www.columbus2016dnc.com

WHY COLUMBUS

The choice of the next great American city to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention centers on several key issues: financial ability, facilities/housing and easy, convenient transportation. But woven through all the details is the simple fact that this incredible event carries meaning far beyond the sum of its parts. For the DNC Site Selection Committee and eventually the committee charged with arrangements, this is about hosting amazing meetings and celebrations for delegates and the media, while strategically moving to elect the next President of the United States.

Only Columbus, in the swinging heart of battleground Ohio, offers the answers to all of these questions.

The Columbus 2016 Host Committee proudly invites the Democratic National Convention to meet in Columbus in 2016.

Columbus is a diverse and growing example of the new Midwest, steeped in history but leading the region toward a brighter future, with high-tech research and development, more than 30 colleges and universities, leading companies in finance, fashion, services and energy. This city, recently celebrating its 200th birthday, is in a period of unprecedented public-private collaboration, and that is exactly what it will take to host a successful convention for the Democratic Party’s delegates and candidates before the eyes of the world in 2016.


Strategic Partners

More than a decade of economic and civic growth brought Columbus’ business and government sectors close together, with leaders from the top corporations, City Hall and Franklin County aligned toward tangible results. This is the heart of our Host Committee, a proven team focused on bringing the right tools to the table to solve problems and cut through challenges.

For our region, a national political convention is the largest single undertaking in a generation, and that means the DNC will enjoy the full commitment and attention of our top leaders. This allows us to strategically plan for the future and raise the investment needed to accomplish a successful Convention.

In addition, our greatest partner-asset is our residents. A core of 1,200 trained CTA tourism ambassadors is at the heart of the thousands of volunteers ready to step up and help welcome visitors from around the world.


Easy Accessibility

Few cities can move people around as safely and easily as Columbus, with six major freeways running from our outerbelt into the heart of the city. From the walkable neighborhoods surrounding our Convention and Arena districts, to the Outerbelt hotel districts, no delegate will be more than 30 minutes from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena— and thousands can be much closer. Our airport is also conveniently located just 10 minutes outside of downtown.

Adjacent to our Convention Center and Arena are two connected arts and entertainment districts. This means that just two blocks from the nomination site, your delegates can find more than 100 restaurants, bars and event facilities.

 

The Right Facilities

Columbus offers a fantastic choice for an event the size of the Democratic National Convention, all in modern facilities ready to serve your needs. Columbus’ Convention Center offers more than 1 million square feet of usable space, just over one block from Nationwide Arena’s 19,500 seats (basketball setting).

In addition to convention space, we also have the meeting rooms needed for delegations and the media. The streets around Nationwide Arena also offer perfect locations for pick-up and drop-off of delegates, locations for media staging and more space for outdoor events.

 

On Diversity and Equality

Columbus is diverse and recognized for our open spirit of inclusiveness, protecting equal rights for our LGBTQ, Latino, Somali, African American and many other communities. We are also winning national attention as a great place for young professionals, creative industries and women- and minority-owned businesses.


On Organized Labor

Columbus has a long and successful history of partnering with organized labor.  This collaborative effort has led to — and continues to lead to — the election of candidates who stand up for working class families.




  • Columbus is the 15th Largest City in the United States
    • Larger that Cincinnati and Cleveland- COMBINED
  • Hospitality Infrastructure- first time in our City's history that we have the hotel, convention and arena space to support event
    • Countless cultural amenities, Scioto Mile, Columbus Commons, museums.
    • Ride share, Car to Go, COGO Bikes, Uber
    • Larger convention center footprint that Charlotte, Denver and Boston
    • Two Arenas- Nationwide, which would be home to the Convention and the Schottenstein Center- along with The Horseshoe for large events.
  • Majority of hotel accommodations would be located within I-270, which would place delegates closer to the Central City than Charlotte (or Cleveland)
  • $150-$200 Million in economic impact to the local economy, spur new opportunities for growth and development, which is why the Columbus Partnership is so engaged and committed to helping raise the private dollars needed.
  • Columbus is a day's drive away from more than half of the US population (within 550 miles)
  • Place Columbus on International State- help brand and define Ohio's largest City.
  • Progressive City and Leadership
    • Smart and Open City
    • Large LGBT Population
    • One of BET's top cities for African American Families
    • #1 City for Working Moms
PRESS RELEASE from Columbus 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, November 19, 2014  

CONTACT: Meredith Tucker

Columbus 2016 Announces Leadership Team

Former DNC Chair Wilhelm Aiding Efforts

COLUMBUS- As the decision for the hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention nears, Columbus 2016 has announced its executive leadership team to further underscore the community’s collaboration and commitment in hosting the next convention. Since November of 2013, Columbus has been widely regarded as the most organized city pursuing the DNC Convention. The establishment of the Columbus 2016 leadership team is another critical step toward a continued partnership with the DNC.

