From The Desk of Convention CEO William D. Harris
Dear Friend,
Thank you for subscribing to the official newsletter of the 2012 Republican National Convention! We look forward to bringing you the latest news and information as we prepare for the historic nomination of the next President of the United States at the St. Pete Times Forum on August 30, 2012.
As part of your subscription, you will receive a behind-the-scenes look at our efforts to accommodate the expected 50,000 guests that will visit the Tampa Bay area. We’ll also walk you through the planning that goes into servicing an international press corps rivaling those that cover the Olympic Games and introduce you to the dedicated professional staff assembled from across the country to plan and carry out this monumental political event.
Critical to our success is the feedback of our audience. We would love to hear from you, whether it is in the form of a suggestion, a question for our convention staff or a general comment about our newsletter.
It is our goal to make the 2012 Republican National Convention a “convention without walls,” meaning no matter where you are, you can be an important part of this historic event. This newsletter is part of our way of bringing the convention to you. We hope you enjoy it.
Sincerely,
William D. Harris
Chief Executive Officer
2012 Republican National Convention
Committee on Arrangements (COA) Unveils Convention Website and Logo
Earlier this month, the COA
launched
Phase One of the official website of the 2012 Republican National Convention,
www.GOPConvention2012.com
. The launch was part of the unveiling of the official logo of the 2012 Convention.
The logo was designed by Marcia Brown of M/Brown Creative from Alexandria, Virginia, following a competitive solicitation for logo design. Brown is a Republican campaign veteran whose professional experience includes the Republican National Committee, presidential campaigns and work with the last seven Republican National Conventions.
The emblem’s design pays tribute to the Tampa Bay area as host of the 2012 Republican National Convention and recognizes the nation by incorporating the flag.
“[The unveilings] are important milestones in our planning process…as we coordinate a successful 2012 Republican National Convention that enables us to march toward victory – and, ultimately, the White House – next November,” said Republican National Convention CEO William D. Harris.
Our Partners: “First Round Draft Pick” to Manage Transportation
After a nationwide search, Orlando-based SP Plus Gameday came out on top and was named the Official Transportation Services Manager of the 2012 Republican National Convention.
“We are fortunate to have this company on board for our transportation management needs,” said 2012 Republican National Convention CEO William D. Harris. “We feel Gameday is a well-qualified and trusted name in its industry … and we look forward to working with them to put on a well-planned convention.”
“I am pleased that a global industry leader from down Interstate 4 will be a key to successful transportation system for the 2012 Republican National Convention,” said Tampa Bay Host Committee CEO Ken Jones.
We had a chance to sit down with Gameday principals Cristine Paull and Mike Witte and ask a few questions about planning for the 2012 Republican National Convention.
How are you both feeling right now? Overwhelmed? Excited?
Cristine Paull:
“We’re totally excited to be a part of the planning process for the 2012 Republican National Convention. We’re thrilled to be working with the COA to successfully orchestrate this event.”
Mike Witte
: “We feel comfortable with the area, and very comfortable with the agencies working in the area, such as the Tampa Police Department, Tampa City Traffic Engineering and Tampa International Airport, among others. We will have a very comprehensive and efficient plan for the Convention.”
What previous experience makes SP Plus Gameday a good fit for the convention?
MW:
“[We] provided transportation services for Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, the 2008 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, played at the St. Pete Times Forum, as well as the 1999 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, played at Tropicana Field.”
You’ve been working with the COA since October. How has your experience been thus far?
MW:
“Very welcoming. The team is a cohesive unit. We consider ourselves…a part of the overall team. It’s just as important that we understand and support everything the COA team is trying to do.”
CP:
“I second that!”
The Committee on Arrangements: Florida Membership
In 2012, the Republican National Convention will take place in Florida for the third time in history. (The last event was hosted in Miami Beach in 1972.) Because of this, we decided to highlight three COA committee members this month who hail from the Sunshine State.
National Committeewoman/RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day
Day was elected Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee on January 14, 2011. From 2009 to 2011, she served as RNC Secretary. She has served the Republican Party at the local, state and national level for more than 20 years. Day was instrumental in having the convention brought to the Tampa Bay area for 2012.
Day was born in Texas, but resides in Ft. Lauderdale with husband, Larry. They earlier counted Indiana as home. She is the proud mother of two sons and has five grandchildren.
National Committeeman Paul Senft, Jr.
A former County Commissioner of Polk County, Florida, Senft has served in many facets of Republican politics. After being elected to his Committee seat in 2004, Senft was reelected unchallenged during the 2008 race. He was a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008, and chairs the COA Volunteer subcommittee for the 2012 convention.
Senft received his undergraduate degree from Emory University, and an MBA from Georgia State University. He and his wife have two children and five grandchildren.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry
Curry, a native Floridian, is Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and Chairman of the Duval County Republican Executive Committee. Previously he was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and served as a Senior Manager in Jacksonville. In 2002, he co-founded a Jacksonville-based professional services firm, ICX Group Inc.
Curry and his wife are the proud parents of three, and members of Southside United Methodist Church. Curry graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant.
The Tampa Bay Host Committee: Who They Are and How They Are Helping
The 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee, simply called the “Host Committee,” is a team of Tampa Bay area residents working to enhance the positive impact of the convention on the Tampa Bay area. The Host Committee is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization and is not involved in partisan political activity.
Pinellas County resident and Host Committee COO Matt Becker summed up the organization’s mission, “[We] will be promoting Tampa Bay. Our objective is to use the platform of the Convention to showcase Tampa Bay to the delegates, the national media and to the world in August 2012.”
In addition to projecting this favorable image, the Host Committee is also responsible for executing Tampa Bay area programs, recruiting volunteers, promoting local business and confirming sponsors.
Visit the Host Committee online at
www.2012tampa.com
COA In The Community: Honor Flight Says “Thank You” to WWII Veterans
Members of the convention staff joined hundreds of their Tampa Bay area neighbors at the Tampa International Airport on October 29 to welcome home a group of World War II veterans from the nation’s capital.
The surprise greeting was the culmination of a day arranged by Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a non-profit group that is part of the national Honor Flight Network. Their mission is to say “thank you” to World War II veterans through the help of donated flights and funds and compassionate volunteers. The organization gives members of the rapidly-declining WWII-era veteran population an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and tour memorials built in their honor.
Convention staff members were touched by the reactions of the 74 men and women-many of whom never had a proper welcome home from war-upon their arrival back in Tampa.
Says Director of Community Outreach and Special Events Holly McGovern Barber, “It was a wonderful event, and I think every member of the office walked away that evening touched – and very, very thankful.”
For more information about the Honor Flight group, visit
www.honorflightwcf.org
COA In The Community: “Painting with a Twist” and for a Cause
Paint, socialize, nibble and repeat- that was the magic fundraising recipe on November 15 for the Children’s Cancer Society.
Ladies from the convention staff had a special night out at Tampa art studio ‘Painting with a Twist.’ Over the course of a few hours, the ladies (and a few of their family members) each created their own rendition of the Tampa skyline in acrylic paint.
The Painting with a Twist studio generously donated half of the evening’s costs-$400 altogether-to the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa. The not-for-profit Cancer Center provides emotional, financial and medical support to children and the families of children battling cancer and chronic blood disorders. Better still, everyone had a uniquely beautiful piece of art to take home as a reminder of time spent in Tampa and working for the 2012 Republican National Convention. The ladies on our team were proud to paint for such a noteworthy cause!
Staff Cook Up an Early Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner
It’s never too early to celebrate and give thanks. The convention staff and some of their family members gathered on November 13 to share food, fun and friendship at an early Thanksgiving meal.
Each individual cooked up a scrumptious recipe to share. Dishes ranged from homemade stuffing and mashed potatoes, to delicious casseroles, to mouth-watering cheesecake and pies. Not to be forgotten were the stars of the evening-two perfectly cooked turkeys!
Associate Director of Administration Maggie Boyd commented, “It was really nice to have such a large turn-out for this event. Everyone brought something to the table-literally.”
Due to the nature of the convention, many staff members find themselves living away from family and friends. As a result, individuals on the convention team often spend time together outside the office, sharing meals, volunteering in the community and building lasting friendships.
