Leslie Wright has been named the new President and CEO of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism. More on her background in her LinkedIn profile. 

The Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center weekly community newspaper the Sun Post recently interviewed Leslie - article below. Leslie Wright new CEO

TOURISM IN BROOKLYN PARK AND BROOKLYN CENTER IS UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP

In early August, Leslie Wright was hired as the new President and CEO of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism. An alumna of Howard University and long-time Minnesota resident, Wright’s resume is filled with leadership roles in academic, hospitality and tourism settings.

In her new job, Wright will be responsible for promoting Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park by highlighting recreation opportunities, event venues, stores, restaurants and other attractions within the two cities.

According to Wright, it’s important to understand what the community wants from Minneapolis Northwest.

“When there's a leadership change, sometimes there's a vision change, sometimes there's a marketing change or a branding change,” Wright said.

Her priority, early on, is listening to those around her. “I’m observing before changing.”

Wright wants to promote existing businesses in the Brooklyns and also to draw new companies in. She also believes increased business will benefit the public. “The more business coming here, the less residents might have to pay on their end,” Wright said.

Wright also thinks Minneapolis and Saint Paul as important parts of the picture. “We want to articulate what's here in the Brooklyns and how close we are to, quite candidly, the major attractions of the Twin Cities.”

Wright hopes that when tourists stay in the Brooklyns, even if it is to visit the Twin Cities, they will see what the northwest metro has to offer.

“My elevator pitch for the Brooklyns is come see us once and you'll come back again and again.” Wright said. “We're growing, we're evolving and we just want to let people know.”

Building and rebuilding

Minneapolis Northwest is a nonprofit organization funded by a 3% lodging tax on hotel stays under 30 days. As the CEO, Wright reports to a board of directors that includes the mayors of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.

The relationship between Minneapolis Northwest and its member cities has been strained in recent years.

In late 2023, Brooklyn Park City Council made plans to terminate its agreement with the organization. Many of the city’s frustrations centered around issues of transparency and the interim CEO who preceded Wright.

Wright wants to repair that relationship. “One of the first things that I'm going to be doing is meeting with each mayor to hear their vision,” she said.

According to Brooklyn Park’s Economic Development & Housing Director Michelle Basham, the city of Brooklyn Park is “really pleased” with the progress Minneapolis Northwest has made.

Basham, who also serves on the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board of Directors, said it is the city’s recommendation to continue the relationship.

The Brooklyn Park City Council is expected to host a special meeting Aug. 19 regarding their relationship with Minneapolis Northwest. Specifically, the council will vote whether to withdraw the notice of termination of agreement sent to the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board in late 2023.

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