Joining Mayor Michael B. Coleman, the Chair of Columbus 2016, are former Democratic National Committee Chair David Wilhelm, Resource/Ammirati Founder Nancy Kramer and Columbus Partnership President and CEO Alex Fischer.

“We’ve assembled a committee made up of some of our community’s most prominent leaders who are eager to put on a phenomenal convention for candidates, media, and delegates,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus 2016 Chair. “Columbus is truly the best location to the host the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and we’re ready to share our city’s hospitality with the rest of the nation.”

Wilhelm will serve as Steering Committee Chair and as a Strategic Advisor for the convention bid process. Wilhelm was selected by President Clinton to serve as DNC Chair after leading the President’s successful campaign in 1992. Wilhelm also led the selection of Chicago for hosting the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Wilhelm is currently a Partner and Chief Strategy Officer for Hecate Energy.  

"The road to the White House runs through Ohio, and the road to victory in Ohio runs through Columbus,” said David Wilhelm, Columbus 2016 Steering Committee Chair. “Politics aside, Columbus is prepared to show the DNC just how ready, willing, and able we are to host the most important political convention in the world."

Nancy Kramer is Founder and Chairman of Resource/Ammirati- the largest independent digital marketing agency in the United States. Kramer will lead the Civic Engagement Steering Committee for Columbus 2016.

"Columbus is the perfect city to host the DNC National Convention,” said Nancy Kramer, Columbus 2016 Civic Engagement Chair. “It’s a 21st century city with smart, open and highly collaborative citizens who mirror the nation's diversity. We are willing to do whatever it takes to bring the Convention to Columbus and make it a memorable experience. Bring it on!"Alex Fischer is the President and

Alex Fischer, President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership will serve as Finance Committee Chair. The Columbus Partnership is a membership-based CEO organization of 52 CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions tasked with a primary goal to improve the economic vitality of the Columbus Region.

“Not only will the DNC attract tens of thousands of guests and generate millions of dollars of economic activity, it will place Columbus in the national spotlight and showcase our community to the world,” said Alex Fischer, Columbus 2016 Finance Chair. “Our business community in partnership with our host committee is ready to take the Columbus spirit of collaboration to the next level and execute an extraordinary convention.”

Degee Wilhelm, former personal aide to President Clinton, national political campaign operative and past DNC convention site selector has been selected to serve as the Executive Director for Columbus 2016.

"We’ve assembled a talented team to help land the DNC Convention to our beloved Columbus community,” said Degee Wilhelm. “We look forward to working in partnership with the DNC and bringing our own extensive convention and national campaign expertise to these efforts.” 

A critical component of the host committee’s work in fulfilling the obligations with the Democratic National Convention Committee will include raising the resources necessary to conduct a world-class Convention.

In addition to honoring the requisite host committee responsibilities, Columbus 2016 will aim to engage Columbus and Ohio residents in the convention by organizing strategic and attractive business and civic opportunities that represent the diversity and excitement of the city, and that will help tell the Columbus story.

“We are excited to welcome Democrats from across the nation to our great city,” said U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. "Our Midwest hospitality, world-class institutions, venue capacity, and many more amenities make Columbus the perfect city to host the Democratic National Convention in 2016."

The host committee will be largely responsible for welcoming and planning events for the 35,000+ delegates, media and visitors to the city during the convention, as well as training thousands of volunteer workers and coordinating security.

“Columbus has all the necessary financial and logistical resources to host an unforgettable Democratic National Convention,” said Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Our community is prepared to produce a convention that will rank among the most successful in the party’s history.”

“Visitors to Franklin County and Columbus are always pleasantly surprised by our vibrant, innovative and welcoming community,’ added Marilyn Brown, Columbus 2016 Co-Chair. “The Columbus 2016 Host Committee will work together to capture and incorporate those hometown assets into a dynamic delegate experience.”

