Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, on acknowledging the city’s challenges and changemakers

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When Melvin Tennant’s mother learned he would become the CEO of the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1990 — only a few years into his career — she was pleased, but not surprised, he says. “She never placed limits on anything I could do,” according to Tennant, now president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, in this podcast episode of Off the Record, brought to you by Platinum Bank. 

Tennant shares highlights of building his career in destination marketing with Off the Record hosts Kathy Robideau, market president and publisher of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, and Dave Faust, president and CEO of Platinum Bank. 

Listen to the episode to hear more about: 

• Lessons learned from managing a former retiree as a 22-year-old. 
• Tennant’s take on his 11 years working in destination marketing for Charlotte, N.C. — and the best parts of his time there.
• Significant challenges Tennant faced in his early tenure in Minneapolis, including the 2007 I-35 bridge collapse. 
• Taking care of yourself as a leader when others are counting on you.
• The importance of telling authentic stories about Minneapolis — from its challenges to its changemakers. 

Leaders like Tennant understand the value of moving quickly and acting creatively, just like Platinum Bank. Learn more about business banking with a different kind of bank.