Real Impact, Real People, Real Community

03/01/2026

Thank You, Minnesota!!

This past week 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.

02/28/2026

Show up for Shakopee!!

Real Impact. Real People. Real Shakopee!

February is one of the toughest months of the year for many businesses and organizations. From February 22- 28, we’re inviting you 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. Every purchase made in Shakopee helps businesses stay open, people stay employed, and organizations stay rooted right here at home.

02/28/2026

Let’s finish strong — show your love! ❤️ Today is the final day of the campaign — let’s show up in a big way for the businesses and organizations in your community that show up for us every day.

Stop in, shop, grab a beverage or meal, share a post — show your love however you can. And then… let’s carry it forward!

02/24/2026

Show Up for Community. Get Rewarded!

Supporting your community has never been easier (or more fun). Visit a community business, snap a photo, and share it on the Real Impact page or tag your post with — don’t forget to tag the business, too.

Some communities are giving away $50 gift cards, with winners selected next week. Every stop you make supports real people and real jobs — and every post helps amplify the impact.

Show up. Share it. You might just win.

02/24/2026

Show up for Worthington & Nobles County! Show up for community!

Real Impact. Real People. Real Worthington.

➡️From February 22–28, show up for the businesses that show up for our community.

Every purchase made in Worthington helps businesses stay open, people stay employed, and organizations stay rooted right here at home.

02/24/2026

Show up for Waconia! Show up for community!

February can be a challenging month for many businesses and organizations. That’s why the MN Retailers Association, together with Hospitality Minnesota and a committee of local chambers and groups, is launching a statewide campaign starting today, February 22 through February 28 to express even more support and appreciation for the hardworking businesses and organizations that serve our communities every day.

Past every friendly entrance, there’s a family, an owner, and employees who pour time, energy, and passion into making it all happen. We live in an amazingly supportive community! This initiative is a reminder to visit your neighborhood businesses and organizations, say hi, maybe do a little shopping, and thank them for helping make Waconia such a wonderful place.

What: Community Boost Week
When: February 22-28, 2026
Where: Your local businesses and organizations

02/24/2026

Show up for the Pine City area! Show up for community!

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

This week, we invite you to show up for the stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and community spaces that are part of your everyday life!

Share your story this week with a photo of how your are supporting the Pine City community businesses using the hashtag and be entered into a giveaway this week for more $25 Chamber Bucks prizes!

02/24/2026

Show up for the Elk River Area - Elk River, Otsego & Zimmerman! Show up for community!

Behind every business in the Elk River Area are real people. Owners, employees, and families showing up every day to keep the lights on and serve their neighbors.

When you support our 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 the Elk River Area feel like home.

February is one of the toughest months of the year for many businesses and organizations. From February 22- 28, we’re inviting you 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.

We personally think that our upcoming Sweet Escape Chocolate Tour is the perfect way to join in on the local support!

The Real Impact, Real People campaign is powered across the state by Minnesota Retailers, Hospitality Minnesota, the Elk River Area and hundreds of other partners!

Learn more at http://www.RealImpactRealMN.com

02/24/2026

Show up for Rochester! Show up for community!

February is one of the toughest months of the year for many businesses and organizations. Real Impact, Real People, Real Community Week (Feb. 22–28) encourages Rochester residents to support local businesses, restaurants, and community spaces that make our town thrive.

Visit any local business, snap a photo of yourself there, and share it on the Real Impact, Real People, Real Community page or tag your post with . Be sure to tag the business as well!

Learn more here: www.realimpactrealmn.com

02/24/2026

Show up for Freeborn County! Show up for community!

🌟 Real Impact. Real People. Real Freeborn County. 🌟

This week, February 22–28, we’re proud to show our support for the Real Impact Real MN initiative right here in Freeborn County.

When we choose to invest locally, support small businesses, and strengthen the organizations that serve our neighbors,we’re not just spending money, we’re building momentum. We’re creating opportunity. We’re shaping the future of our community.

Freeborn County is powered by real people doing real work that makes a real difference every single day. 💙

Let’s continue to show up, shop local, engage, and support the businesses and organizations that keep our community thriving.

Post a photo at a local establishment this week and tag it so we can celebrate the real people creating real impact in our community!

For more information, check out www.realimpactrealmn.com