Organizers of the Democratic convention have launched a vendor directory aimed at businesses looking to land contracts related to the 2012 event.

The directory went live Wednesday on the convention’s website but will be officially unveiled today.

Convention organizers have predicted that the convention’s economic impact will be somewhere between $150 million and $200 million – sparking a veritable frenzy among business owners hoping to score a slice of that pie.

Last Friday, a group of African American business owners calling themselves the Carolina Regional Minority Partnership Coalition launched a website with its own business directory. Organizers said their goal is to ensure that minority-owned businesses are not left out.

Diverse suppliers

On the convention’s website, a statement reads: “The Charlotte 2012 Host Committee is continuing to take steps to reach diverse suppliers. We encourage our employees to support local and small businesses, as well as women, minority and disabled businesses when seeking new sources of supplies or services. The diversity of our supply chain is one of the many ways we distinguish ourselves and foster economic growth in the community.”

Much of the money related to the convention is expected to be spent with construction companies upgrading facilities at Time Warner Cable Arena, where the primary convention activities will be held. And not all contracts will be rewarded to local companies, organizers have been quick to point out.

Robyn Hamilton, the host committee's director of business relations, told the Charlotte Observer that as many as 5,000 companies could take advantage of the directory. The Democratic National Convention Committee, the Charlotte host committee and other groups and companies are all expected to use it.

Charlotte showcased

In addition, companies that win initial contracts may use the directory to locate subcontractors.

"We want people from all over the world to use this database so they understand we have a robust business community," she was quoted as saying. "We want to see the Charlotte community showcased over the next year."

Businesses looking to access the directory may go through the convention's revamped website, charlottein2012.com.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement