Join the Newton-Needham Chamber in Supporting Back Bay Businesses

Roughly a week after Back Bay was reopened to the public, the local chamber of commerce is lending a hand to the businesses affected by the April 15 Boston Marathon Bombings.

The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation to provide free round-trip bus rides to the Back Bay next week.

The trip will take place on Wednesday, May 8, and will allow locals to shop and dine at the stores and restaurants that lost business while Back Bay was shut down. 

“It’s unusual for the Newton-Needham Chamber to be promoting commerce outside of our two communities but this is a very worthy exception,” Chamber President Greg Reibman said in a statement. “We’re really pleased to be standing in solidarity with the businesses in the Back Bay and we’re grateful to Amy Tierce and Fairway for creating this program and inviting our members to participate.”

The coach will depart from 375-395 Eliot St. in Newton, across from the Echo Bridge Mall. Shoppers will spend time in Back Bay from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and the coach will leave Back Bay by 3 p.m., arriving in Newton by 4 p.m.

According to a press release issued by the chamber, Fairway Mortgage has reached out to 20 businesses and restaurants on Boylston Street that have agreed to have special promotions or menu items during the May 8 event.

“Like many we were looking for a way to support those impacted by the tragic events on April 15,” Fairway Independent Mortgage Regional Vice President Amy Tierce said in a statement. “Reading about the lost revenue, damaged storefronts and inventory and fears that some businesses may not survive really hit home for me as a small business owner.”

Gift bags, coupons and event buttons will be provided to all those who participate, the press release said.

For those who do not need transportation to the Back Bay, event gift bags and buttons will be available for pick-up at the Charlesmark Hotel at 655 Boylston St.

Transportation will be provided first come, first served. Contact Amy at asteinberg@fairwaymc.com or 781-719-4664 to reserve a space. Deadline for registration is Monday, May 6.