December 05, 2007

BOULDER - Widely recognized as a long-time Democratic Party stronghold, Boulder played host today to the Democratic National Convention Committee's (DNCC) third in a series of community forums to be held in the lead-up to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Colorado House Majority Leader Alice Madden joined DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry for the "Convention Conversations" forum to answer questions, offer information and discuss opportunities for economic benefit surrounding the Convention. 

"Boulder is uniquely positioned to play an integral role in our Convention experience," said Daughtry. "From its businesses poised to offer goods and services to those planning events around the Convention to an active Democratic community positioned to roll up its sleeves and help our Party bring this Convention to life, we see multiple opportunities to bring Boulder to the Convention. And as we look to showcase not only our host city but our host region in 2008, opportunities to bring Convention attendees to Boulder are very real for this community as well."

Convention organizers said they aim to put forth tools and information to help local business owners help themselves in making the most of this Convention. Daughtry pointed to the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee's online vendor directory as one such tool to help business owners connect with opportunities associated with the Convention. Numerous entities and organizations visiting Denver for next year's event will be seeking locally-based vendors as they plan receptions, meetings and other work related to the Convention. Just as in previous Conventions, the directory, which includes businesses using union labor and/or owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities, will be provided to those groups as they plan their activities for Convention week. The resource is available online at www.denverconvention2008.com.

In addition, Daughtry encouraged residents to get involved in the Convention experience on a personal level by running for delegate, volunteering, participating in the DNCC's citizen photo journalism initiative and becoming a regular visitor to DemConvention.com.

"Here in Boulder, we have a longstanding tradition of supporting the Democratic Party," said Rep. Madden. "And now, we are being presented with what is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see history in the making. We should all take advantage of it."

The DNCC's commitment to making this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history was also highlighted with Daughtry's announcement that Andrea Robinson will join the DNCC as Director or Greening - the first person to hold this position for a Democratic National Convention. Earlier in the day, Robinson met with a group of Boulder governmental and community environmental leaders to introduce herself and solicit feedback from local experts in the field. Robinson and other Convention organizers will continue to apply sustainable planning principles to every decision in the lead-up to the Convention, striving to design waste out at every turn.

With more than 25 years in the environmental field, Robinson has a long history of greening large scale events, developing corporate sustainability practices and creating legacy waste diversion and reduction programs. Most recently, Robinson managed the greening of the New York, Shanghai and Johannesburg venues for Vice President Al Gore's Live Earth Concerts for the Climate Crisis, the largest musical event in world history. She has also worked extensively with a variety of environmental non-profit organizations, including the Sierra Club and Environment Colorado.

"Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC" will include at least 10 community forums and will provide residents in Denver, the state of Colorado and states throughout the Rocky Mountain West with opportunities for direct communication with top Convention organizers and a venue to ask questions, share ideas and find out how they can get involved. Details on subsequent forums throughout the Rocky Mountain region will be announced in the coming months.

Earlier this fall, the DNCC traveled to Pueblo, Colo. with Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Denver played host to the inaugural event in September, when Daughtry was joined by Mayor John Hickenlooper. The series will conclude there next Spring.

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.demconvention.com

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. www.demconvention.com

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.