to become local business owners’ primary resource for advice in marketing, while diversifying their revenue streams to succeed in the new media environment.

“The Lawrence Journal-World and Steamboat Pilot & Today have been industry leaders online for years, it is an honor to be chosen to assist them in the execution of their digital agency strategies. They came to us with a very specific vision for their markets and clients, and we’ve been able to create solutions tailored specifically to their needs and workflows. We are excited to be visiting both markets this week to kick off seminars, meet local businesses and are already working with several of their clients to achieve their online marketing goals. ” – Shannon Kinney, Dream Local Digital Founder & Client Success Officer 

Dream Local Digital is working closely with the two teams this week in Steamboat Springs and Lawrence, and will continue to provide sales training and social media management and development services to enhance print sales and drive greater revenue through online media. Complementing traditional media strategies with online offerings, will enable the sales staff to provide a more broad set of tools to better serve their advertisers and clients.

Find out more about Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Program here.

About Explore Digital:

Explore Digital is the new digital agency for the Steamboat Pilot & Today, providing advertisers and clients support and management of all aspects of their online marketing

WCAA Conference to feature Dream Local Digital

Jennifer Shone Keynotes at Western Classified Advertising Association’s 2013 Conference

Palm Springs, California – The Western Classified Advertising Association (WCAA) holds its 63rd annual conference September 22-25 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. The conference, held each fall, provides a forum for newspaper and media colleagues to meet with each other and visit with leading industry vendors, see the newest technology, and compare products and services.

This year’s conference, slated to “change the way you think about the newspaper industry,” features Dream Local Digital’s Jennifer Shone. Jennifer will present two sessions (below), including the day three keynote address. Her presentations are designed to help educate, empower, and assist attendees with tactics for success, provide industry trends and strategies, and introduce specific tools and steps that businesses can immediately put into practice.

• Opportunity of Revenue Generation in Online Marketing - Trends in digital agencies and revenue generation in online services including social media, mobile, email, video and search engine marketing.
• Digital Agency Bootcamp - Specifics about how to generate revenue selling these kinds of services, the pros and cons of offering them to advertisers, how to sell, the pros and cons of fulfillment in-house or outsourcing and specific tactics for success. She will also have case studies of specific advertisers and their success.

“I’m looking forward to speaking to this dynamic group of media professionals – Dream Local Digital has been working with them for many years, their conferences are always a must-attend. In these sessions, we’re focusing on key areas facing media companies today: Opportunities to increase revenue, and whether or not (and how) to approach the hot new digital agency services line. ” – Jennifer Shone, Dream Local Digital, Partner Manager

Jennifer joins a powerful group of speakers, including Mike Blinder, Kelly Wirges, Shelly Wilson, Janet DeGeorge and Jeff Ferrazzano. Other sessions throughout the three-day conference will cover a broad range of topics ranging from Pay for Performance, Growing Classified Revenue, and Mobile Marketing to Direct Mail Marketing, Hiring and Retaining Talent, and Augmented Reality Within Community Newspapers. See the latest news and pictures from the conference on their Facebook page.

Find out more about Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Programhere.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development and reputation management to social media and e-mail marketing.  Dream Local Digital has offices in Rockland and Portland, Maine and Silicon Valley, Calif.Subscribe to the the Dream Local Digital blog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts.

About the WCAA:

Established in 1950, The Western Classified Advertising Association (WCAA) is the largest regional classified advertising networking organization in North America representing the thirteen western most U.S. states plus western Canada. WCAA members enjoy the benefits of networking with their colleagues throughout the year as well as at their annual conference. The WCAA is a valuable resource for finding new revenue and keeping up with the latest advances in the industry. Keep in touch with WCAA on Facebook here >>https://www.facebook.com/WCAAClassifieds.

Dream Local Digital Helping Newspaper Companies Grow Revenue

Sandusky Newspaper Group Joins Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Program

Sandusky, Ohio – The Sandusky Newspaper Group has joined Dream Local Digital’s expanding Media Partnership Program, looking to broaden market share and drive new revenue through online media.

The Sandusky Newspaper Group, which operates 12 newspapers and 28 websites, is eager to deploy Dream Local Digital’s products in its markets. Through this partnership, Dream Local Digital brings a new tier of services to SNG, ranging from social media and e-mail marketing to search engine optimization and reputation management. The added expertise and broader online offerings provide a comprehensive resource to advertisers, increasing value and revenue on the digital side of the business and expanding market share.

“We are honored to be chosen to serve the Sandusky Newspaper Group to work with them to extend their Digital Agency services to their advertisers. In each of their markets, they have strong local brands and trust amongst local businesses. Now they will be able to offer a suite of services that are in high demand while offering high-touch value to their clients.” – Shannon Kinney, Dream Local Digital’s Founder and Client Success Officer

The Standard-Examiner Joins Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Program

Ogden, Utah - The Standard-Examiner has joined Dream Local Digital’s expanding Media Partnership Program, to broaden market share, drive new revenue through digital media and provide clients a new suite of online marketing products.

