Collectively, the various business associations take this annual opportunity to strengthen the business community's relationship with city government. This annual event featured remarks by Mayor Hodges followed by breakout sessions with Council Members and department heads. The breakout sessions focused on growing the city, public safety, regulatory services and public policy.

I participated in a session entitled Growing the City, with featured presenter Craig Taylor. Taylor was appointed by Mayor Hodges to head the City's Community Planning and Economic Development Department (CPED). Council Members Reich and Quincy, who are Meet Minneapolis board members, participated in this session. Kjersti Monson, CPED's Director, Long Range Planning was in attendance as well.

We learned that for the fourth straight year, more than a billion dollars in building permits were approved by the City. Even to the casual observer, the number of construction cranes across the metro, particularly in the central business district, shows that we are seeing an unprecedented boom. New hotel development is also a big part of that growth. This additional activity adds to the vibrancy of downtown through more businesses and residents in downtown. In turn, this vibrancy gives Minneapolis a tangible competitive advantage compared to other cities where sidewalks may roll up after 5 p.m. We know that downtown vibrancy, the availability of retail, restaurants and nightlife are also determining factors in destination appeal.

Whether it's events like a Final Four or the Railway Interchange that is in town right now, convention planners and delegates alike appreciate the compact urban experience that Minneapolis offers.

When we add to those factors, the significant annual growth and hotel performance we have seen, the symbiotic relationship between travel and tourism and the general business community is obvious.

It makes a strong statement when Meet Minneapolis joins with other business associations to address issues like growth, public safety and better coordination with the City and the services it provides. We thank Todd Klingel and his MRCC team for their leadership in Business Day and for allowing us to join this powerful consortium to share the story that tourism means business.

Collectively, the various business associations take this annual opportunity to strengthen the business community's relationship with city government. This annual event featured remarks by Mayor Hodges followed by breakout sessions with Council Members and department heads. The breakout sessions focused on growing the city, public safety, regulatory services and public policy.

I participated in a session entitled Growing the City, with featured presenter Craig Taylor. Taylor was appointed by Mayor Hodges to head the City's Community Planning and Economic Development Department (CPED). Council Members Reich and Quincy, who are Meet Minneapolis board members, participated in this session. Kjersti Monson, CPED's Director, Long Range Planning was in attendance as well.

We learned that for the fourth straight year, more than a billion dollars in building permits were approved by the City. Even to the casual observer, the number of construction cranes across the metro, particularly in the central business district, shows that we are seeing an unprecedented boom. New hotel development is also a big part of that growth. This additional activity adds to the vibrancy of downtown through more businesses and residents in downtown. In turn, this vibrancy gives Minneapolis a tangible competitive advantage compared to other cities where sidewalks may roll up after 5 p.m. We know that downtown vibrancy, the availability of retail, restaurants and nightlife are also determining factors in destination appeal.

Whether it's events like a Final Four or the Railway Interchange that is in town right now, convention planners and delegates alike appreciate the compact urban experience that Minneapolis offers.

When we add to those factors, the significant annual growth and hotel performance we have seen, the symbiotic relationship between travel and tourism and the general business community is obvious.

It makes a strong statement when Meet Minneapolis joins with other business associations to address issues like growth, public safety and better coordination with the City and the services it provides. We thank Todd Klingel and his MRCC team for their leadership in Business Day and for allowing us to join this powerful consortium to share the story that tourism means business.