In its second partnership in recent weeks, the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and Newtown Parks & Rec are heading toward Valentine’s day asking residents and visitors to show some love for Newtown businesses.

According to a notice from the DCED office, the program is simple, safe, and social-media based.

Consumers are invited to take a photo or selfie of a Newtown business, with a locally sourced product or service, and post it to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #welovenewtownctbiz.

At the end of February, one winner will be selected to receive a gift card to a Newtown business of their choice.

Businesses are invited to print out a flyer to hang or display in images, as they can participate as well.

Color and grayscale flyers can be downloaded by visiting newtown.org/welovenewtownctbiz and clicking the corresponding link.

Business owners can snap a photo of staff, their storefront, or products and include the hashtag when posting.

Statewide Showcase

The ECD office is also helping businesses expand their visibility statewide.

In the Connecticut Office of Tourism’s continuing effort to #SupportCTBusinesses, they want to share what local businesses are doing with residents and local visitors on ctvisit.com, social media, and through public relations.

Businesses are asked to share what is reopening this year, as well as anything new or different for spring or summer at their property or event, including:

• Seasonal favorites — reimagined with safety top of mind (visiting maple farms, Easter egg hunting, Mother’s Day dining);

• New amenities, experiences, or events born out of the safety rules (drive-up hotel check-in/check-out, virtual happenings, outdoor dining);

• New or unique outdoor activities or events for families and adults (drive-through events, wildlife tours/cruises, Mother’s Day activities); and

• New or unique indoor activities or events for families and adults (exhibits, shows, tours).

Share thoughts along with any photos or videos with Jean Hebert at jean.hebert@ct.gov, or through the CT Visit website for larger files, and be sure to include any photos of visitors wearing masks.