 

 

Columbus 2016 Host Committee:

Leadership

Chair, Mayor Michael B. Coleman

Finance Chair, Alex Fischer, President & CEO, Columbus Partnership

Civic Engagement Chair, Nancy Kramer, Founder & Chairman, Resource/Ammirati

Steering Committee Chair, David Wilhelm, Partner & Chief Strategy Officer, Hecate Energy

 

Co-Chairs

Senator Sherrod Brown, D-OH

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, D-OH

Joe Rugola, ED, Public School Employees/AFSCME Local 4

Brian Ross, CTA, President & CEO, Experience Columbus

Commissioner Marilyn Brown, President, Franklin County Board of Commissions

Councilmember Andrew Ginther, President, Columbus City Council

Pablo A. Vegas, President & COO AEP Ohio

 

Honorary Chairs

Governor Ted Strickland

Senator John Glenn

  

Elected Officials

Heather Bishoff, State Representative

Kevin Boyce, State Representative

Paula Brooks, Franklin County Commissioner                                            

Terry Brown, Franklin County Recorder

Hearcel Craig, State Representative-elect

Mike Curtin, State Representative

Tracy Maxwell Heard, State Representative, Minority Leader

Mary Jo Hudson, Member, Columbus Board of Education, and Attorney, Bailey, Cavalieri, LLC

Honorable Jerry MacArthur Hultin, Senior Presidential Fellow, New York University, President Emeritus, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, and Former Under Secretary of the Navy

Zach Klein, Columbus City Council

David Leland, Partner, Carpenter, Lipps and Leland, LLC, and State Representative-elect

Ed Leonard, Franklin County Treasurer

Michelle Mills, Columbus City Council

John O’Grady, Franklin County Commissioner

Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Clerk, Franklin County Common Pleas Court

Eileen Paley, Columbus City Council

Fran Ryan, former Chair, Franklin County Democratic Party

Zack Scott, Franklin County Sheriff

Michael Stinziano, CTA, State Representative

Priscilla Tyson, Columbus City Council

 

Community Leaders

Misha Barnes, Managing Director of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Yvette McGee Brown, former Justice, Ohio Supreme Court and partner, Jones Day

Tim Burga, President, Ohio AFL-CIO

TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney, Founder & CEO, The Women's Book & TWB Media Group

Joel Diaz, Chief Development Officer, AIDS Resource Center Ohio

Dr. Michael V. Drake, President, The Ohio State University

Thomas Grote, Chief Financial Officer and stakeholder, Green Biologics Limited

Elyzabeth J. Holford, Executive Director, Equality Ohio

Donna James, Managing Director, Lardon & Associates LLC

Ronald A. Pizzuti, Chairman and CEO, The Pizzuti Companies

Frances Strickland, Educational Psychologist and former First Lady of Ohio

Abigail Wexner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Whitebarn Associates, member, Columbus Partnership

Guadalupe Velasquez, Assistant Director, Columbus Community Relations Commission

Becky Williams, President, Service Employees International Union District 1199

 

Columbus 2016 Staff:

Degee Wilhelm, Executive Director

Derrick Clay, Senior Advisor

William DeMora, Senior Advisor

Nicolette Jaworski, Senior Advisor

Melissa Murray Kruse, Senior Advisor

Todd Rensi, Senior Advisor

Meredith Tucker, Media Contact

Brooke Wojdynski, Digital Director

 

Click here for biographies of the Columbus 2016 team.

 

In addition to formalizing the host committee, Columbus 2016 has officially been incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

 

Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Franklin County, and local community leadership. More information on Columbus 2016 and the city’s bid for the DNC can be found at columbus2016dnc.com. Or by following @Columbus2016dnc on Twitter and Facebook.


Degee Wilhelm – Executive Director

Degee Wilhelm is a co-founder and principal at Blue Group Strategies, LLC, a political, event, and logistics consulting firm. Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Ohio Elections Commission and is an attorney licensed in both Ohio and Illinois.

In 1992, she served as a traveling aide to then-Governor Bill Clinton in his bid for the presidency. After that campaign, she and her husband moved to Washington, D.C., where he was elected as DNC Chair and she worked as a Managing Director for American Airlines in Government Affairs. During that time, she helped host many DNC events, worked as a liaison to the White House, led a delegation of DNC trustees to Paris, served on an advance team to Buenos Aires for V.P Gore’s visit, and participated in site selection for the 1996 Chicago DNC Convention. Degee also served as a scheduler to Jill Biden and other surrogates for then-Senator Joseph Biden’s presidential campaign in Iowa in 1987.

