City of Saint Paul announces new Director of Business Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2017

Mollie Scozzari, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
City of Saint Paul, Department of Planning & Economic Development
651-266-6575 (o); 651-387-9045 (c)
mollie.scozzari@ci.stpaul.mn.us

 

City of Saint Paul announces new Director of Business Development

Key Economic Development team position builds on existing efforts to bolster the Saint Paul business community

SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul today announced the hiring of Danette Parr to be the new Director of Business Development with the Department of Planning and Economic Development.

The Director of Business Development will be responsible for developing, managing and executing strategies to retain, expand and attract businesses in Saint Paul.

“We are laser-focused on accelerating job growth in Saint Paul,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “Danette has extensive experience driving economic growth in a variety of Minnesota communities. I’m excited to welcome her back to the capital city to further enhance our capacity to grow Saint Paul’s economic vitality.”

This role is part of the City’s Open for Business initiative, which encompasses the Economic Development Strategy, the recently unveiled pocket guide to assist businesses in opening, Full Stack Saint Paul, and many other programs and resources offered by the City.

Previously, Parr held the position of Economic Development Manager for the City of Plymouth, and has also held similar roles in Cottage Grove and Prior Lake throughout her experience. Parr is expected to join the Economic Development team this fall.

“Over the past year, we have restructured and expanded our outreach to businesses in Saint Paul. In this new position, Danette will lead this expanded work – both within the City and with our economic development partners,” said Jonathan Sage-Martinson, the Department of Planning and Economic Development director. “As a Saint Paul resident, she will bring a great passion and familiarity with the city to her work. We are very pleased to welcome her to the team and look forward to the value she will bring to our business community.”

“Saint Paul is making great strides with economic growth following the recession and is known for its diverse economy, quality infrastructure, and talented workforce,” said Danette Parr. “In this new role, I look forward to leveraging all of Saint Paul’s strengths to further expand the business community.”

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