The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it unprecedented changes and challenges. Minnesota’s Stay-at-Home order was once again extended until May 18. Restaurants and bars are offering pick-up or delivery. Retail locations have embraced online ordering and curbside pick-up. Local students and teachers have adapted to distance learning, which has been extended through the end of the school year. Many businesses are closed to the public but still operating with employees working from home or in staggered shifts, including the PRIME team.

A NEW NORMAL

Once the Stay-at-Home order lifts, the world outside our homes will look much different than it did in early March. Companies will continue to adapt as they follow social distancing and wellness guidelines. How businesses operate on a daily basis will change, and those changes may become the “new normal.” No matter what, one thing remains the same: Minnesotans are resilient, innovative, and optimistic, and we’ll get through this together.

As the COVID-19 situation has developed over the last several weeks, we’ve seen more and more postponements and cancelations of events and large gatherings, including worship services, conferences, concerts, and festivals, even many scheduled later in the year. Sadly, this includes one of the most highly anticipated local events of the year: Maple Grove Days.

The Maple Grove Community Organization (MGCO) recently made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 celebration of Maple Grove Days. In a Facebook post dated April 29, organizers wrote that their top priority is the health and safety of festival patrons, volunteers, and event staff. While they understand the “desire and longing to celebrate, to enjoy some normal summer experiences, to socialize with our neighbors,” the responsible decision was to cancel the annual July festival.

Prime Advertising & Design has been a sponsor and supporter of Maple Grove Days from its very early days. When we heard the news, we immediately knew that we wanted to find a way to help the organization and keep our community together even as we must remain apart.

INTRODUCING MAPLE GROVE STAYS

Maple Grove Days may be canceled, but summer and community spirit are not. In partnership with MGCO and the City of Maple Grove, we’ve transitioned the annual Maple Grove Days Event Guide to Maple Grove Stays, a special onetime publication that celebrates our community as well as all the ways we’re staying:

• Strong
• Supportive
• Generous
• Active
• Healthy
• Smart
• Home
• Hopeful
• Reminiscent

“We are excited to release an inspiring summer guide that features uplifting and valuable content for area residents and encourages support for local businesses,” said Katie Roberts, Director of Media Sales at Prime Advertising. “Maple Grove Stays will aid in bringing the community together and likely be a publication that is held onto for some time.”

ABOUT THE PUBLICATION

Highlights of the publication include:

• Stories of how local businesses have adapted to continue to serve their customers
• Information and suggestions for staying healthy and active during this time
• Ways businesses and residents have given back to the community
• Details regarding open businesses, parks, and community spaces
• Positive, heartwarming stories of generosity and resilience
• Special offers and promotions
• And much more

The publication also offers advertising opportunities to support the community, while at the same time staying visible and keeping business moving forward during this challenging time. Ad units are available to accommodate various budgets.

“Maple Grove Stays provides high reach, mailing at the end of June to 34,000 homes, apartments, and businesses in Maple Grove and Osseo,” Roberts explained. “Containing an array of relevant editorial sections, it represents an ideal environment for local businesses to generate awareness with area residents on current business operations and promotions to aid in increased revenue.”

We’re proud of our longtime involvement with MGCO and Maple Grove Days, and we’re excited for this new endeavor. If your business or organization would like to learn more about participation in the Maple Grove Stays publication, contact us today.