(MINNEAPOLIS)—July 1, 2010—The City of Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis™, Official Convention + Visitors Association, are pleased to announce that Minneapolis has been named a finalist to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention, which will be held the week of Sept. 3, 2012. Other cities named include Charlotte, N.C., Cleveland, Ohio and St. Louis, Mo.
Many cities were eager for the opportunity to host this convention, and the City of Minneapolis is honored to have been selected to continue in the process.
“Hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention translates into $200 million in economic impact and thousands of good jobs for Minneapolis and the entire region,” said R.T. Rybak, mayor of the City of Minneapolis. "We welcome the opportunity to once again showcase Minneapolis as the world-class city it is, and to demonstrate that we are a city that works.”
Meet Minneapolis submitted the bid for this 46th national convention on May 21, 2010, with a theme that shows the city is prepared to host this event: “Resourceful. Reliable. Ready.”
“We’re thrilled to continue in the selection process,” said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “Not only do we have the experience of working with the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, but through hosting many other major conventions and sporting events, we are confident that Minneapolis is equipped to host the DNC.
We’re excited about the opportunities for new jobs, economic vitality and exposure the presidential nominating convention brings to the entire area.”
The Democratic National Convention committee will conduct site visits to the finalist cities this summer. A decision is expected by the end of the year.