TAP Unveils "Buy Local" Campaign for Scarsdale

On Monday, June 16th, local consumers, businesses, and government officials gathered at the Scarsdale Library to attend the final presentation of The Acceleration Project (TAP)'s Buy Local Study. In collaboration with the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce, TAP launched the Buy Local Study to promote the vibrancy of Scarsdale's commercial hubs and to educate community stakeholders on the importance of actively supporting local businesses. TAP, a nonprofit organization that deploys local professionals to assist local small businesses, assembled a team of 19 consultants, collectively donating over 2,400 hours to the project.

TAP Co-Founders/Co-CEOs Lisa Tretler and Jane Veron provided specific business recommendations to accommodate consumers' changing needs and unveiled a new marketing campaign to encourage patronage of local businesses. Tretler and Veron shared detailed findings from a widely circulated consumer and business online survey and reviewed insights gleaned from in-person interviews, focus groups, and a national best practices analysis. TAP consultant Tracy Ullman introduced the key components of the marketing campaign including a memorable "Shop the 'Dale" logo and messaging. TAP also offered a comprehensive list of proposed marketing tactics and a Buy Local public service announcement video created by SHS student Andreas Larsen. Said Tretler, "When consumers choose to spend their time right here in Scarsdale, they actively improve the value, vibrancy, and desirability of our beautiful town."

Watch the Buy Local video, or Public Service announcement, here:

TAP recruited twelve block captains, business owners from Scarsdale's five retail hubs, to help lead the implementation of the campaign. Block captain Michelle Anderson, owner of La Dentelliere, commented, "I spoke to a few people after the presentation, and it was all positive energy. Businesses were all thrilled to have been there." TAP noted that they were also invited to share Study data with Scarsdale government officials.

Sponsors' donations helped to defray some of the costs of conducting the Study. Buy Local Study sponsors included: Christie-Spencer Corporation/Scarsdale Improvement Corporation/Wilgrin Realty Corporation, BlueMountain Capital Management, Houlihan Lawrence, Country Bank, Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's, Platinum Drive Realty, and Lange's of Scarsdale.

According to Veron, "The Buy Local study elevates the success of businesses and Scarsdale overall, preserves our sense of community, and ensures that local businesses remain vital for our convenience." The details of the final report and associated marketing collateral including the logo and messaging can be found on the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce website at www.ScarsdaleChamber.org. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially kick of the Shop the'Dale campaign will take place this coming September.

(Pictured at top:) TAP Buy Local Team, from left to right: Amanda Hack, Tracy Ullman, Nanette Koryn, Claire Brennan, Lisa Tretler (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carol Fitzgerald (CEO Buzzback Market Research), Deb Pekarek (Scarsdale Village Trustee), Andreas Larsen, Jane Veron (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carolyn Stevens (Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce), Emily Feldstein, Julia Feldstein, Mary Blum. Not pictured: Richard Effman, Janette Gee, Joan Hendell, Michaela Hendell, Tracy Jaffe, Kim Meyers, Pam Rubin, Rhonda Schnipper