- Conventions « Site Selection « Kansas City - Republican
www.kcrnc2016.com
ALL-STAR CITY READY TO HOST THE GOP
Kansas City is ready to bring the Republican National Convention back to America’s Heartland. With its world-class facilities, revitalized downtown, unparalleled transit and logistics capabilities and more than 32,000 hotel rooms, the Kansas City spirit of hard work, creativity and hospitality is ready to host the most successful RNC in history. Central Location: Fifty nonstop flight destinations, 31Ž2 hour flights from either coast and more than 55 million people within less than one day’s driving time makes Kansas City one of the most convenient, easy-to-access cities competing for the RNC. On top of that, being in the Central Time Zone is ideal for national TV.Transportation & Hotels:
When it comes to hosting the RNC, Kansas City has it covered. The sophisticated bi-state transportation network of buses, taxis, limousines and a downtown streetcar connects more than 32,000 hotel rooms to Sprint Center in 30 minutes or less.High Level Support:
Kansas City has assembled a Bid Task Force with expertise in hotels, transportation, facilities and fundraising. A wide range of current and former elected officials have endorsed the City’s effort to bring the RNC back to Kansas City in 2016.World-Class Venues:
Sprint Center, Bartle Hall, the Kansas City Power & Light District, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Sporting Park, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Truman Sports Complex are just a few of the world-class, state-of-the-art venues that would serve as ideal locations for RNC events.All roads lead to a revitalized downtown.
Start with an entertainment district featuring more than 50 restaurants and venues, an expanded convention center complex and a brand new arena. Then, renovate nearly every downtown hotel room. Finally, add unique museums, such as the National WWI Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum, and you’ll discover a revitalized convention experience in downtown Kansas City.All roads lead to a culturally rich and diverse community.
Since the days of the Santa Fe Trail, Kansas City has been proud of the role it has played in shaping American History. Known as the “Paris of the Plains,” Kansas City boasts world-class boulevards, fountains and arts. The City’s culture and history are only made possible by its demographically diverse community. A look at the Census shows that Kansas City is a microcosm of the country as a whole.All roads lead to great dining options and the best barbecue.
With dining options to suit any palate, Kansas City can cook up whatever you have a taste for. You’ll find innovative culinary creations from local restaurants with national reputations, as well as ethnic favorites from nearly every part of the world. The specialty is barbecue, slow smoked for up to 18 hours. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb…you name it. Burnt ends are the local favorite.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Julie Sally, Media Relations
Kansas City Not Included as Finalist to Host the 2016 Republican National Convention
June
25, 2014 (Kansas City, Mo.) – The 2016 RNC Site
Selection
Committee announced today that the field of four cities vying for the
2016 convention has been narrowed to two. Kansas City, along with
Denver, has been eliminated from the competition and will not be
continuing in the process, leaving Dallas and Cleveland as the final
two contenders.
“On behalf of the KC2016 Bid Task Force, we are extremely disappointed by today’s decision, but not disappointed with our effort,” said KC2016 Bid Task Force Co-Chair and Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James. “This has been an amazing opportunity to showcase our great region and have Kansas City be part of the national conversation, as well as engage a broad bi-state and bi-partisan group of business, civic and elected officials in working toward a common goal. We are winners today because we competed and made a compelling case for Kansas City.”
Competing cities submitted formal bids on or before Feb. 26, and on April 25, the RNC conducted its Kansas City Technical Visit to assess potential convention venues, hotels, transportation and finance capacity. In late May, Las Vegas and Cincinnati withdrew their bids for the convention, narrowing the finalists to Kansas City, Dallas, Denver and Cleveland. This third cut comes shortly after the Site Selection Committee visited the final four cities in early June.
“While today’s announcement is not what we hoped, we are extremely proud of the effort,” said Brenda Tinnen, KC2016 Bid Task Force and General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sprint Center/AEG-KC. “We greatly appreciate our partners, including the Kansas City regional hotels, venues and transportation companies who have been so supportive and helpful as we prepared our response and presentation. This has been a true community effort, and we are in a great position to compete for more big events in the future.”
A formal announcement naming the Host City is expected during the RNC’s summer meetings in Chicago on August 6-9.
