ASSOCIATION NEWS

CITIES SELECTED TO HOST PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONS
BY PENELOPE BLAIR

The Presidential Campaign is in full swing and both the National Democratic Convention and the Republican National Convention are set for 2008. The Democratic National Convention will take place August 25-28, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. The National Republican Convention will convene September 1-4, at the Xoel Energy Center in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.

In August 2005, the Democratic National Committee invited 35 cities to bid to host the convention in 2008. Of those 35 cities invited, only Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul and New York submitted formal bids. It is reported that throughout the bidding process, the host committee of Denver continuously touted the proximity and affordability of their 7,800 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Pespi Center, hundreds of restaurants downtown, plenty of transportation options and the dry summer climate during that time of year. It must have worked! More than 35,000 attendees are expected to attend, in addition to approximately 15,000 journalists covering the convention.

The Republican National Committee targeted a few less cities to bid, with a total of 31 cities invited to submit proposals. The committee looked at cities that could provide seating for at least 20,500 people, including the convention floor with seating for approximately 5,000 delegates and alternatives. Sufficient hotel rooms were a must with a minimum requirement of 20,000 rooms and 2,000 one and two bedroom suites. The following cities submitted formal bids: Cleveland, Minneapolis-St.Paul, New York, and Tampa-St. Petersburg. Close to 45,000 people will attend the convention, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $200 million dollars.

100 Black Men of America and the Red Cross create historic bond – 100 Black Men of America and the American Red Cross have formed a partnership to increase outreach to diverse communities throughout the United States. The two organizations will combine their efforts to provide a variety of services during times of disaster as well as promote community preparedness. The Red Cross will provide disaster training to members of 100 Black Men of America, who will also be invited to sit on local Red Cross boards, providing expertise and guidance. Both organizations will identify opportunities to promote youth involvement that benefit the mission of both organizations.

The American Red Cross founded in 1881 responds to more than 70,000 disasters annually. All Red Cross services are free of charge, due to the generous donations of volunteers, money and resources. 100 Black Men of America emerged in 1963, and has over 106 chapters worldwide. The organization is dedicated to improve the quality of life for all African-Americans through education and economic opportunities.

For more information on the American Red Cross and 100 Black Men of America, visit www.redcross.org and www.100blackmen.org.

Assisting Others Through Technology – The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) will hold it’s annual conference January 30th – February 2nd, at the Caribe Royal All-Suites Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The ASTIA’s members are committed to being a collective voice in the Assistive Technology Industry, ensuring that the best products and services are provided to people with disabilities. The conference will offer over 275 workshops and hands-on labs. Members of ATIA include more than 100 respected industries including for-profit, non-profit, government and private organizations.

The ATIA conference has been held every year since 1999 and is the largest broad-based Assistive Technology conference in North America. Last year’s conference had more than 2,500 attendees, over 275 educational sessions and 125 exhibitors.  For more information visit www.atia.org.

E-mail me your upcoming events at pblair_assnnews@yahoo.com.