Local Love, One Week At A Time

There’s something special happening in North Iowa, and I’m having a lot of fun being part of it.

Last week, I kicked off a new weekly contest on Facebook where I highlight a locally owned business right here in our community. Supporting local isn’t just something I talk about, it’s at the core of who we are at Lee Realty. “Locally Grown; Locally Owned” has been our tagline since day one, and this is just another way to live that out.

Each week, I’m featuring a different LOCALLY OWNED business and give followers a chance to win a gift card to that spot. To enter, they simply follow my page, like the post, and comment—plus they can earn extra entries by tagging friends and sharing the post. It’s simple, fun, and it’s already been incredible to see the engagement.

Tomorrow, I’ll be drawing our very first winner, names in a bag, old-school style, and I’m genuinely excited about it.

But what’s been even more meaningful is the experience leading up to it. Walking around town, stopping into these businesses, taking photos, and purchasing gift certificates… It’s been such a great reminder of just how much pride, passion, and hard work our local business owners pour into what they do. Every single one of them has been excited and appreciative when I’ve shared what this initiative is about.

And that’s the bigger picture.

No matter where you live, supporting local matters. We often hear people say their town “needs more to do” or “needs better options.” But the truth is, when someone takes the risk to invest their own time, money, and energy into creating something, they need our support to succeed. Also, the more we support these locally owned businesses, and help them succeed, the more it encourages others to take that same leap – bringing new ideas, new energy, and new investment into our community.

If there’s live music – go. If there’s a farmers market – show up. Even if you don’t buy something every time, your presence matters. Energy builds energy. The more people who participate, the more momentum we create—and that’s what keeps communities vibrant.

We have to practice what we preach.

Small, locally owned businesses are the backbone of thriving communities. They create stronger local economies, deeper connections, and a greater sense of pride in where we live. When you spend money at a locally owned business, a much larger portion of that money stays right here in our community – supporting families, creating jobs, and fueling future growth.

And really… who wouldn’t want that?