Degee and her husband moved back to Chicago in 1994. In Illinois, at the law firm of Ungaretti & Harris, she was a key member of the government relations department and routinely communicated with state and local governments on her clients’ behalf. While there, she served as Sen. John Kerry’s Authorized Representative for the State of Illinois, which entailed seating his delegation for the 2004 Convention held in Boston.

She has attended – either in a working capacity, a delegate, or a spectator – every DNC Convention since 1992. In 2010, she helped coordinate and facilitate an international conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Most recently, Degee observed the 2013 presidential election in Georgia (Russia) with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Degee now lives in Bexley, Ohio, with her husband David, and sons Luke and Logan.

Bill DeMora - Senior Advisor

Bill DeMora is the former Executive Director of the Ohio Democratic Party. He has also acted as the Party’s long-time parliamentarian, and is the chief liaison to the Democratic National Committee. He currently serves as a senior advisor to the Party Chairman and State Executive Committee.

Bill has worked at all levels, on multiple statewide and national political campaigns across Ohio. He is the CEO of the Ohio Celebration Committee, a non-profit organization charged with planning for the Ohio Delegation’s participation in the Democratic National Convention(s) and at Presidential Inaugural activities.

Bill has lead Ohio’s efforts for the 1996, 2000, 2008 and 2012 DNC Conventions, as well as the 1997, 2009 and 2013 Presidential Inaugurals. Bill has also presided over political, charitable, fraternal and alumni organizations.

As a Partner of Strategies Unlimited, and as President of The DeMora Group, Bill has worked with local and statewide candidates, assisting them with direction on fundraising and campaign strategies. He has worked on ballot initiatives and has extensive experience with grassroots organizing.
He is an honors graduate of The Ohio State University and resides in Italian Village.

Brooke Wojdynski – Digital Director

Brooke is a respected professional in stakeholder engagement and activation at the local, state and national level, with experience in project management, creative design, and data driven strategy. At the crossroads of emerging technology, and civic empowerment, she integrates traditional communication models with digital media platforms to further public policy reform and financial objectives of Democratic and community-based organizations. Driven by an instinctively inquisitive mentality, Brooke strives toward strategic growth through innovation in all professional and personal endeavors.

Originally from San Diego, California, Brooke is proud to call Columbus ‘home’ since 2010. Brooke just completed the 2014 electoral cycle serving as Digital Director on the FitzGerald for Governor Campaign. She previously served as Executive Director of Democratic Voices and New Media Director for the Ohio Democratic Party.

Within the Democratic community, Brooke serves as Communications Director for the Franklin County Young Democrats, National Committeewoman for the Ohio Young Democrats, and Digital Director for the Young Democrats of America.

She was honored to be named one of the Columbus’ 2014 Top Young Professionals You Should Know by CityPulse Magazine, and is also a Class V graduate of the YWCA Chase Gen Y Leadership Program. Brooke was chosen as a speaker for the White House Young America Series in 2012, and has lead digital trainings all over the United States for various progressive organizations.

Brooke graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and a minor in Nonprofit Studies. Some of her favorite things include maps, lions, productivity hacks, and Jeni’s Banana French Toast ice cream. She resides in the Short North.

Derrick R. Clay - Senior Advisor

Derrick R. Clay is president of his government relations firm, New Visions Group. Recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the nation’s 30 young leaders of the future, Business First Magazine as one of its 40 under 40 business leaders and Smart Business Magazine as one of its Smart Leaders, Derrick R. Clay has established his niche as a key political operative and emerging business leader.

Derrick has served as Midwest Political Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ohio State Director for the Gore-Lieberman 2000 presidential campaign and a staff member of the historic Florida Re-count Committee. He has also served as the Ohio State Director for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Hero Program and Field Director for the Ohio Democratic Party.

Previously he served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) and has served as a legislative aide to the Ohio House of Representatives, former Assistant Majority Leader, Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Sykes and former Toledo Mayor, Jack Ford.

A proud Zip, Derrick is a 1994 graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Business and Organizational Communication. In February 2001, Derrick was awarded an honorary certificate in applied politics from the University of Akron’s Bliss Institute of Applied politics. In September 2004, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Akron’s Office of Multicultural Development.

