2008 Republican National Convention Fact Sheet

2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION CONVENTON FACT SHEET SEPTEMBER 1-4 • MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL Overview From September 1-4, 2008, an anticipated 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, party officials, volunteers, members of the media, and convention guests will gather in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The host cities will be showcased on an international level as the Republican Party highlights its strong principles – and nominates the next President of the United States. Preparations in Minneapolis-Saint Paul are well underway and excitement is building: • Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson is Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements (COA) and Maria Cino is the COA President and CEO. The COA and the MSP 2008 Host Committee are working together to ensure that the four-day event is safe and successful. • The convention team is growing. There are currently more than 70 convention staffers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to more than 120. • The convention is providing economic benefits. The local business community is already reaping the benefits of the 2008 Republican National Convention – and that trend will surely continue. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost, and pre-convention planning should push the final total even higher. • Roughly 16,000 rooms in more than 100 hotels throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the surrounding areas have been blocked to host many of the 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, and other guests expected to attend the convention. The Xcel Energy Center and the Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center have been secured, among others, as feature venues, and staff continues the process of contracting with more than 40 additional sites. • The convention web site is live and expanding by the day. Visit the convention online at www. GOPConvention2008.com. The web site provides the latest convention news and offers interactive features, such as CONVENTION iNSIDER and the Official Convention blog which allow visitors to learn more about planning and progress in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. • The convention is giving back to the community. In an effort to ensure that the convention benefits local businesses and all communities, the COA made a $2 million deposit with Saint Paul’s University Bank. The deposit will allow University Bank, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to make capital available to distressed local communities in the form of rehabilitation and development loans. Convention staff also continue to participate in the American Neighbor volunteer program, a service initiative aimed at giving back to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area and inspiring Republicans across the nation to take action in their own communities, with events in and around the host cities. • Precautions are being taken to ensure a safe event. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the convention a National Special Security Event, which means the United States Secret Service (U.S.S.S.) leads security planning. Convention staff is working closely with the U.S.S.S. and law enforcement personnel from all levels of government to ensure a safe and successful event. Every effort is also being made to keep local merchants open for business and area traffic running smoothly. PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION • PHONE (651) 467-2008 NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE • WWW.GOPCONVENTION2008.COM 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION CONVENTON FACT SHEET SEPTEMBER 1-4 • MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL The host cities possess numerous attributes that will be vital to the success of the convention: The support of elected officials, local leaders, and area businesses. While the convention quickly approaching in The encouragement September, the host cities of Minneapolisand assistance from Saint Paul are already proving to be the ideal local officials and choice for the Republican Party in 2008. businesses has been After a thorough site selection process, the astounding. The COA host cities were chosen for their vibrant will continue to work communities, outstanding hotels and event with Governor Pawlenty, venues, and enthusiastic support from local Senators Coleman and officials and residents alike. Klobuchar, Mayors Rybak (Minneapolis), Coleman (Saint Paul), and Winstead (Bloomington), Chairman Douglas Leatherdale and CEO Jeff Larson of the Host Committee, and many others at the Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus leading up to convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul Convention Climate: The 2008 Convention is certain to be a pivotal event in the next presidential election. • A unique history. 2008 marks the first presidential election since 1928 without an incumbent president or vice president seeking the nomination. • The culmination of a busy summer. As Republicans gather in MinneapolisSaint Paul over Labor Day, a summer of big events will be winding down. From August 8-24, the world will be watching the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. August 25-28 marks the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. • A launch into fall. The 2008 Republican National Convention is the latest nominating convention in history – and it will be full steam ahead to November 4, 2008, for the party’s nominee. World-class venues and plentiful, affordable hotels. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is unique in its range of state-of-the-art facilities, including: • The Xcel Energy Center. Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center is a one-of-a-kind multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility that plays host to more than 150 events each year. The arena has been widely recognized as one of the best venues worldwide for sporting events, concerts, and family shows. Opened in 2000, the Xcel Energy Center boasts four seating levels that can seat 20,000 guests. The Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium will also be utilized during the convention. • Numerous, Accessible Hotels. Roughly 16,000 rooms in more than 100 hotels throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the surrounding areas have been blocked to host many of the 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, and other guests expected to attend the four-day convention. • Communities that can support a national presidential convention. The expected 45,000 convention guests will dine, shop, and overnight throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Local businesses are capable of handling the additional demands and will benefit from the influx. Additionally, the host cities are able to meet transportation and security needs, as well as requirements for media work space and convention office space. • A history with the GOP. 2008 will mark the second time the Republican Party has convened in Minnesota. Minneapolis hosted the 10th Republican National Convention in 1892, where Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison. This time around, for the 39th national convention, Minnesota is home to many rising stars in the party, including Governor Pawlenty and Senator Coleman. Check out our web site at: www.GOPConvention2008.com PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION • PHONE (651) 467-2008 NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE • WWW.GOPCONVENTION2008.COM