been selected from four finalists to host its 2012 convention. The
other three outstanding American cities being considered were
Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; and Minneapolis, Minn.
"We're honored that the Democratic National Committee chose Charlotte
to host its 2012 convention," said Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.
"Thanks to the hard work and support of so many throughout our
community, we have an unmatched opportunity to show the world what a
beautiful, energetic, innovative and diverse city we are building in
Charlotte. As we tell the story of Charlotte, and what a great place
our city, state and region are to live and do business, we also will
tell the story of America to our fellow citizens and our neighbors
around the world."
Duke Energy Corp. CEO Jim Rogers, who co-chairs the Charlotte In 2012
organizing committee with Mayor Foxx, added, "Charlotte's selection
clearly elevates our city to a new level in national and world
stature. Only a few singular events in the U.S. rival the domestic and
worldwide media exposure of a major political convention: a
presidential inauguration, a royal wedding, the Super Bowl and the
Olympics. The economic and reputational significance of being chosen
for this honor cannot be overstated."
The convention, scheduled during the week of Sept. 3, 2012, will
attract an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 delegates, national and
international media and key policy and political leaders.
Charlotte's walkable, well-designed center city will offer delegates
and visitors easy access to a wide variety of restaurants,
entertainment and attractions, ranging from the four-venue Levine
Center for the Arts to the newly completed NASCAR Hall of Fame.
North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue and other political leaders in North
Carolina and South Carolina played key roles in supporting Charlotte's
bid for the convention. "Today's decision is fantastic news for North
Carolina regardless of your political party," said Gov. Perdue,
honorary chair of Charlotte In 2012. "A national political convention
is a keystone event that will boost North Carolina's economy, while
showcasing Charlotte and our state to the nation and the world. What
they will see when they get here is what hundreds of businesses
already know – Charlotte's smart investments in infrastructure,
cultural attractions and amenities have produced a climate perfect for
work and play."
Charlotte's bid also was backed by Republican leaders. "Some issues
are partisan. This one is not," wrote former North Carolina Gov. Jim
Martin and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot in a Charlotte
Observer opinion column. "We are proud Republicans. But we are also
proud advocates of Charlotte and North Carolina, and believe that
bringing the 2012 Democratic Convention to Charlotte represents an
unprecedented economic development opportunity."
Will Miller, acting executive director of Charlotte In 2012, said
there will be a multitude of opportunities to participate in planning
and hosting the convention.For details, watch for updates on www.CharlotteIn2012.com
, Facebook (www.facebook.com/CharlotteIn2012) and Twitter
(@CharlotteIn2012).
