Columbus Advances in Democratic National Convention Site Selection Process
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Tyneisha Harden, Mayor’s Office, 614-645-2425
Beth Irvin, Experience Columbus, 614-222-6127
Columbus’ bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention received a boost today as the Democratic National Committee announced that our city has advanced to the next phase of the site selection process. The DNC will conduct site visits in Columbus later this summer.
"___" said Council President Andrew J. Ginther.
In 2012, following the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and local leaders were convinced that Columbus would be an outstanding site for a future convention. Two years later, Columbus 2016 is advancing to the next phase of the DNC’s site selection process.
“We are pleased that Columbus has been chosen to move on in the next round of the process to host the Democratic National Convention,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “There are few events that provide us the opportunity to showcase our city on a national stage, and we are ready to put forth our best effort and show the DNC and the entire nation just what Columbus is all about.”
The Democratic National Committee announced today that Columbus is among the cities chosen to advance to the next phase, with site visits in July or August 2014. This follows a presentation made to the DNC Technical Advisory Group in Washington, D.C. on Monday, about the highlights of the city’s 398-page bid proposal.
“We are excited to show the DNC TAG committee that Columbus is ready to host this event and make it fun for delegates,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus and Chair of Columbus 2016. “We need to show how we can offer an incredible delegate experience and host some 40,000 guests at our Arena, Convention Center, hotels and restaurants.”
Columbus’ bid for the 2016 Democratic National Convention has received unprecedented support, including a 51 member host committee of local civic and elected leaders, local Organized Labor Unions, the Columbus Partnership and Experience Columbus.
“Our proposal to the DNC shows that Columbus has all the right ingredients to do what it takes to be a host,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty, Ohio 3rd District. “Plus we understand it is about people—we will treat delegates and guests like part of our great, diverse, fun family.”
Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Franklin County and local political leaders. More information on Columbus 2016 and the bid for the DNC can be found at columbus2016dnc.com, or follow @Columbus2016dnc on Twitter.
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