BOSTON (WWLP) – Governor Baker will visit a Boston restaurant Friday afternoon to discuss the Let’s Go Out campaign.
Governor Charlie Baker will join Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, and Boston Mayor Kim Janey highlight the “Let’s Go Out” marketing campaign, an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting local restaurants around the Commonwealth.
State wants to hear “let’s go out”
Officials will provide an update on the state’s response to the in-person meal from MIDA on Tremont Street in Boston at 2 p.m.
(Mass.gov) – The Let’s Go Out campaign is an attempt to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting local restaurants across the Commonwealth. The campaign is led by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) in collaboration with the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and industry partners. The start of the $ 1.9 million campaign coincides with the lifting of public health restrictions in Massachusetts and is slated to run through the summer of September.
The campaign’s mission is to promote the role of restaurants as an integral part of daily life and as a vital engine of economic activity for the city centers and main streets of the Commonwealth. Let’s Go Out is an extension of the administration’s “My Local MA” campaign, which has been encouraging residents to shop, eat and stay close since August last year.
“Our government recognizes that the challenges created by the pandemic have made the past year extremely difficult for the entire small business community, and the hospitality industry in particular,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to provide more than $ 688 million in grants to help restaurants and other hard-hit small businesses meet these challenges, and we look forward to receiving this support through the Let’s Go Out campaign to ensure a strong recovery for restaurants across the Commonwealth. “
“During the pandemic, restaurants have demonstrated their resilience and creativity to adapt their operations in response to the public health crisis, from increasing delivery and takeaway options to eating al fresco,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “As our nation’s leading immunization program enables us to reopen our economy, we are excited to launch this campaign to promote recovery across Massachusetts by encouraging residents to go to their favorite restaurants and the communities they serve Call home, return. “
Campaign ads capture the meaningful moments that happen in restaurants, such as: B. celebrating special occasions, reuniting friends, spending time with loved ones or getting to know a new person. After the economic impact of COVID-19 on restaurants and the shift of many customers to delivery and take-away, this summer is an opportunity for consumers to reconnect with friends and family in an atmosphere they love, in an emotional atmosphere, with their favorite foods to deal with connections.
“During the pandemic, we were excited to launch a number of key initiatives, including the nation’s largest small business aid program, which has given the hospitality industry approximately $ 224 million, and funding to support change public spaces to enable more and safer outdoor dining and the successful My Local MA campaign to encourage people to shop, eat and visit locally, “said Mike Kennealy, Secretary of State for Housing and Economic Development . “With the ‘Let’s Go Out’ campaign we are doubling our call to the public to buy locally by meeting friends and family again at the tables of their favorite restaurant, the new tavern down the street and the café with the live music. ”
“With our restaurants full again, it’s an exciting time for them to welcome customers back,” said Keiko Matsudo Orrall, MOTT Executive Director. “The goal of the Let’s Go Out campaign is to showcase the amazing variety of restaurants we have across the state and encourage a return to personal dining to support these businesses that are so important to our economy. While there may be some changes in the restaurants, such as new floor plans or contactless payment systems, the unprecedented experience of dining in the restaurant is crucial for connection and community. “
The campaign, which runs until September 2021, will report nationwide via display ads, digital billboards, posters and radio spots, as well as billboards in Fenway Park. In collaboration with MassDOT and Massport, additional billboards and displays will be featured on the freeways and at Logan Airport. A TV commercial will also be broadcast on the radio, including on NESN during the Red Sox games in late summer. The campaign landing page, VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut, features campaign information and a growing restaurant directory.
“As Senate Chairman for Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission, I heard firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges restaurants faced prior to the pandemic – and there were many,” said Senator Ed Kennedy, a member the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “Restaurants are places where we meet friends, hold business meetings, and celebrate special occasions. They are an important part of the Commonwealth’s economic vitality and the center of our social life. The restaurant sector was devastated during the pandemic and the businesses that survived now need all our support to stay viable. When we lift the restrictions and go out again, please remember to eat locally and shop locally. “
“If my family were still in the restaurant business and struggling with something like COVID-19, I don’t know how we would have survived,” said Senator Julian Cyr, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “After a painful test of creativity, hard work and crisis response, the restaurant workers who live their lives in the Cape and Islands are ready to welcome residents from across the Commonwealth and beyond. I am optimistic that we will soon be taking action to get restaurant advertising up to speed – just in time for our busy season to begin in full. “
“Restaurants play a vital role in the local, regional and national economies,” said Rep Paul McMurtry, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “They are not just the center of community, socialization and quality of life as they employ thousands of people. Increased customer service and ongoing legislative support will strengthen the industry and ensure a better future if we survive the pandemic. “
The Let’s Go Out campaign was developed in close collaboration with key industry stakeholders who provided their expertise and support, including the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Mass Restaurants United and members of the Restaurant Promotion Commission.
“Over the past year, restaurant owners and their staff have shown great resilience and creativity in inventing new ways of targeting customers while dealing with important but difficult security restrictions. The fact is, however, that personal eating is vital to the health of the hospitality industry. With the “Let’s Go Out” campaign, Massachusetts is making it clear that it supports restaurants and takes the issue seriously. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association is proud to be a part of this nationwide effort, ”said Bob Luz, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
For more information, please visit VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut.
The Let’s Go Out campaign complements My Local MA, the state’s marketing initiative aimed at encouraging Commonwealth residents to support their local economy by shopping at Massachusetts stores and attractions. Launched in August 2020, the campaign was developed in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses and communities. Marketing includes print, radio, poster and digital ads, as well as social media. The LoveMyLocalMA.com website provides resources for businesses and consumers to participate.
Last October, the Baker-Polito-Administration published Partnerships for Recovery, the Commonwealth’s plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, helping small businesses, promoting innovation, revitalizing inner cities, and ensuring housing stability. Through Partnerships for Recovery, the government has given more than $ 688 million to help small businesses, with a third of all program funding going to the restaurant and bar industry, and has new funding programs to revitalize inner cities, support cultural institutions, and improve Tourist destinations opened and financed regional economic development projects.
