How did one local media company sign eight new branded content deals in one day? By hosting a Lunch & Learn. Richner Communications, Inc. invited 28 local businesses to an educational session about branded content. 20 showed up. And 8 signed on as clients — a 40% conversion rate! Rather than push a sales pitch, Lori Berger and David Arkin focused on education and industry-specific value. Now they’re planning two more — one for restaurants and another for home improvement businesses. 👏 Smart strategy. Real results. 📚 Read more on how they did it — and why your business might want to borrow the playbook. (fb)

🎉 Big congrats to Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, CRO of New York Amsterdam News, named Digital Innovator of the Year by the Local Media Association! Sam is being celebrated for her game-changing leadership at one of the nation’s most historic Black newspapers. By trusting and empowering her team, she's helped boost revenue, subscriptions and morale — all while keeping the mission front and center. 💡 Legal notices revenue tripled 💡 Subscription revenue up 90% 💡 Reader orders up 40% New York Amsterdam News calls it a “new Harlem Renaissance” — and it’s happening thanks to Sam’s vision and heart. 📣 Join us in congratulating this powerhouse leader! (fb)