His affiliations include The Ohio Lobbying Association, The University of Akron Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Derrick is also the Chair of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Corporate Roundtable and serves on the boards of the Columbus Symphony and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) where he was the past board chair.

Derrick is married to Tanyeh Clay and together they find joy in raising their children. He and his family reside in the Olde Towne East Neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio.

Melissa Kruse – Senior Advisor

Melissa Kruse is a co-founder and partner of Columbus, Ohio based Gryphon USA, a multifaceted asset management and recovery company. She is also a co-founder and principal at Blue Group Strategies, LLC, a political, event, and logistics consulting firm.

Prior to founding Gryphon, Melissa was a Special Advisor to President William Jefferson Clinton and Director of Outreach for the Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas. In that role, she focused on international presentation of US policy to domestic and foreign government officials, trade negotiations and international business outreach to US and foreign corporations.

In addition, Melissa worked in the White House Counsel’s Office and the White House Office of Public Liaison. In those roles she assisted with a broad range of policy and political issues involving major events, including the tobacco negotiations and settlement, the Northwest Airlines strike resolution, The Summit of the Americas, NAFTA, and GATT.

She attended the 1996 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions as a representative of the White House staff, and was involved in logistics for Senior White House Officials at the Conventions.
Melissa also attended the 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions as a consultant to the Ohio Democratic Party and the Ohio Celebration Committee for their onsite convention activities. In this role, she helped with event planning and execution for Ohio Delegates and Elected Officials at both Conventions.

Melissa was the National Deputy Director of Surrogate Scheduling for the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign through the New Hampshire Primary, and then Scheduling Director for Chelsea Clinton in Ohio. In both roles, she oversaw the trip planning and logistics of high-level principals.
Melissa was also the Special Assistant to the Director of First Family and Friends for the 1993 Inaugural Ceremony. She assisted with the logistics and operations for the Clinton and Rodham families at multiple events over the week-long celebration.

Melissa is married to Richard Kruse, and has a daughter, Savannah. They reside in Columbus.

Meredith Tucker - Media Contact

Meredith Tucker is the Communications Director of the Ohio Democratic Party and a political communications consultant based in Columbus.

Meredith has a long professional record working in strategic communications. She most recently consulted for Precision New Media, providing expertise and guidance to statewide candidates, issue campaigns, labor and non-profit organizations. Just prior, she served as the Deputy Communications Director of the Ohio Democratic Party, where she worked to re-elect U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and President Barack Obama.

Throughout the 2008 Presidential cycle, Meredith was the ‘Get Out The Vote’ Coordinator in Athens, Ohio for the historic Obama for America campaign. She served as a legislative aide to Assistant Minority Leader, State Representative Debbie Phillips in 2010, where she worked on communications, policy, and legislative affairs. As the Regional Communications Director for the We Are Ohio campaign, Meredith contributed her extensive experience and know how to the team effort, resulting in the overwhelming defeat of Senate Bill 5.

Her passion for politics began in Cleveland, where she grew up working on constituent affairs and community initiatives in Cuyahoga County.

Meredith is a native of Lakewood, Ohio; and a proud alumna of Ohio University where she studied political science with a specialization in American Politics.

Nicolette Jaworski - Senior Advisor

Nicolette Jaworski is a political consultant based in Washington, D.C.

With deep Ohio roots, Nicolette previously led philanthropic, community and civic endeavors on behalf of philanthropist Abigail Wexner. Nicolette also served as the Event Coordinator for the New Albany Classic, the primary fundraiser to support the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence.

Prior to joining the Wexner Family team, Nicolette served as Chief of Staff for the Ohio Department of Development, aiding former Governor Strickland with Ohio’s economic development efforts. Nicolette also served as a senior aide to the former Lt. Governor; an Ohio Supreme Court Justice; the Mayor of Dayton; and several members of the Ohio General Assembly.

She also worked on Ohio activities at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, and has assisted with surrogate scheduling on President Obama’s campaigns in Ohio in 2008 and 2012.
A Cleveland native, Nicolette attended The Ohio State University and Capital University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Public Administration and Communications.

Todd Rensi - Senior Advisor

Todd Rensi is a co-founder and principal at Blue Group Strategies, LLC, a political, event, and logistics consulting firm.

