Campaign aims to promote the virtues and value of shopping and dining locally.

Shopping and dining locally aren’t just important for our local economy, it’s a safe and enjoyable experience as well.

That’s the basic philosophy behind the “Needham 100 Day Challenge,” a new marketing campaign designed to support and promote the town’s businesses and restaurants during the final 100 days in 2020.

The campaign is a collaboration between the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber’s Needham Business Alliance committee, the Town of Needham, local businesses, civic leaders and community members. The campaign was designed by Traktek Partners, a Needham-based digital marketing agency, on a pro bono basis as a community service to its hometown.

“Restaurants and retailers are entering a critical 100-day period that will determine who survives the worst economy since the Great Depression and who doesn’t,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “We want to remind the public of the severity of the problem, while also reminding everyone that this isn’t a painful ask because we have so many terrific businesses here.” 

The Needham 100 Day Challenge will feature local merchants sharing stories about their businesses, with amplification from residents and community leaders about the many options for shopping and dining in Needham. Messages emphasizing mask wearing, social distancing and adhering to other safety protocols will also be incorporated.

“The Town of Needham is delighted to partner with the chamber to encourage all our residents to Shop Local Dine Local during the 100 Day Challenge,” said Needham Select Board member Marianne Cooley. “We are fortunate to have so many terrific restaurants and shops in Needham - and we want to keep it that way!”

The desire to create a local campaign aimed at supporting local businesses emerged during a meeting this summer of the Needham Business Alliance, a subcommittee of the chamber.

“We had to think differently,” said Paula Jacobson, executive director of the Charles River YMCA and the committee’s chair. “Without the Needham Harvest Fair and many other traditional fall festivities we had to find new ways to promote shopping local. I’m super excited to see our community come together to support one another. This is going to be fun. And you’re certain to learn something new about every participating establishment!”

Jacobson also offered a big thanks to Traktek Partners and managing partner Cyril Lemaire for stepping up to create the Needham 100 Day Challenge campaign.

“I've always enjoyed shopping and eating at our town's local businesses,” said Lemaire, who has lived in Needham for 23 years. "Our team at the agency is excited to work with the chamber on the Needham 100 Day Challenge and see the impact the campaign has on our great community and the local Needham businesses. Getting involved was a no-brainer for Traktek.”

The campaign launched this week with the creation of a logo, a Needham 100 Day Challenge Facebook Group, Instagram page and the #Needham100Challenge hashtag. In addition, the town and the chamber partnered to hang a series of Shop Local Dine Local Needham banners in downtown Needham.

Lemaire said additional elements of the campaign will be announced in the days to come.

The 100 Day Challenge is sponsored by Needham Bank, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital -Needham, Briarwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Direct Federal, Rockland Trust, One Wingate Way, Middlesex Savings Bank, Dedham Savings,  Petrini Corporation, and the Charles River YMCA.

For more information contact Lise Elcock at lqelcock@nnchamber.com