'Cash Mob' To Descend Upon Needham Center Businesses

From the Newton-Needham Chamber Shop Local Committee and Needham Economic Development Committee:

98.5 The Sports Hub’s Mike Riley and Former Red Sox pitcher Ken Ryan Will Lead Shoppers Around Downtown Needham to Support Local Shops and Restaurants

NEEDHAM, MA – The Newton-Needham Chamber Shop Local Committee and Needham Economic Development Committee, in partnership with Parent Talk, the Community Center of Needham, the Charles River Y and other local organizations, today announced plans to organize a “cash mob” of local shoppers to descend upon Needham Center businesses on Saturday, April 30, 2016.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., more than 100 participants will join Needham resident Mike Riley from 98.5 The Sports Hub and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Ken Ryan to disperse around downtown Needham to visit local shops and restaurants.

“A ‘cash mob’ is like a ‘flash mob,’ except instead of asking people to breakout into a song or dance we ask participants to fan out and show support for our local merchants by spending at least $10 at any Needham Center shop or restaurant of their choice,” said Greg Reibman, President, Newton-Needham Chamber. “We’re grateful that Ken Ryan and Needham’s own Mike Riley will be able to join us on Saturday. Our local businesses are always here supporting our non-profits, our schools and our local clubs and teams. This is a chance for the rest of us to give back and say thanks.”

The group will meet on the Needham Town Common for a group photo and brief announcement before walking around downtown Needham to check out local shops and restaurants. The Chamber and the Needham Economic Development Committees are asking everyone to commit to spend at least $10 at any Needham business.

“Shopping locally boosts the local economy, creates jobs, and supports the character of Needham,” said Paula Jacobson, executive director of the Charles River YMCA. “Local businesses are more likely to support local events, schools, charities and sports groups. The Charles River Y is proud to partner with our chamber and encourages everyone to participate in the cash mob on April 30 and support our community.”

"As a community-based non-profit organization, Parent Talk values the support from local businesses and restaurants,” said Susan Kagan, Parent Talk, Executive Director. “We see this as a small way to give back.”

About The Newton-Needham Chamber

The Newton-Needham Chamber has a proud history of providing leadership and support and advocacy for the business and cultural vitality of Newton and Needham, Massachusetts since 1915. We are a not-for-profit membership organization and are not affiliated with any other chamber of commerce locally or nationally.

Our mission is to champion, encourage and cultivate business through advocacy, education and networking.

Our members represent everything from start-ups and non-profits to multi-generational family businesses and multi-national companies. They’re based in our village centers, our commercial districts, our office parks and in home offices. They come from other communities too, choosing to belong to this Chamber because they see opportunities here.