Newsmakers: Newly Named Westopolis Aims To Better Promote Minneapolis-Border Cities
This fall, the destination marketing organization Discover St. Louis Park will change its name to Westopolis to better reflect the proximity and vibrancy of bordering downtown Minneapolis.
“We really wanted to lean into the fact that we are the closest neighbor to downtown Minneapolis,” said President and CEO Becky Bakken. “We are closer to downtown Minneapolis than other parts of Minneapolis are.”
Westopolis logo
The destination marketing organization was founded in 2011 and it promotes both St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. It plays a major role in promoting the area’s hotels, restaurants, and shopping scene. The area’s hotels and restaurants fill up not only when Minneapolis is hosting major events, but also when local youth sports tournaments and corporate conferences bring an influx of people to the area.
“When people come to this market, they tell us there’s a feeling and vibrancy that they don’t always associate with a suburb. We feel we should lean in and help with that presentation. It gives us a bit of an edge,” said Bakken. “When people come here, they are going to fall in love with this place.”
Bakken says a considerable bit of research and collaboration with local stakeholders went into the name change.
See also: Twin Cities Artist Adam Turman Shares ‘Deep Local’ Golden Valley Connection