Over the last fifteen years, Todd has worked on a diverse range of high-profile projects, including planning travel, event and accommodation logistics for the Ohio Delegation to the last three Democratic National Conventions. His work has included coordination of all Ohio Delegates prior to the Convention and then hands-on event management once in the Host City. He has also done similar planning in conjunction with Ohio activities for both of President Obama’s 2009 and 2013 Inaugural ceremonies. He managed the Ohio Delegate Selection Process and Statewide Caucuses in 2004 and has worked as a staff member or a consultant with the Ohio Democratic Party since 2002.

As President Obama’s Ohio Surrogate Director during the 2012 re-election campaign, Todd oversaw the strategic planning and execution of all campaign surrogates’ trips into the State of Ohio. This role required constant communication and coordination with the national campaign headquarters in Chicago and in tandem with the Ohio Director, media, and political and policy staff on the ground in the State. He played a similar role in 2008 and has extensive experience in dealing with high-level principals and talent.

Todd is the former Chief of Staff to Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland and the Manager of the Ohio Governor’s Residence, where he served as social secretary and event planner for the First Family. In these roles, Todd routinely interacted with the Governor and his staff, oversaw Dr. Strickland’s schedule – often traveling with her to public appearances – and coordinated all events held at the Governor’s Residence. Additionally, he planned and executed major campaign rally events for former Governor Strickland’s campaigns in 2006 and 2010.

Todd’s political involvement throughout his campaign and government experience has given him a solid network throughout the City of Columbus and the State of Ohio. He has continued his work in the private sector in a free-lance capacity for large corporate clients, where he manages projects ranging from event logistics and execution, to creative consulting, to on-site event support.
Todd is a native of Columbus Ohio and a graduate of The Ohio State University. He resides in German Village.


DNC Technical Advisory Committee Site Visit Aug. 6-7, 2014

For Immediate Release      

Friday, June 6, 2014

Contact:

Tyneisha Harden     Beth Ervin    
Mayor’s Office         Experience Columbus

Columbus2016 Submits Bid for Democratic National Convention

Host Committee to Include Elected Officials and Community Leaders
 
Touting ease of transportation, walkable districts, great food and world class facilities, Columbus 2016 today submitted a bid to the Democratic National Committee to host the 2016 National Convention. 
 
"Hosting a national political convention will command the eyes of the world on Columbus," said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "We've done significant work to build a great American city and we are confident in our ability to host a phenomenal event.  Our team is diverse, smart and creative, and they have what it takes to put on a historic event of this magnitude."
 
The convention could draw as many as 45,000 people, including 15,000 international media, and could bring an estimated $150 to $200 million in economic impact to Central Ohio. After reviewing the RFP and considering the fit for the area's hotel, convention center, arena and event space package, Columbus decided it was ready to bid on the 2016 event.  Columbus' bid book includes approximately 300 pages of details, letters of support and answers to planning questions about the city's hospitality, security and transportation infrastructure.
 
“This is among the world’s greatest conventions and we are going to make sure that Democratic national leaders know that Columbus is ready to host their event and make it fun for delegates,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “We’ve built an excellent hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, new parks and more, but the real key is our welcoming spirit and winning attitude.”
 
Columbus2016 first explored hosting the convention back in February by holding a cocktail reception in Washington D.C. for members of the Democratic National Committee during their Winter Meeting. Since that time, local leaders and a group of volunteers led by Experience Columbus has put together a concise bid package and formed an impressive host committee to support the effort.
 
“Columbus is a 21st Century American city,” said U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty. “It is a progressive beacon in the heart of the battleground state of Ohio. And the people of this city are ready to get to work and elect the next President of the United States.”
 
“The leadership of this City, in both the public and private sectors, stands ready to welcome the DNC to Columbus,” said Council President Andrew J .Ginther.   “With the entire community behind this effort, we can easily demonstrate our ability to host the best possible national convention for the Democratic Party.   I look forward to seeing everyone in 2016.”
 
“Central Ohio and Franklin County are prepared to host this historic and important convention,’ said Franklin County Commissioner President Marilyn Brown. “From our vibrant, thriving neighborhoods which offer visitors the opportunity to shop, enjoy a good meal or see a show, to our community’s experience welcoming and hosting large events, we’re eager to get started.”

