Latina Chamber : Newsroom

Denver 2008 Host Committee Launches Online Vendor Directory

Businesses and vendors encouraged to submit applications online

(Denver, CO) - The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, in conjunction with its Business Outreach Committee, today launched an online vendor directory that provides important information about local and regional businesses to those seeking goods and services in connection with 2008 Denver convention activities.

Currently, the vendor directory is available for interested businesses to submit an application and become a part of this valuable resource for convention related business opportunities. Businesses will be added to the directory as these applications are reviewed and accepted and the directory will continue to be populated by businesses throughout the next 10 months. The Host Committee anticipates the vendor directory will be adequately populated in 30 days for seekers of goods and services to utilize. The Host Committee encourages businesses of all sizes throughout Colorado and the western region to sign up as a vendor by visiting www.DenverConvention2008.com

The Business Outreach Committee aims to ensure that businesses in Colorado and the West become a part of the online vendor directory so their information is available to groups and organizations planning events and activities in and around Denver during convention week. As the directory is populated, users can conduct searches by categories such as minority and/or women business enterprises (M/WBE), businesses owned by persons with disabilities, labor friendly businesses, "green" businesses, as well as by the business location through the keyword search option. In addition to highlighting M/WBE and businesses owned by persons with disabilities, the directory will be inclusive of any business that wants to be registered on the directory.

President and Chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee Elbra Wedgeworth stated, "This vendor directory marks the first time in the history of Democratic National Conventions that this valuable resource is entirely available online. This vendor directory enables businesses to regularly update their information and creates visibility throughout the country for local and regional firms."

Greg Lopez, Co-Chairman of the Business Outreach Committee, stated, "As the Democratic National Convention planning gains momentum, it is important to remember that the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee vendor directory is one of the primary vehicles by which minority-, women-, and/or disabled-owned business enterprises and other businesses can market themselves to the many organizations expected to visit Denver for the convention."

While the vendor directory does not guarantee business opportunities for those enrolled online, it is the Host Committee's intention to provide this platform so that local and regional businesses receive as much visibility as possible in promoting their goods and services. The Host Committee web site (www.DenverConvention2008.com) also posts requests for proposals (RFP) that may be potential business opportunities and businesses are encouraged to promote their capabilities within other existing networks.

The 2008 Denver convention is slated to take place August 25-28, 2008, and is expected to bring 35,000 visitors to Denver including 15,000 members of the national and international media. In addition to showcasing Denver and the Rocky Mountain West to audiences around the globe, estimates indicate that Denver will realize $160 million in economic benefits.

Contact: Rachel Gordon
(303) 534-6200