About KC2016
KC2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
“On behalf of the KC2016 Bid Task Force, we are extremely disappointed by today’s decision, but not disappointed with our effort,” said KC2016 Bid Task Force Co-Chair and Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James. “This has been an amazing opportunity to showcase our great region and have Kansas City be part of the national conversation, as well as engage a broad bi-state and bi-partisan group of business, civic and elected officials in working toward a common goal. We are winners today because we competed and made a compelling case for Kansas City.”
Competing cities submitted formal bids on or before Feb. 26, and on April 25, the RNC conducted its Kansas City Technical Visit to assess potential convention venues, hotels, transportation and finance capacity. In late May, Las Vegas and Cincinnati withdrew their bids for the convention, narrowing the finalists to Kansas City, Dallas, Denver and Cleveland. This third cut comes shortly after the Site Selection Committee visited the final four cities in early June.
“While today’s announcement is not what we hoped, we are extremely proud of the effort,” said Brenda Tinnen, KC2016 Bid Task Force and General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sprint Center/AEG-KC. “We greatly appreciate our partners, including the Kansas City regional hotels, venues and transportation companies who have been so supportive and helpful as we prepared our response and presentation. This has been a true community effort, and we are in a great position to compete for more big events in the future.”
A formal announcement naming the Host City is expected during the RNC’s summer meetings in Chicago on August 6-9.
About KC2016
KC2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
## KC ##
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Julie Sally, Media Relations
Toni Alexander, KCCVA Communications Manager
The City of Kansas City, Mo., Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., and Jackson and Johnson County Contribute $260,000 to KC2016 Effort
“Core Four” announcement highlights regional strength in Kansas City’s bid to attract the 2016 Republican National Convention
April 10, 2014 (Kansas City, Mo.) – Today, leaders from the City of Kansas City, Mo., the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., and Jackson and Johnson County (the “Core Four”) each announced a donation of $65,000 to Kansas City’s campaign to be awarded and successfully host the Republican National Convention in 2016."This joint announcement shows the level of commitment from all corners of our region," Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James said. "Though our cities and counties are divided by state and county lines, we are unified in our common purpose: We will bring the Republican National Convention to the Kansas City region in 2016.”
The announcement, held at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., featured remarks from Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James; Unified Government of Wyandotte County Mayor/CEO Mark Holland; Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders; and Chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Ed Eilert. Robb Heineman, CEO of Sporting Club, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
“We’re here today in Kansas City, Kan. to solidify our bi-state, bipartisan effort to attract the RNC to Kansas City in 2016” said Mark Holland, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., Mayor/CEO. “Kansas City has set a precedent hosting world-class events like the MLB and MLS All-Star Games, and we have no doubt that the 2016 GOP Convention in KC will be an unrivaled success.”
The $260,000 regional commitment will help the KC2016 Task Force coordinate subsequent steps in the selection process, including a technical visit by RNC advisors in late April. The technical visit will assess the region’s financing, convention venues, media workspace and hotels, according to an RNC press release.
“An effort of this magnitude requires a high level of regional collaboration,” Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders said. “The leadership represented here today will continue to work together to make this goal a reality. When the RNC conducts its technical visit later this month, we will welcome them with open arms as they see and experience a vibrant and cohesive community that is ready to host this prestigious event.”
“Nearly 40 years ago we welcomed the Republican National Convention to the Kansas City region, and today, the unification of resources and leadership across cities and counties has us poised to welcome the GOP back,” said Ed Eilert, Chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We are a unified and vibrant metropolitan area. Millions of visitors see that annually. We have the facilities, financing and hotels, and the RNC will really have a chance to see why Kansas City will be a no-hassle, distraction-free Host City in 2016 when they visit.”
About KC2016
KC2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC2016, go to kc2016.com.