Convention Staff Spotlight Shines On…Kathryn Lyons
Position: Receptionist (but will soon be promoted to Media Operations Assistant)
Age: 22
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Q: What got you interested in politics?
A: I’ve always been interested in current events, but I’d say it’s more beneficial for me to know about our current and upcoming leaders and economic status than to lose sleep over Kim Kardashian’s “love” life.
Q: What is your most memorable moment in politics?
A: Since I’ve only been involved in politics for a few months, I’m going to predict it will happen while I’m at the 2012 Republican National Convention!
Q: What is the best part about living in the Tampa Bay area?
A: You mean besides Gasparilla?? Well, I’ve pretty much lived here all my life and haven’t been disappointed yet. It’s a great city and having my friends here makes it more enjoyable. The beach nearby is another plus.
Q: Where did you move here from?
A: I moved to Tampa long before the convention called my name. I was just 6 months old when I moved from Morristown, New Jersey. As much as I love visiting my first home I am definitely a Florida girl.
Q: Why did you want to work for the Republican National Convention?
A: It’s exciting to be a part of something so big. I have gotten to meet and work with some wonderful people that are doing a great job putting everything together, and I look forward to contributing to the end result.
Q: Which do you prefer, Tampa Bay area resident Hulk Hogan or Tampa Bay area resident John Cena?
A: Neither. I’m going to go with Channing Tatum, who at one point lived here.
Q: What’s something interesting others may not know about you?
A: Spanish was my first language and was the only thing I spoke, at age 4, on my first day of school.
Q. What’s your Alma Mater?
A: THE Florida State University. Go Seminoles!!!
Planning Ahead: A Closer Look at Tampa Bay Area Locations
It never hurts to plan ahead for your visit to the Tampa Bay area for the 2012 Republican National Convention. Here is a closer look at two area venues, including contact information, to help you in your planning:
Jannus Live
1st Ave. North and 2nd St.
North St. Petersburg, FL 33701
One of the most beloved concert venues in Florida, Jannus Landing opened in St. Petersburg in the mid-1980s and first served as a spot for punk and reggae shows. The 1990s saw a plethora of then-up-and-comers, such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead, play in the open-air venue. In 2009, Jannus Landing closed its doors and went on a year-long hiatus-it was reopened in March 2010 under a new owner and a new moniker, Jannus Live.
The 2,000-seat, courtyard-style concert venue plays host to a varied show schedule. Molly Hatchet, Mac Miller and Sevendust are just some of the acts that will be taking the stage in the coming months. Cheap Trick’s Dream Police will be playing for New Year’s Eve.
For more information about shows and tickets, call (727) 565-0551, or visit Jannus Live’s website,
www.jannuslive.com
The Columbia Restaurant – Ybor City
2117 East 7th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
A visit to Tampa would not be complete without eating at the world-famous Columbia Restaurant. The Hernandez Gonzmart family has been making history since 1905 when they opened the landmark in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City. Now, run by 4th and 5th generation family members who work hard to preserve its legacy, the Columbia is currently Florida’s oldest restaurant, and the world’s largest Spanish restaurant.
Guests can enjoy many of the same century-old family recipes that have made the Columbia famous, like Paella “a la Valencia,” Snapper “Alicante” Pompano en Papillot, Corvina “Russian Style” and Filet Mignon “Columbia”.
In addition to award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine, the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City features flamenco dance performances nightly. The Columbia Café Riverwalk Tampa, located next to the St. Pete Times Forum, offers live jazz Thursday through Saturday.
Other nearby Columbia locations include the Pier in St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach and Sarasota. For reservations at any of the locations, log on to
www.columbiarestaurant.com
On The Calendar
December 6: Media Walk-Through: The Committee on Arrangements will welcome members of the news media to Tampa during the Fall Media Walk-Through on December 6.
The walk-through will address a range of topics, including the media credentialing process, administrative and logistics needs, work space requests and housing requirements.
This event will also give media representatives the opportunity to tour the full convention complex, including the St. Pete Times Forum and media workspace planned for the neighboring Tampa Convention Center.
January 3:Iowa Caucus
January 10:New Hampshire Primary
January 21:South Carolina Primary
January 31:Florida Primary
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