Investing in People to Build Stronger Communities

Minnesota Realtors® new campaign highlights members’ volunteer work.

You’ve seen their names on For Sale signs as you drive around your neighborhood. You’ve heard about them from friends or family members who recently bought or sold a home. But many people don’t realize that the Realtors® who live in your neighborhoods also volunteer their time and resources to build better communities. That’s the idea behind Minnesota Realtors’® “We Are Minnesota” campaign.

“There’s something special about living in Minnesota, with our hard-working disposition, crazy winters, spirit of community service, and Midwest values,” said Heather Boschke, vice president of marketing and communications for Minnesota Realtors®. “This campaign unites our members across the state and highlights their efforts to improve their communities.”

The “We Are Minnesota” campaign launched early this year when Minnesota Realtors® asked members to submit short, 10-second video clips about what makes Minnesota unique. The result is a fun compilation celebrating the essence of the state. Highlighting Realtors® from across Minnesota, these stories show real estate professionals rolling up their sleeves to make their cities and towns better places. The videos are featured at www.weareminnesota.org.

Among the Realtors® showcased is Amy Gleislinger and her work for Walking with a Purpose, a non-profit serving unsheltered individuals in St. Paul. Every week, Amy brings them meals, candles, donations, blessing bags, and other resources. She and her husband pack up to 40 bags each month with the help of community partners. They reach between 75 to 100 people each week. That important service is in addition to Amy’s day job helping members of her community buy and sell homes.

“This campaign unites our members across the state and highlights their efforts to improve their communities.”

“Our Realtors® are committed to the neighborhoods they live and work in,” Boschke said. “This campaign is about showcasing how Realtors® in Minnesota invest in their communities and fulfill their passion to help others.”

The “We Are Minnesota” campaign compliments the organization’s overarching mission to help Realtors® across the state thrive and grow their businesses. As the largest trade association in Minnesota their 21,000 members are spread out across 16 local associations throughout the state. The organization is dedicated to all of its members, whether in the Twin Cities or in greater Minnesota.

In addition to the campaign, Minnesota Realtors® advocates on behalf of its members on state legislative issues, offers legal support, facilitates hearings and arbitration proceedings, and provides and promotes continuing education, events, and networking opportunities.

As the leading organization supporting the state’s Realtors®, Minnesota Realtors® also coordinates with national and local groups on issues that are relevant to its members.

As the stories for the “We Are Minnesota” campaign multiply, Minnesota Realtors® will dive deeper into the ways its members are supporting their communities, and produce videos, interviews, and other content. Although the campaign is initially directed toward its members, Minnesota Realtors® envisions expanding “We Are Minnesota” to focus on consumers as well, who often are unaware of the personal commitments Realtors® make to help build and strengthen their communities.

By highlighting the ways its members help others, Minnesota Realtors® also believes that the campaign will help the organization’s membership become more unified and cohesive.

“Realtors® technically compete with one another,” Boschke explained. “This campaign helps demonstrate that we are ‘one team, one dream,’ and that an important part of being a Realtor® is not just about closing a deal, but about strengthening a community.”

Whether they are planting trees in local parks, leading bike rides to raise money for the Minnesota chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or building a playground, Minnesota Realtors® are invested in the communities that they call home. The next time you drive through your neighborhood and spot a For Sale sign, remember that there’s a real neighbor behind that name working to make a positive difference for others.

To learn more about Minnesota Realtors®, visit www.mnrealtor.com.