Columbus2016 Host Committee:

 

Board of Directors

Chair, Brian Ross, CTA, President & CEO Experience Columbus

Vice Chair, Stephen J.H. Lyons, Executive Vice President, Columbus Partnership

Christie Angel, CTA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman

Don L. Brown, CTA, Franklin County Administrator

Tom Katzenmeyer, CTA, President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council

 

Elected Officials

Joyce Beatty, Member of Congress

Heather Bishoff, State Representative

Kevin Boyce, State Representative

Paula Brooks, Franklin County Commissioner 

Marilyn Brown, President, Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Terry Brown, Franklin County Recorder

Michael B. Coleman, CTA, Mayor, City of Columbus

Hearcel Craig, Columbus City Council

Mike Curtin, State Representative

Andrew J. Ginther, President, Columbus City Council

John and Annie Glenn, former U.S. Senator

Tracy Maxwell Heard, State Representative, Minority Leader

Mary Jo Hudson, Member, Columbus Board of Education, and Attorney, Bailey, Cavalieri, LLC

Honorable Jerry MacArthur Hultin, Senior Presidential Fellow, New York University, President Emeritus, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, and Former Under Secretary of the Navy

Zach Klein, Columbus City Council

David Leland, Partner, Carpenter, Lipps and Leland, LLC, and former Chair, Ohio Democratic Party

Ed Leonard, Franklin County Treasurer

A. Troy Miller, Columbus City Council

Michelle Mills, Columbus City Council

John O’Grady, Franklin County Commissioner

Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Clerk, Franklin County Common Pleas Court

Eileen Paley, Columbus City Council

Chris Redfern, Chairman, Ohio Democratic Party, and State Representative

Fran Ryan, former Chair, Franklin County Democratic Party

Zack Scott, Franklin County Sheriff

Michael Stinziano, CTA, State Representative

Priscilla Tyson, Columbus City Council

 

Community Leaders

Misha Barnes, Managing Director of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Yvette McGee Brown, former Justice, Ohio Supreme Court and partner, Jones Day

William Burga, former President, Ohio AFL-CIO

TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney, Founder & CEO, The Women's Book & TWB Media Group

Joel Diaz, Chief Development Officer, AIDS Resource Center Ohio

Alex Fischer, President and CEO, Columbus Partnership

Thomas Grote, Chief Financial Officer and stakeholder, Green Biologics Limited

Elyzabeth J. Holford, Executive Director, Equality Ohio

Donna James, Managing Director, Lardon & Associates LLC

Nancy Kramer, Founder and Chairman, Resource, and member, Columbus Partnership

Ronald A. Pizzuti, Chairman and CEO, The Pizzuti Companies

Joseph Rugola, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Public School Employees/AFSCME Local 4

Frances Strickland, Educational Psychologist and Former First Lady of Ohio

Abigail Wexner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Whitebarn Associates, member, Columbus Partnership

David and Degee Wilhelm, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, Hecate Energy

Becky Williams, President, Service Employees International Union District 1199

 

The selection process for the DNC will continue through the summer of 2014. As part of Columbus’ advocacy, local leaders will host and attend events with the DNC in Washington, D.C. and other cities to meet the delegates and the leaders who vote on the site selection committees.

Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Franklin County and local political leaders. More information on Columbus 2016 and the city’s bid for the DNC can be found at columbus2016dnc.com. Or by following @Columbus2016dnc on Twitter.

Mayor Mike Coleman - June 6, 2014 tweet:
Today, Columbus2016 proudly submitted our bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. #bringit

Delivering the bid at DNC headquarters.  The document tallied 398 pages and weighed in at 4.25 lbs.   (Letter [PDF])   

         
                                                                                                                                           Courtesy Experience Columbus                                          

For Immediate Release

Thursday February 27, 2014

Contact:         
Tyneisha Harden                                              Scott Peacock
Mayor’s Office                                                  Experience Columbus

Columbus 2016 Travels to D.C. to Explore Hosting the Democratic National Convention

Columbus 2016 and a group of local leaders are traveling to Washington D.C. this week to continue exploring the possibility of Columbus bidding on the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) national convention in 2016.
 
The convention could draw as many as 45,000 people, including 15,000 international media, and could bring an estimated $150 to $200 million economic impact to Central Ohio.
 
“Hosting a national political convention will command the eyes of the world on Columbus,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “We’ve done significant work to build a great American city and we are confident in our ability to host a phenomenal event.”
 
