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Freshwater Digital Media Partners Prepares for Expansion

Grand Rapids, MI, – September 2011

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Freshwater Digital Media Partners was created to address a need: Business owners, small and large, are realizing the potential of digital signage and interactive media in their place of business. Without experience in this industry, this can be daunting. They are tasked with gaining a quick education on developing a realistic network strategy, evaluating hardware and software providers, sourcing content and developing revenue projections…and do it all correctly.  Additionally, digital media service providers, including hardware, software, creative, sales and research organizations spend millions to market their offerings, hoping potential customers find them. Freshwater DMP specializes in partnering with both customers and providers to help create fresh ideas in this fluid and ever changing industry.

Freshwater DMP was founded by Matt Downey in 2010 and immediately took on a Grand Rapids, MI based superstore as its first client.   Over the past year, Freshwater has been managing network strategy, ad sales and operations as well as creating network content and advertising for the retailer’s in-store TV network.  In June of 2011, Freshwater hired Jonathan Dodge as Sr. VP of Business Development to assist in the expansion of the organization.  President, Matt Downey states, “As interest in Freshwater’s services rapidly grew, we needed to take steps to make sure we built the right team and the best partners.  Jon’s experience in digital media was a natural fit for the company.”  Jeff Wylie, founder of Wylie Creative, an Atlanta, GA based creative firm has also joined Freshwater as Creative Director.  Matt comments, “Jeff has a great eye for media and understands the art of mixing of attractive creative with meaningful content which is critical for digital signage.”

Armed with over 20 years of combined successful digital media experience with companies including Meijer, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Tribune and Coca Cola, the Freshwater team has partnered with several of the most respected companies in the industry including Screenfeed, Premier Retail Networks, Winntech and ComQi and several others.  Working closely with these strategic partners, Freshwater is able to deliver unique solutions for end users.  In August of 2011, Freshwater launched a pilot program featuring entrance screens at a local retailer.  The custom system consists of two large HD screens (55″ vertical “portrait” format) – one located at each main entrance to the store. The goal is to enhance the customer experience and impact advertiser sales. The system welcomes customers and drives them to specific departments and promotions within the store. It can also be used to convey seasonal strategies, introduce new products, and communicate various customer services.  It includes real-time local weather and a product feed from online ads – a custom feature spearheaded by Freshwater.  Sr. VP of Business Development, Jonathan Dodge states, “These screens provide vendors and network operators with a tool to put their message in front of virtually every customer entering the location.”

Freshwater is also working with several agencies focusing in digital media. Their partnership with Interpublic Group, a global provider of advertising and marketing services, allows Freshwater to provide select programming for their new IPG Media Lab located in New York, targeting agency executives and key decision makers with interest specifically in digital signage. Sonya Rosas, Digital Out of Home Strategist – IPG Media Lab commented, “Freshwater was able to quickly respond to a request for exciting content examples to be included in our new lab which will host hundreds of agency executives and key decision makers with interest specifically in digital signage and media.  Freshwater is a company to watch in this new and exciting medium.”  In addition, a newly formed relationship with Agent X, a Grand Rapids, MI based Digital Media agency, is allowing the companies to combine their collective expertise in technologically advanced media consulting.

Freshwater Digital Media Partners, a privately held company, provides one stop, expert assistance in building premier digital signage solutions.  By leveraging their expertise and partnerships, small businesses and large enterprises alike can build a solution that will deliver on their objectives.