## KC ##
 |
| Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association |
| "KC2016 delivered our bid in a hand crafted walnut box engraved with our logo. Inside the box was an iPad with an electronic version of our bid, along with photo albums of of Kansas City and all of the renderings and maps from the bid, it included campaign buttons, three Kansas City maps (Area Attractions, Hotels, Transportation) and moleskin notebooks, one of which included handwritten notes from Kansas City area elected, civic and community leaders expressing their personal thoughts on the opportunity to host the RNC in 2016. Several of those handwritten notes were from individuals who were at the convention in 1976, including Mayor Dick Berkeley and Senator Kit Bond. We also provided hard copies of our rfp, which was near 450 pages." |
For more information: Julie Sally
Kansas City Submits Bid to Host 2016 Republican National Convention
Kansas City, MO (Feb. 26, 2014) -- Every four years, there are three distinct moments that define a presidential election. In between a candidate’s announcement and Election Day in November, the world watches as a four-day celebration unfolds that highlights the strength, vision, and unity of the Republican Party.2016 is quickly approaching.
Kansas City is ready to welcome back the Republican National Convention.
We
have a long political history that this generation of Kansas Citians
wants to continue. From Convention Hall in ’28 to Kemper Arena in ’76,
we’ve prided ourselves on being the best that America has to offer and
the epitome of Midwestern hospitality. As Ronald Reagan remarked from
the stage of Kemper: “These wonderful people here, when we came in,
gave Nancy and myself a welcome.” When he returned eight years later
for the 1984 Presidential Debate, President Reagan made a point of
specifically thanking the people of Kansas City for “their warm
hospitality and greeting.”
Today,
that spirit of welcome and openness lives on among the citizens of
Kansas City. It lives on in our political and civic leadership, who
have tirelessly committed themselves to the selection process. It lives
on in our City’s infrastructure, offering a comprehensive plan for
transportation, hotels, and security. And, it lives on in our vision
for the 2016 Republican National Convention. Simply put, to make it the
best ever.
Nov. 13, 2013 - Mayor Sly James and Troy Stremming to Lead KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force
Dec. 13, 2013 - KC RNC 2016 Receives Endorsements from Key Political Bi-State Leaders
Jan. 17, 2014 - The Honorable Peggy Dunn and Terry Dunn to Chair the KC RNC 2016 Finance Committee
Jan. 29, 2014 - Support for Kansas City’s RNC 2016 Bid Grows as Endorsements Pour In From Kansas and Missouri Political Leaders
For Immediate Release
Contact: Julie Sally
Mayor Sly James and Troy Stremming to Lead KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force
Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association convenes task force
November 13, 2013 (Kansas City, MO) – Today, the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association (KCCVA) announced the formation of the KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force, co-chaired by Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James and Troy Stremming, Chairman of the KCCVA and Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Pinnacle Entertainment.“Today’s announcement is an important and exciting next step in the Kansas City region’s effort to bring the Republican National Convention back to our community in 2016,” said Mayor Sly James. “After hosting the 2012 All-Stars of Major League Baseball and 2013 Major League Soccer, we have shown that we have what it takes to host the RNC’s All-Stars. Regional efforts of this magnitude are not new to us and we are particularly energized about this one.”
The City of Kansas City recently submitted a letter to the Republican National Committee (RNC) formalizing the region’s intent to bid on the 2016 convention. Consistent with the role the organization plays in responding to other major conferences and events, the KCCVA will formally respond to the RFP from the RNC, which is expected in the next few weeks. To lead this response effort, the KCCVA Executive Committee has convened a bi-state bid task force, including:
- Sly James, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
- Mark Holland, Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
- Ed Eilert, Chairman, Johnson County Board of Commissioners
- Troy Stremming, KCCVA Chairman, Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Pinnacle Entertainment
- Brenda Tinnen, incoming KCCVA chair, General Manager/Senior Vice President, Sprint Center/AEG-Kansas City
- Bill George, President, Kansas City Transportation Group
- Kevin Pistilli, President, Raphael Hotel Group
- Troy Schulte, City Manager, City of Kansas City, Missouri
- Jon Stephens, KCCVA Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
“I am honored to be serving alongside Mayor James and a very committed group of volunteers who will put forward the best response for our region,” said Stremming. “To date, there has been a tremendous amount of work, planning and coordination to get Kansas City into this strong position and the way the Kansas City region has come together is extraordinary. We’re grateful to everyone who has been involved in laying the groundwork for this effort. Kansas City today stands in a great position to seriously compete with any city to host the Republican National Convention in 2016.”
According to Jon Stephens, KCCVA interim president and CEO, Kansas City has invested in its Downtown to prepare for a convention of this size and magnitude.
