Support Locally: Marketing aimed at area residents, open to county businesses
WATERTOWN, NY — Supporting locally operated businesses and organizations is the goal of a marketing initiative announced today by Jefferson County Economic Development. Called “Support Locally,” the campaign ties businesses and organizations from around the county under one recognized brand to let customers know they are supporting an operation that’s part of their local community.
More than 10 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations are partners in the initiative. Those organizations spent the past several weeks encouraging businesses, nonprofit organizations and members to proudly display the Support Locally branding materials in storefronts, on websites and in advertising materials.
“At the outset of the pandemic, chambers of commerce wisely promoted patronizing local businesses. Our goal is to unify those efforts under one brand, signifying a Jefferson County service, place, or product. With buy-in from across the county, we can build this into something meaningful,” said Marshall Weir, Jefferson County Economic Development marketing director.
The green and blue Support Locally logo is highlighted by a map-style locator arrow that includes “Jefferson County, NY” as well as a subtle “J” and “C.” Specific versions include small text designating the business’ home community. 16 variations have been created so far ranging from Alexandria Bay to Worth. There is no fee or charge to use campaign materials.
The logo spells out Support Local.ly, which is also the campaign’s website address: www.supportlocal.ly.
Organizations that go to the website can download logo files formatted for digital, print and social uses.
The website additionally highlights chambers of commerce so visitors can see which businesses are open.
More than 2,500 posters designating operators as part of the campaign have been distributed via chambers of commerce and county-supported free sanitizer and mask events. The posters include the logo and a checklist that declares participants as locally operated; clean, safe and ready; providing local
jobs; and thankful for customer support.
“To ‘Support Locally’ goes two ways. Our businesses, nonprofit organizations and civic groups support locally run youth sports teams, charities and schools. This is about recognizing what they do for Jefferson County and in turn driving customers, members and clients back their way,” said Kylie Peck, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.