Dancing delightfully close to the edge of controversy, a community-wide coalition of local leaders today announced a new collective impact local stimulus campaign, spearheaded by Six Pillars Broward, to help kickstart a safe economic reboot of Broward County. Nearly 120,000 people lost their jobs in the month of April, because of COVID-19 pandemic closures.
Conceptualized by Zimmerman Advertising, the playful community campaign cajoles consumers to identify as SOBs – Supporters of Broward – and do their part to support local businesses. With a wink, its colorful signage, ads and merchandise boldly remind people to eat, drink, shop and otherwise spend locally like an SOB, but also to wash, wear a mask, social distance and otherwise be safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus like an SOB.
The campaign launched today with a virtual event featuring video and live content from multiple locations throughout Broward County, highlighting the community’s many cultures and diversities. The 90-day stimulus initiative is co-chaired by Tony Coley, Regional President – South Florida, Truist, and Penny Shaffer, Market President – South Florida, Florida Blue. In addition to inspiring individuals to be Supporters of Broward, the campaign encourages major companies and organizations to reroute spending to local firms and engage Broward County certified small businesses as new sources for goods and services.
“Being a Supporter of Broward today means making a lasting impact on our local businesses and in the lives of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, friends, children, grandparents, and generations to come,” said Coley.
“We need everyone to step up and proudly say, ‘I’m a Supporter of Broward!’ We are all in this together, and together we will make Broward County better than ever before,” said Shaffer.
The multi-channel campaign comprised of print, broadcast, social, digital and outdoor media highlights local businesses of all sizes and types, nonprofits, cities and Chambers of Commerce throughout Broward County and engages consumers through a series of creative promotions, incentives and contests to buy local and be an SOB. The campaign is a special project of Six Pillars Broward, a community-wide initiative of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and its 501C3 Alliance Foundation.
“Never before has it been more important to come together as a community to strengthen our local economy, support one another and be Supporters of Broward. Six Pillars Broward is honored to bring together diverse leaders united in our love and pride for our community,” said Joseph E. Hovancak, Executive Director of Six Pillars Broward.
“This work was intended to get people’s attention to focus on the local businesses right in their own backyard. We don’t want Broward businesses to just survive…we want them to thrive,” said David Nathanson, Creative Chairman of Zimmerman Advertising.
For more information, visit www.ProudSOB.com.
