Dalmolin promoted to digital marketing manager
Grace Dalmolin works for the company her family owned for 116 years. But she was a pioneer when she started there in 2013.
“I was excited to join the family newspaper, but I also wanted to be involved with something new,” said the daughter of Tom Northrop, longtime publisher of Observer Publishing Co., whose sale to Wheeling-based Ogden Newspapers took effect Monday. OPC published the Observer-Reporter daily newspaper, the weekly Almanac and a number of niche publications.
Dalmolin was hired to work for Reimagine Main Street, a digital marketing agency that OPC was preparing to launch that October. The agency, according to its website, strives to “help businesses take advantage of the amazing potential of online advertising and marketing – quite literally reimagining the main streets of our communities.”
She served as a digital marketing strategist. Now, after five years of performing with grace under pressure, Dalmolin is in charge. Perry Nardo, regional publisher for Ogden Newspapers, announced her promotion to digital marketing manager Monday, succeeding Arlea Hoffman in the position.
Her mission, the newly anointed manager asserted, is clear-cut: “We want to continue to maintain good client relationships and education in the community for our local businesses. That’s the foundation we built (Reimagine Main Street) on.
“We’re trying to have a more comprehensive marketing experience, including print, digital and events. Our goal is to expand the agency and help other newspapers expand their model.”
Dalmolin, a Bethel Park resident, is a Washington County native. She grew up in South Strabane Township, graduated from Trinity High School and became absorbed in the Northrop news operation along the way.
“I am thrilled that Grace accepted the leadership position with Reimagine Main Street,” said Robert Pinarski, Observer-Reporter general manager. “Her commitment to the local business community along with her entrepreneurial spirit will help us drive Reimagine to the next level. She will have a pivotal role with this organization in continuing to help us evolve as a multifaceted media and marketing organization.”
She became enamored of parkas in her late teens. Dalmolin attended and graduated from University of Vermont, then spent five years working at two jobs in the Green Mountain State. She was a classified ad coordinator at the Burlington Free Press, before moving on to become a choir tour coordinator – at domestic and foreign venues.
After living in Spain for a spell, Dalmolin moved back home and took a customer service job. Reimagine Main Street followed.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity,” she said of her new role. “There are so many resources available to be in a position to grow.”