REPUBLICAN  NATIONAL COMMITTEE 2012 CONVENTION SITE SELECTION C0MMITTEE VISIT TO PHOENIX, ARIZONA

MARCH 25-27, 2010

A delegation consisting of members of the Republican National Committee 2012 Republican National Convention Site Selection Committee, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, Co-Chair Janet Larimer, and Secretary Sharon Day, and members of the Republican National Committee staff visited Phoenix on March 25th, 26th, and 27th.  They toured potential locations for the Convention sessions, media work and filing space, ancillary meetings, and special events accompanying the Convention sessions.  They also met with Phoenix Host Committee Chairman Bob Lavinia and Honorary Co-Chairman Mayor Phil Gordon, members of the Host Committee, and City of Phoenix and metropolitan Phoenix area officials.

Itinerary: 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

HOST COMMITTEE WELCOME RECEPTION

A Host Committee Welcome Reception was held at the home of Bob and Karen Hobbs in Paradise Valley.  The Hobbs residence is the restored former home of Senator Barry Goldwater and contains a collection of photos and other memorabilia. 

The buffet was prepared by Chef Vincent Guerithault, winner of the James Beard Award, “America’s Best Chef: Southwest”

An informal program featured a history of the Goldwater home by Bob Hobbs and remarks by Host Committee Chairman Bob Lavinia, Mayor Phil Gordon, RNC Chairman Michael Steele, and Former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Friday, March 26, 2010

HOST COMMITTEE BREAKFAST

A Host Committee breakfast, sponsored by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce was held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.  Presentations were made by: Mayor Phil Gordon; Steve Moore, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau; and David Roderique, President and CEO, Downtown Phoenix Partnership.

TOUR OF US AIRWAYS CENTER

A tour of the US Airways Center and its facilities was conducted by Ralph Marchetta, US Airways Center General Manager.

While en route from the US Airways Center to the Phoenix Convention Center, a visit was made to the CityScape development project, an office, hotel, restaurant, and retail center that will be completed in 2011.

TOUR OF PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER

A tour of the Phoenix Convention Center was conducted by John Chan, Phoenix Convention Center Director, and other members of the Convention Center staff.

LUNCH HOSTED BY PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER

Lunch hosted by the Phoenix Convention Center with presentations by:

                        David Krietor, Phoenix Deputy City Manager  

Jack Harris, City of Phoenix Public Safety Manager

                        Tracy Montgomery, City of Phoenix Assistant Police Chief

                        Robert Kahn, City of Phoenix Fire Chief

                        Kevin Kalkbrenner, City of Phoenix Assistant Fire Chief

Paul Blue, City of Phoenix Assistant Aviation Director

Deborah Ostrecher, City of Phoenix Deputy Assistant Aviation Director

The delegation was transported from the Convention Center by PedalCab on a tour of downtown Phoenix, guided by Sally Forrest, a member of the Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau staff with an opportunity to pass by several buildings and facilities that could serve as ancillary meeting and event sites during the 2012 Convention.

TRANSPORTATION BRIEFING

A briefing on Phoenix metropolitan area transportation, including bus and light rail, and potential transportation plan for the 2012 Republican Convention was held at the Valley Metro offices.

TOUR OF WALTER CRONKITE SCHOOL

The delegation participated in a tour of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, including broadcast studios and facilities, guided by Mark Lodato, TV News Department Director.    

PRESS AVAILABILITY

Mayor Gordon, RNC Chairman Steele, and Site Selection Committee Chair Holly Hughes responded to questions from members of the press concerning the Phoenix visit and the site selection process.

OVERVIEW TOUR OF JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT

The delegation participated in an overview tour of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.  

HOST COMMITTEE RECEPTION AND DINNER

The delegation and Host Committee members and guests attended a reception and dinner at El Chorro historic restaurant.

Following the Dinner, delegation members attended the Phoenix Suns v. New York Knicks basketball game at US Airways Center.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE BREAKFAST AND MEETING

                        RNC Site Selection Committee members, officials and staff members attended a breakfast meeting at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel.        

TOUR OF OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

The delegation participated in a driving tour of Scottsdale, including the Old Town Historic District.

LUNCH AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL

The RNC delegation and Host Committee members participated in a visit-wrap-up lunch at Frank and Albert’s Patio Restaurant before the RNC delegation left for Sky Harbor Airport for their departure from Phoenix.

Reception at the Hobbs residence (former home of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater).	Briefing at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Arizona State University.
Press conference with Mayor Phil Gordon at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Arizona State University.