Why Should I?

Corporations can only tout community values so long as they're ready to act on them.

Actual citizens demonstrate community values because that's their duty. They don't decide whether or not they should support their community. They just do it. They act on these values because they're compelled by a higher moral force, not profit.

If you're a corporation, and you're not able to demonstrate these values when they are most needed, when it's most difficult to do so, then your stated values are nothing but meaningless, performative, corporate rhetoric.

And let's point out the obvious here: when local small businesses are shutting down en masse in times of strife, it hurts our communities. But that doesn't hurt major corporations. It's profitable for them.

Here are some values from local MN corporations, lifted right from their websites:

Target

• "At every store, facility and office, the Target team is an extension of the community, listening and showing up to best meet the needs."
• "As a good neighbor and global partner, we're committed to serving and strengthening the communities where we operate"
• "When our communities thrive, our business does too"

General Mills

• "Our service partnerships and employee engagement are anchored in advancing equity and building resilient communities"
• "Supporting our employees and strengthening hometown communities are two of General Mills' priorities"
• "Trust is the foundation of our brands—and our relationship with consumers. We earn that trust each day by conducting ourselves with integrity. By ensuring the safety of our products and people. By speaking with candor and acknowledging reality. And by demonstrating the courage to make tough decisions. We do the right thing, we do it every time."

Best Buy

• "Giving back to the community is core to how we do business at Best Buy"
• "We help strengthen the communities where our employees and customers live and work"
• "We make decisions with the future in mind, to strengthen our business, improve people's lives and promote the health of our communities for years to come"

3M

• "One of 3M's core values has always been a commitment to the communities where the company's employees live and work"

Here's a list of some MN Corporations that have chosen to remain silent:

• Target
• UnitedHealth Group
• 3M
• General Mills
• Best Buy
• Medtronic
• U.S. Bank
• Hormel Foods
• Cargill

If this outrages you, make it known. Send the provided pre-written email or write your own.