Show up for the places that make our communities feel like home February 22–28!

Thank You, Minnesota!!

This past week, February 22–28, communities across Minnesota showed up in a big way!

Through the Real Impact, Real People, Real Communities campaign, Minnesotans were encouraged to support the businesses and organizations that show up for them every day — and you did just that. From shopping your community and dining out to sharing stories and lifting up your favorite community spots, the impact was real.

To everyone who participated — thank you!

We’re especially grateful to the local chambers, community groups, and partners across the state who brought this campaign to life in their own communities. Your leadership, creativity, and willingness to engage made it easy for people to plug in and support local in ways that felt authentic and meaningful.

And to the businesses and organizations at the heart of this effort — thank you for what you do every day. You create jobs, support families, and help shape the character and strength of communities across Minnesota.

While this week gave us a moment to rally together, the message doesn’t stop here.

Let’s carry it forward. Keep showing up. Keep recognizing the real people behind the places we rely on every day. The impact is real — for our communities today and for their future.

Behind every business across Minnesota and in your community are real people — owners, employees, and families — showing up every day to keep the lights on and serve their neighbors.

February is one of the toughest months of the year for many businesses and organizations. From February 22 - 28, we’re inviting Minnesotans to show up for the places that show up for us — the stores, restaurants, venues, and other community spaces that are part of everyday life.

When you support your community, the impact is real and immediate. Your dollars help cover payroll, pay the rent, and keep familiar doors open. They support local jobs and the places that make your neighborhood and community feel like home.

Every purchase made in the community during this week creates real impact, helping doors stay open, our neighbors stay employed, and organizations stay rooted right in your community — and across Minnesota.

The Real Impact, Real People, Real Community campaign is powered across the state by Minnesota Retailers, Hospitality Minnesota, local chambers of commerce, cities, neighborhood organizations , statewide associations and more! See the leadership steering committee here.

NEW! Show Up for Local. Get Rewarded.

During Real Impact, Real People, Real Community week (Feb. 22–28) supporting local is easy — and you could win while doing it. Visit any local business, snap a photo of yourself there, and share it on the Real Impact Facebook page (facebook.com/RealImpactMN) or tag your post with #RealImpactMN. Be sure to tag the business as well! Some communities are donating $50 in gift cards, and winners will be randomly selected the following week. Every visit makes a difference, every post helps lift up local businesses, and every share is a chance to win!

Interested in having your community participate?

We invite neighborhoods, chambers, cities, community organizations, and associations to join us in lifting up this week, using the campaign tools to promote participation and encourage people to show up for the places that matter most in their area. Click here to learn more!