The Standard-Examiner, the third largest daily newspaper in terms of circulation in Utah, is eager to deploy Dream Local Digital’s products in its markets. This partnership will help build and strengthen relationships with local business owners interested in marketing with The Standard-Examiner, providing solutions ranging from social media and e-mail marketing to search engine optimization and reputation management. Dream Local Digital expects The Standard-Examiner to become local business owners’ primary resource for advice in marketing, while diversifying its revenue streams to succeed in the new media environment.

“We are looking forward to working closely with The Standard-Examiner team to develop effective local solutions and online marketing services for businesses in their community. We will bring our experience, the latest trends and best practices locally and nationally to their clients – a powerful combination for small businesses.” – Shannon Kinney, Dream Local Digital

Dream Local Digital will work closely with The Standard-Examiner team, providing sales training and social media management and development services to enhance print sales and drive greater revenue through online media. Complementing traditional media strategies with online offerings, will enable The Standard-Examiner team to provide a more broad set of tools to better serve their advertisers and clients.

Find out more about Dream Local Digital’s Media Partnership Program here.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development and reputation management to social media and e-mail marketing. Subscribe to the Dream Local Digital blog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts. Dream Local Digital has offices in Rockland and Portland, Maine and Silicon Valley, Calif.

Amanda Stover Joins Dream Local Digital as Client Services and Project Manager

Rockland, Maine - Dream Local Digital continues its rapid growth, welcoming Amanda Stover to the team as a Client Services and Project Manager. Based in the company’s headquarters in Rockland, Maine, Amanda will focus on managing workflow for new and existing clients, enhancing existing processes and developing new tools to continually improve production quality and efficiency. She will also be a critical resource in educating Dream Local Digital teammates on new software tools and processes as they are rolled out.

Amanda has over five years of experience in process analytics and project management, focusing her talents on the coordination of tasks and resources to achieve project goals. As a student at Maine Maritime Academy she studied International Business and Logistics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in that field. Amanda has been trained in the standards and practices of the Project Management Institute required for the Project Management Professional certification and she specializes in business communication practices and staff education.

“Amanda brings strong experience to the Dream Team and she has already had a tremendous impact on ensuring efficiency coupled with excellent customer service. Her desire to do whatever it takes makes her a true Dream Local honeybadger and we are thrilled to have her on the team”- Shannon Kinney, Dream Local Digital Founder & Client Success Officer

“I am very excited to be working in a company with such strong Maine roots and a global impact. As the Client Services AND Project Manager, I get to be involved with the incredible things that the Dream Local Digital team is doing.  I am enjoying learning the processes and look forward to the tasks that lie ahead!” - Amanda

Amanda is originally from Vermont, and has lived in the mid-coast Maine area for over 20 years. She lives in Belfast and is involved in event management and local theater. Amanda will work from the company’s Rockland, Maine headquarters, helping Dream Local Digital serve clients in the local area and nationwide.

About Dream Local Digital:

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency specializing in interactive media, marketing, SEO and social media. Dream Local Digital works with newspapers, media companies, ad agencies, and directly with small to medium-sized businesses on all aspects of their online marketing plans, from website development to social media and e-mail marketing. Dream Local Digital has offices in Maine and Silicon Valley, Calif. Subscribe to the the Dream Local Digital blog to keep up with the latest trends and insights from their team of experts.

Dream Local Digital is currently recruiting for a variety of positions. If you are interested click here for more details and how to apply.

Dream Local: On The Fast Track

Doug Mills Story and Video
David Mills Photography
RCN America Network

Rockalnd, Maine - Last night Dream Local Digital held an open house at it's new offices on Main Street in Rockland.  What a success story this company is.  Only 14 months ago they were working out of a garage, now they are a successful international marketing company.  Congratulations to Shannon and the whole Dream local team for a job well done!

"Dream Local Digital is a startup. We pride ourselves on doing what it takes to get things done. Growing from a garage in a small town in Maine, to an international company serving clients across North America, we had to make sure that the original team was made up of a special group of people, willing to learn new things on the fly, take out the trash, fail on the way to success, work through healthy confusion, and be confident to forge ahead and get things done.

The Dream Team has grown rapidly, and is comprised of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. It is not necessary to have a degree in Marketing or Social Media to find your place here — we have former engineers, editors, writers, programmers, salespeople; you name it. At the core however, these people all share a common interest in and appreciation for the changes that are happening in the culture of communication, public relations, and marketing, and how social media plays a big part. Beyond that, everyone here is a Honey Badger. Regardless of background, experience, degrees, or unique interests, we all follow the ways of the Honey Badger — We don’t stop until we reach our goal, we don’t let stuff get in our way, we keep going and we get it done.

We’re building our team based on the same principles we had when we started in the garage. People are the most important part of any organization, and they fuel the success of our partners and clients. Happy people make happy customers. If you have a passion for new media and how the world of marketing and communications is changing; if you can take the lead on something you know nothing about; or if you can take on a challenge and figure it out as you go; you may be a good fit for the Dream Team."
http://dreamlocal.com