On Thursday, Feb. 27, members of the committee will host a reception at The Capital Hilton hotel for members of the Democratic National Committee during their Winter Meeting. Joining Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, the host group includes:

·         Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown

·         Ohio Congresswoman Joyce Beatty

·         Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan

·         Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland

·         Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern

·         Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady

·         Columbus City Council President Andy Ginther

·         Columbus City Councilmember Zach Klein

·         Columbus City Councilmember Michelle Mills         

·         Ohio State Representative Kevin Boyce

·         Ohio State Representative Kathleen Clyde

·         Experience Columbus

·         The Columbus Partnership


“This is among the world’s greatest conventions and we are going to make sure that Democratic national leaders know that Columbus is ready to host their event and make it fun for delegates,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “We’ve built an excellent hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, new parks and more, but the real key is our welcoming spirit and winning attitude.”
 
Once the DNC issues requests for proposals (RFP), Columbus will review the RFP and consider if it fits in the area’s hotel, convention center, arena and event space package.
 
“Columbus is a diverse and progressive city in the center of the country and Ohio, with top-notch accommodations and hospitality entities,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3). “This great city, which I am so proud to represent, and which recently celebrated its 200th birthday, is in a period of unprecedented growth and home to significant public-private partnerships. All of this is exactly what it will take to host a successful convention for the Democratic Party's delegates and candidates before the eyes of the world in 2016."
 
“Columbus is a city that loves to compete and we all love welcoming presidential and vice presidential candidates during an election year,” said Chris Redfern, Ohio Democratic Party Chair. “We are proud to see Ohio’s cities stepping up as important destinations along the road to the White House.”
 
The selection process for the DNC will go through the summer of 2014. As part of Columbus’ advocacy, local leaders will host and attend events with the DNC in Washington, D.C. and other cities to meet the delegates and the leaders who vote on the site selection committees.
 
Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Franklin County and local political leaders. More information on Columbus 2016 and the bid for the DNC can be found at columbus2016dnc.com, or follow @Columbus2016dnc on Twitter.
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 26, 2013                                                        

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Experience Columbus
Scott Peacock

COLUMBUS 2016 BEGINS EXPLORATION FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL CONVENTION

Local leaders looking to bid on Democratic and Republican National Conventions

COLUMBUS, OH (Nov. 26, 2013) – Columbus 2016, a coalition of local leaders from across the political spectrum have begun to organize and explore bidding on the political conventions in 2016 for the Democratic and Republican National Committees. These events could draw as many as 45,000 people, including 15,000 international media, and could bring an estimated $150 to $200 million economic impact to Central Ohio.

“It is time for the world to see the great city we’ve built, and there is no better way to show it off than to host one of our nation’s presidential nominating conventions,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Ohio Republican and Democratic Parties and Experience Columbus. Members of the organizations met over the past several months to look at what it takes to compete for the nation’s largest and most watched conventions.

“These are among the world’s greatest conventions and we are going to make sure that national leaders know that Columbus is ready to host their events and make it fun for delegates,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “We’ve built an excellent hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, new parks and more, but the real key is our welcoming spirit and winning attitude.”

Cities across the country will compete, once the national parties issue requests for proposals (RFPs) in the coming months. Columbus will review both parties’ RFPs and consider if one or both fit in the area’s hotel, convention center, arena and event space package.

“Ohio hasn’t hosted a national convention in nearly 80 years, and we’ve never seen one in Columbus,” said Matt Borges, Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. “Central Ohio continues to be a major battleground during presidential campaigns.”

In the coming months, a formal Columbus 2016 Host Committee will be appointed, representing a diverse array of local leaders from business, government, the arts, colleges, universities and community groups. This group will work with Experience Columbus to draft a formal bid, apply, and, if Columbus makes the short list, host tours for the national site selection committees.

“Columbus is a city that loves to compete and we all love welcoming presidential and vice presidential candidates during an election year,” said Chris Redfern, Ohio Democratic Party Chair. “We are proud to see Ohio’s cities stepping up as important destinations along the road to the White House.”

The selection process for both parties will go through the middle of 2014. As part of Columbus’ advocacy, local leaders will attend events with the DNC and RNC at various times in Washington, D.C. and other cities to meet the delegates and the leaders who vote on the site selection committees.

“We are collaborating to build Columbus’ brand and show off the region’s assets to the world. There is no doubt that events such as a national political convention can have a major economic impact on area businesses,” said Alex Fischer, President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership.

As the convention and visitors bureau for Ohio’s capital city, Experience Columbus’ mission is to sell, market and promote the best of the destination to visitors. For more information about all Columbus has to offer for leisure visitors, sports, meetings, conventions and trade shows, go to experiencecolumbus.com or call 800-354-2657.

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