Pawlenty Jobs Chief To Head Minn. Restaurant Group

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty's jobs commissioner will move into a government relations role next year as head of a trade group for restaurants, hotels and resorts.

Hospitality Minnesota named Commissioner Dan McElroy its next president on Tuesday.

Board chairman Mitch Peterson says the Pawlenty administration insider will help the group build relationships with lawmakers.

McElroy has headed the state Department of Employment and Economic Development since 2007. He also served as Pawlenty's chief of staff and finance commissioner after representing Burnsville for eight years in the Minnesota House.

Hospitality Minnesota represents associations for restaurants, lodging and resorts and campgrounds. McElroy starts his new job in early January.

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