Multi-platform campaign will educate local businesses through written content and events

Boston, MA  – The Boston Globe and Rockland Trust Company today announced their launch of a first-in-its-kind program offering educational resources for businesses.

The 18-month, multi-platform campaign features Rockland Trust-sponsored content designed to educate businesses on how to successfully run, grow, and overcome the challenges that arise as they expand. The program, which also includes Rockland Trust’s sponsorship of the popular “Talking Points” column in the Globe’s Business section, will feature several events where business leaders can share valuable advice, exchange ideas, and network. The written component will be authored by Boston Globe Media’s new content services business unit and be part of a comprehensive digital advertising campaign on BostonGlobe.com.

“As a commercial bank devoted to serving business needs, Rockland Trust is always looking for new ways to provide value for the business community,” said Christopher Oddleifson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockland Trust. “We are excited to work with The Boston Globe to provide insightful articles and events in an innovative way that helps businesses get easy access to the answers they need to the questions they face every day.”

“The Boston Globe continues to innovate and develop new marketing and sponsorship products and solutions that deliver value to our advertising partners,” said Tim Marken, Chief Growth Officer at The Boston Globe. “By blending traditional print advertising, outdoor and events with new sponsored content and digital advertising programs, Rockland Trust is able to leverage the full capabilities of the Globe’s platform and initiate meaningful dialogue with local small and medium-sized business owners to help them achieve their goals.”

As part of the program, Rockland Trust and The Boston Globe will host The Boston Globe’s Talking Points Event Series presented by Rockland Trust beginning in January 2016. The business networking event series will feature local experts, innovators, and thought leaders who will address the challenges and opportunities that businesses face today. There will be six events held throughout the 18-month program, the first of which will be accessible to the public through video on the Globe and Rockland Trust’s digital platforms.

The sponsorship initiative also includes unique advertising to kick off the program, featuring Rockland Trust-branded Globe delivery truck wraps, poly bags, and honor boxes. In addition, new Globe readers signing up for a digital subscription receive a two-week free trial of BostonGlobe.com courtesy of Rockland Trust. For the latest program news and information, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

###

About Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC
Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC provides news and information, entertainment, opinion, and analysis through its multimedia properties. BGMP includes the Boston Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, Cruxnow.com, BetaBoston.com, and Globe Direct.

About Rockland Trust
Independent Bank Corp. has approximately $7.1 billion in assets and is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts. Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as well as through telephone banking, mobile banking, and the Internet. Rockland Trust is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender. To learn why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®,” please visit www.rocklandtrust.com.

Media Contacts
Ellen Molle, Rockland Trust: 617-922-5952 (Mobile), 781-982-6537 (Office), ellen.molle@rocklandtrust.com.com
John Gates, Elevate Communications: 617-861-3651, jgates@elevatecom.com