As early as 10 years ago, businesses were learning that a presence in the digital space would become essential as the cost of technology dropped to the point that mass numbers of people were now connected through the internet.

Marketing firms had to adjust, making sure campaigns and branding strategy went digital, as they tries to obtain market superiority in traditional channels.

Flash forward to today, on the cusp of 2014, and most major enterprises have a well-established digital brand presence. Online and mobile campaigns are successful to move more products and services. In that vein, LinkedIn has recognized the businesses that have built and maintained the top business pages on the professional social media site this past year.

While there wasn’t a single top winner awarded, these 10 firms share the reward. They are: Adobe, AppleOne, Commonwealth Bank, Dell, Four Seasons, Hub Spot, Kellogg, Marketplace Home Mortgage, Mashable and NPR.

It was interesting to see which firms made the list, but I was surprised to see a media outlet make the list. In my decades in the media game, it has been difficult – like pulling teeth – to get the large media companies to see the value of digital platforms. I was an early adopter in the newspaper world, and it was a painstakingly slow process to work with these firms to make the transition. Some of them still are not there.

In its rationale, LinkedIn praised the simple way in which National Public Radio positions itself on the business page.

"NPR quickly catches its audience’s attention by posting interesting and valuable lists. Lists are a great way to organize content into quick and easily digestible pieces," LinkedIn said.

I couldn’t agree more. In a social media and the digital space, the most-read content is presented in bite-sized chunks.

CELEBRATE: WISN-TV’s "12's Season To Celebrate" returns for its 12th season of performances at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The special, hosted by anchors Kathy Mykleby and Craig McKee, features an exclusive performance by five-time Grammy-winning artists, "The Blind Boys of Alabama," and the return of Doc Severinsen.

Milwaukee indie rock/pop group I'm Not a Pilot will perform with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Peter Thomas, whose electric cello gives their performance, "an unparalleled richness," the station reported. Thomas is a member of I'm Not a Pilot.

Brookfield native, singer Nora Collins, will be introduced by WISN 12 News' Sally Severson and Mike Anderson, and they will share the story of the WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) winner.

WISN 12 News anchors Toni Valliere and Thema Ponton take viewers to a Milwaukee church dating back to the Civil War, for a performance by the Children's Choir from Peace Lutheran Academy. The Dominican High School Choir performs from the Calatrava addition of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Anchor Joyce Garbaciak and "Upfront" host Mike Gousha provide the background on the songs and story of the emerging artists.

Anchors Patrick Paolantonio and Toya Washington celebrate the season at Red Arrow Park, sharing the story of Racine native Fred Hermes. Hermes built a "theater-in-the-ground" in his lakeside home as a place to keep his Wurlitzer Pipe Organ and the 3,000 pipes that came with it.

Meteorologist Mark Baden attends the 38th annual Electric Children's Parade, accompanied by the Badger High School Marching Band. Sports director Dan Needles takes his turn at holiday hide and seek.

"12's Season To Celebrate" will be re-broadcast on Christmas Eve., at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, and again on New Year's Eve, at 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.