“With over 30,000 hotel rooms at the ready, Kansas City has invested over $6 billion in redeveloping our downtown with world-class amenities, anchored by Sprint Center, one of the busiest and most state-of-the-art arenas in the country,” said Stephens. “Kansas City is an ideal location for the 2016 Republican National Convention, and we can’t wait to show decision makers all that our great city has to offer.”
The bid task force will be launching a robust digital and communications platform in the coming weeks. Register for updates at www.kcrnc2016.com.
About the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, the KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating more than 45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
## KC ##
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Julie Sally,
media relations
KC RNC 2016 Receives Endorsements from Key Political Bi-State Leaders
Former Missouri Governor and U.S Sen. John Ashcroft; former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt former Missouri Sens. John Danforth and Jim Talent; and Kansas Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts endorse effort to bring 2016 GOP convention to Kansas City
December 13, 2013 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) –The KC RNC 2016 Task Force announced today that six current and former politicians from both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line have endorsed the continued effort to bring the 2016 Republican National Convention to Kansas City.
“We’re honored to continue receiving support from the most notable and respected political leaders in both Kansas and Missouri,” said Troy Stremming, KCCVA Chairman, Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Pinnacle Entertainment and KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force Co-Chair. “These endorsements show why our effort transcends state and party lines. Together, our leaders and our states can bring the GOP convention back to Kansas City in 2016.”
John Ashcroft served as the 50th Governor of Missouri. Ashcroft went on to serve as the 79th U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush and is the founder of The Ashcroft Group.
Matt Blunt currently serves as the President of American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC). He previously served as a state representative and Secretary of State for Missouri. In 2004, Blunt was elected as the 54th Governor of Missouri.
John Danforth is a former U.S. senator from Missouri. A native Missourian, Danforth also held the distinguished position as the 24th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Jim Talent is distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation, specializing in defense policy. Talent previously served as a Missouri U.S. senator from 2002-2007.
Pat Roberts is the senior U.S. senator from Kansas, a position he has held since 1997. Roberts has served as chairman for the Committee on Intelligence and Committee on Ethics during his tenure.
Jerry Moran currently serves Kansas as a U.S. senator. Born in Great Bend, Kan., Moran formerly held positions in the Kansas Senate and the U.S. House of Representative.
Last month former Sens. Bob Dole (Kan.) and Kit Bond (Mo.), Gov. Sam Brownback (Kan.), and Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.) joined the bi-state effort as honorary co-chairs.
Register for updates at www.kcrnc2016.com.
About the Kansas City
Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization
whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting
Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and
tourism industries, the
KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local
economy—generating more than
45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more
information about Kansas
City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC
RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization
dedicated to successfully
bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention
in Kansas City.
Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at
Kemper Arena. For more
information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
## KC ##
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Julie Sally, spokesperson
The Honorable Peggy Dunn and Terry Dunn to
“We are honored that Peggy and Terry Dunn are willing to lend their civic commitment and fundraising talents to Kansas City’s effort to host the Republican National Convention in 2016,” said Ed Eilert, Chairman, Johnson County Commission and KC RNC Bid Task Force member. “Truly, there could be no two people who value the strength and opportunity this bi-state effort affords more than Peggy and Terry. Their fundraising leadership puts us in an enviable position to compete for one of the biggest conventions we could attract to the Kansas City region.”
"I’ve long admired Terry and Peggy’s commitment to our community and am thrilled that they have chosen to focus on this effort,” said Mayor Sly James, KC RNC 2016 co-chair. “Frankly, their civic engagement is legendary and they only dedicate their time to ideas and projects with sincere promise. I really can’t think of two people I trust more in this capacity. Their role in this task force enhances Kansas City’s enviable position in this quest to bring the RNC All-Stars to this City."
Peggy Dunn has served as an elected official in Leawood since 1993 and currently serves on the Johnson/Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayors. She has been a long-time civic and philanthropic leader serving in various capacities across the metropolitan area. She formerly served on the Governing Board at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and was first board chair of the United Way of Greater Kansas City. Mrs. Dunn is currently board chair of Truman Medical Centers and vice chair of St. Luke’s South Hospital and Youth Volunteer Corps. She also sits on the boards of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station Kansas City, Hall Family Foundation and Country Club Bank.
Terry Dunn has been a Kansas City civic leader for nearly 40 years. His previous experience includes serving as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, president of the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and founding co-chairman of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative. Currently, he serves as a board member and vice president of the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Committee, lead director for UMB Financial, board member of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Southern, and UMKC Foundation, and vice chairman of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
“Peggy joins me in expressing how excited we are to chair this very important regional effort,” said Terry Dunn, KC RNC 2016 Finance Co-Chair. “The opportunity presents an unparalleled long-term economic opportunity for our entire region. We’re involved because we understand this effort is an investment in our future.”
Cities vying to host the Republican National Convention are required to demonstrate fundraising capacity in both in-kind and actual hard dollars of $50 - $60 million from local and nationwide resources. The Finance Co-Chairs are working with the KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force to assemble a world-class Finance Committee that will be tasked with the fundraising capacity.
Further, the KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force announced that Linda Bond and Carla Eudy, two of the nation’s premiere political fundraisers, have been retained to lead fundraising and finance efforts for Kansas City’s bid to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.
“Linda Bond and Carla Eudy have an extremely impressive track record of success and have played important roles in the previous three Republican National Conventions,” Mayor James said. “The addition of Linda and Carla as our fundraising partners sends a clear signal that Kansas City is very serious about hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention.”
“As a native Kansas Citian, I’m excited to be able to work with the community to bring the Republican National Convention back to my hometown,” Bond said. “Having been involved with previous conventions, I’m confident Kansas City has what it takes to be a dynamic and world-class host city for the 2016 Republican National Convention.”
Together, Linda Bond and Carla Eudy have more than 50 years of combined experience in national political and non-profit fundraising. Their deep experience ranges from raising money for university institutes and managing small, intimate thought-leadership events to orchestrating 5,000+ person fundraising dinners and serving in key finance and strategic counsel roles in for U.S. senatorial and presidential campaigns.
Linda Bond most recently served for the last 10 years with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, helping with national and international fundraising and events. She was responsible for the national fundraising and project management for all Senate hospitality activities for the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Republican National Convention. Her experience includes serving as finance director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Empower America and Steve Forbes for President. Her political clients include Sens. Bill Frist [R-TN] and Mitch McConnell [R-KY].
Carla Eudy’s experience includes 17 years with Sen. John McCain [R-AZ]. She also served as executive staff advisor for the John McCain 2008 presidential campaign, as national finance director for the John McCain 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns, and as finance director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She directed the 2005 and 2006 President’s Dinner for National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee. Her past political clients include Sens. Lindsey Graham [R-SC], Phil Gramm [R-TX], John Cornyn [R-TX] and Trent Lott [R-MS].
Register for updates at www.kcrnc2016.com.
About the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, the KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating more than 45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
Media contact: Julie Sally, spokesperson
The Honorable Peggy Dunn and Terry Dunn to
Chair the KC RNC 2016 Finance Committee
National fundraisers Linda Bond and Carla Eudy join the KC RNC 2016 team
January 17, 2014 (Kansas City, MO) – The KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force today announced that long-time civic leaders The Honorable Peggy Dunn, mayor of Leawood, Kan., and Terry Dunn, JE Dunn Construction Group CEO, will chair the KC RNC 2016 Finance Committee.“We are honored that Peggy and Terry Dunn are willing to lend their civic commitment and fundraising talents to Kansas City’s effort to host the Republican National Convention in 2016,” said Ed Eilert, Chairman, Johnson County Commission and KC RNC Bid Task Force member. “Truly, there could be no two people who value the strength and opportunity this bi-state effort affords more than Peggy and Terry. Their fundraising leadership puts us in an enviable position to compete for one of the biggest conventions we could attract to the Kansas City region.”
"I’ve long admired Terry and Peggy’s commitment to our community and am thrilled that they have chosen to focus on this effort,” said Mayor Sly James, KC RNC 2016 co-chair. “Frankly, their civic engagement is legendary and they only dedicate their time to ideas and projects with sincere promise. I really can’t think of two people I trust more in this capacity. Their role in this task force enhances Kansas City’s enviable position in this quest to bring the RNC All-Stars to this City."
Peggy Dunn has served as an elected official in Leawood since 1993 and currently serves on the Johnson/Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayors. She has been a long-time civic and philanthropic leader serving in various capacities across the metropolitan area. She formerly served on the Governing Board at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and was first board chair of the United Way of Greater Kansas City. Mrs. Dunn is currently board chair of Truman Medical Centers and vice chair of St. Luke’s South Hospital and Youth Volunteer Corps. She also sits on the boards of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station Kansas City, Hall Family Foundation and Country Club Bank.
Terry Dunn has been a Kansas City civic leader for nearly 40 years. His previous experience includes serving as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, president of the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and founding co-chairman of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative. Currently, he serves as a board member and vice president of the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Committee, lead director for UMB Financial, board member of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Southern, and UMKC Foundation, and vice chairman of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
“Peggy joins me in expressing how excited we are to chair this very important regional effort,” said Terry Dunn, KC RNC 2016 Finance Co-Chair. “The opportunity presents an unparalleled long-term economic opportunity for our entire region. We’re involved because we understand this effort is an investment in our future.”
Cities vying to host the Republican National Convention are required to demonstrate fundraising capacity in both in-kind and actual hard dollars of $50 - $60 million from local and nationwide resources. The Finance Co-Chairs are working with the KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force to assemble a world-class Finance Committee that will be tasked with the fundraising capacity.
Further, the KC RNC 2016 Bid Task Force announced that Linda Bond and Carla Eudy, two of the nation’s premiere political fundraisers, have been retained to lead fundraising and finance efforts for Kansas City’s bid to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.
“Linda Bond and Carla Eudy have an extremely impressive track record of success and have played important roles in the previous three Republican National Conventions,” Mayor James said. “The addition of Linda and Carla as our fundraising partners sends a clear signal that Kansas City is very serious about hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention.”
“As a native Kansas Citian, I’m excited to be able to work with the community to bring the Republican National Convention back to my hometown,” Bond said. “Having been involved with previous conventions, I’m confident Kansas City has what it takes to be a dynamic and world-class host city for the 2016 Republican National Convention.”
Together, Linda Bond and Carla Eudy have more than 50 years of combined experience in national political and non-profit fundraising. Their deep experience ranges from raising money for university institutes and managing small, intimate thought-leadership events to orchestrating 5,000+ person fundraising dinners and serving in key finance and strategic counsel roles in for U.S. senatorial and presidential campaigns.
Linda Bond most recently served for the last 10 years with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, helping with national and international fundraising and events. She was responsible for the national fundraising and project management for all Senate hospitality activities for the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Republican National Convention. Her experience includes serving as finance director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Empower America and Steve Forbes for President. Her political clients include Sens. Bill Frist [R-TN] and Mitch McConnell [R-KY].
Carla Eudy’s experience includes 17 years with Sen. John McCain [R-AZ]. She also served as executive staff advisor for the John McCain 2008 presidential campaign, as national finance director for the John McCain 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns, and as finance director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She directed the 2005 and 2006 President’s Dinner for National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee. Her past political clients include Sens. Lindsey Graham [R-SC], Phil Gramm [R-TX], John Cornyn [R-TX] and Trent Lott [R-MS].
Register for updates at www.kcrnc2016.com.
About the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, the KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating more than 45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
## KC ##
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Julie Sally, spokesperson
Support for Kansas City’s RNC 2016 Bid Grows as Endorsements Pour
In From
“We continue to receive the unified support necessary to showcase KC as an ideal location to host the 2016 Republican National Convention due to our position as a dynamic city in the heart of America,” said Troy Stremming, KC RNC 2016 co-chair. “Individually, each one of these endorsements is impressive. Collectively, they represent our community’s dedication to the common goal of bringing the Republican National Convention back to Kansas City.”
Endorsements include:
About the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, the KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating more than 45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
Media contact: Julie Sally, spokesperson
Support for Kansas City’s RNC 2016 Bid Grows as Endorsements Pour
In From
Kansas and Missouri Political Leaders
Eighteen notable Republicans join growing list of political and civic backers
January 29, 2014 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – The KC RNC 2016 Task Force announced today that 18 more members of the congressional and statewide delegations in Missouri and Kansas have endorsed Kansas City’s bid to host of the 2016 Republican National Convention. The group includes 10 U.S. representatives, two lieutenant governors and experienced political officials from both sides of the state line.“We continue to receive the unified support necessary to showcase KC as an ideal location to host the 2016 Republican National Convention due to our position as a dynamic city in the heart of America,” said Troy Stremming, KC RNC 2016 co-chair. “Individually, each one of these endorsements is impressive. Collectively, they represent our community’s dedication to the common goal of bringing the Republican National Convention back to Kansas City.”
Endorsements include:
- Jeff Colyer
served as a White House Fellow under Presidents
Reagan and
H.W. Bush. In 2006, he was elected to the Kansas House of
Representatives and then to the Kansas Senate in 2008.
- Tim Huelskamp was elected to the Kansas Senate in 1996, becoming the youngest senator elected in 20 years. He was re-elected three times in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Huelskamp was elected to his first term as a U.S. representative in 2010.
- Lynn Jenkins has served as a U.S. representative since 2009. She previously served as the treasurer of the state of Kansas from 2002 to 2008. As a certified public accountant, she brings nearly 20 years of experience to the House.
- Kevin Yoder began his second term in the U.S House of Representatives in January of 2013. He serves as vice chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee and sits on the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee and the Financial Services Subcommittee.
- Mike Pompeo is a second-term congressman who graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Intelligence Committee.
- Susan Wagle is a member of the Kansas Senate. She was elected to the Kansas State House of Representatives in 1991. A cancer survivor, she is both the Kansas Senate’s first female president and the first Senate president from Wichita.
- Derek Schmidt was elected as 44th attorney general of Kansas, taking office in 2011. Prior to that election, he served 10 years as a Kansas state senator. During his last six years in the Senate, he served as majority leader for the Republican Caucus.
- Kris Kobach has been secretary of state for Kansas since 2011. He was previously a professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He was awarded a year-long White House Fellowship in 2001.
- Ron Estes began his career as state treasurer of Kansas in 2011. He was originally elected as Sedgwick County treasurer in 2004, and re-elected in 2008. He has worked in several industries in consulting and management roles.
- Sandy Praeger was first elected as Kansas’ 24th commissioner of insurance in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006 and again in 2010. Prior to that, she was elected to the Kansas Senate in 1992, 1996 and 2000.
- Sam Graves is a U.S. representative of Missouri serving since 2001. In Congress he serves as chairman of the Small Business Committee as well as the Transportation Committee. His leadership has been recognized by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce among others.
- Blaine Luetkemeyer represents the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri. He was a Missouri State representative and served as chairman of the Financial Services Committee from 1999 to 2005. He was also elected to serve as House Republican Caucus chairman.
- Jason Smith was elected to the Missouri House in 2005, and in June of 2013 he was elected to represent Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has earned 100 percent ratings from the American Conservative Union and the Chamber of Commerce.
- Ann Wagner is the U.S. representative for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District, serving since 2013. She previously served as the 19th U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg from 2005 to 2009, and was chair of the Missouri Republican Party from 1999 to 2005.
- Billy Long has served as the U.S. representative for Missouri’s 7th Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves on three critical subcommittees.
- Vicky Hartzler has been a representative for Missouri since 2010. In 1994, she was elected as the State representative from Missouri’s 124th District where she served three terms.
- Peter Kinder became only the second Missourian in state history to win the lieutenant governor office three times after his win in 2012, and previous wins in 2004 and 2008. Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Kinder spent 12 years serving in the Missouri Senate.
- Tom Schweich is currently serving as state auditor of Missouri. Prior to that, he served as acting assistant secretary of state at the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, leading diplomatic missions to approximately 30 countries.
About the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
The KCCVA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, the KCCVA supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating more than 45,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
About KC RNC 2016
KC RNC 2016 is a bi-state, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to successfully bidding on, winning and hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Kansas City last hosted the Republican National Convention in 1976 at Kemper Arena. For more information about KC RNC 2016, go to kcrnc2016.com.
## KC ##
Copyright © 2013, 2014 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in
Action.
All rights reserved.