February 25 hits different in the Capital Region. Around here, 2.25 is not just a date. It is a celebration of the 225 area code that connects nine parishes, countless neighborhoods, and the people who make this place what it is.

Each year, the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership participates in the celebration through its Better in BTR campaign, inviting the entire community to spotlight what makes Baton Rouge such a dynamic place to live, work, and grow. And truly, there is no shortage of stories to tell.

225 Day has always been rooted in hometown pride. Long before it was officially named, people here were already celebrating in their own ways. Supporting local restaurants. Showing up for Friday night games. Championing small businesses. Bragging on their favorite corner of the city. This day simply brings all of that energy together and gives it a shared moment.

At the heart of Better in BTR is the belief that the Baton Rouge story belongs to everyone who lives it. As Morgan Almeida, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, explains, “The 225 area code connects all of us across parish lines, from small businesses and major employers to students, creatives, and families who call this region home.”

That connection is what makes 225 Day so powerful. It is not about one organization or one industry. It is about the collective.

Almeida also notes that Better in BTR was intentionally created as an open source brand that belongs to the community. “It doesn’t belong to one organization. It belongs to the community,” she says. The idea is simple but impactful. Anyone can use it. Anyone can share it. Anyone can shape it. And when businesses, nonprofits, schools, and residents all amplify what is working in this region, the result is something bigger than a marketing campaign. “It creates an authentic chorus of voices that no single marketing effort could replicate.”

That chorus comes alive on 225 Day.

The celebration is driven largely by social media and community engagement, making it easy for everyone to jump in. Businesses post about why they are Better in BTR. Residents shout out their favorite local spots. Partners highlight innovation, workforce wins, neighborhood impact, and milestones that deserve recognition. Customizable templates are available at betterinbtr.com/resources to help spark creativity and make participation simple.

And Baton Rouge is showing up in a big way this year.

The LSU Dairy Store is releasing a new ice cream flavor to mark the occasion. Soji is running special dinner deals priced at 22.50 and 2.25. Companion Animal Alliance is offering a 25 dollar adoption day special. Zippy's is celebrating the day on its marquee. Across the region, businesses and organizations are planning in person activations and thoughtful social posts that highlight what makes their corner of the 225 special.

And that is exactly the point.

225 Day is about increasing civic pride and strengthening the way we talk about Baton Rouge. It is a reminder that this region is filled with opportunity, entrepreneurial energy, industrial leadership, unforgettable food, meaningful community impact, and people who care deeply about where they live.

When we tell that story together, perception shifts. Momentum builds. Pride multiplies.

So on February 25, post the love. Support the specials. Tag @BetterinBTR. Celebrate the wins, big and small. The 225 connects us all, and this city shines brightest when we decide to celebrate it out loud.

Images provided by the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership