FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2016
Contact: Morgan Finkelstein

Democratic National Convention Committee Moves Into Wells Fargo Center

Convention Reaches New Phase While Remaining On Time, On Task and On Budget 

Staff, Contractors and Local Businesses are Transforming Arena Into State of the Art Convention Complex
 
PHILADELPHIA  – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) has moved over 50 personnel into the Wells Fargo Center full-time as preparations for the convention next month continue to progress. The move-in announcement was made today at a press conference featuring DNCC CEO Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, Wells Fargo Complex President John Page, and representatives from two of the convention's key vendor partners, Hargrove Inc. and Perryman Building and Construction Services.

"I’m pleased that our hard work and preparation has kept us on time, on task and on budget as we reach this critical stage in convention planning. We are transforming the Wells Fargo Complex into the epicenter of American politics, where our Democratic values and ideals will be broadcast to the world," said Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, DNCC CEO.

"We are proud that the Wells Fargo Complex is hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention and we are thrilled to see the progress being made towards constructing the convention hall,” said John Page, President of the Wells Fargo Complex. "The expert planning we’ve seen throughout this process will create an unforgettable convention experience here for delegates, media and guests in July."

The DNCC took control of the Wells Fargo Center on May 28th and has made substantial progress towards transforming the arena and surrounding areas into a state-of-the-art convention complex. Under Hargrove's direction, over a dozen local firms will engage in work in and around the convention complex.  Outside of the arena,120,000 square feet of temporary pavilions are nearly complete; this space will house workspace for thousands of members of the media.

"Hargrove has enjoyed a long-standing presence in Philadelphia for decades. We are familiar with its many storied venues and talented local vendors.  We make it our practice to hire local resources, tradesmen and contractors," said Carla Hargrove McGill, President, Hargrove Inc.

Perryman Building and Construction, a local, African-American owned firm, was awarded the contract for construction services and has been hard at work modifying the arena's infrastructure to accommodate the thousands of participants that will pack the Wells Fargo Center in July.

"Working on something as high-profile as the Democratic National Convention is a tremendous opportunity for our company,” said Angelo Perryman, President/CEO, Perryman Building and Construction Services. “I’m proud to be a part of this historic event and to bring our local expertise and resources to the table."