Columbus Pursues DNC in 2016

November 19, 2014

As the decision for the hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention nears, Columbus is working hard to ensure that the Democratic National Committee still has us int he running. One of the efforts has been to start Columbus 2016, an organization that is dedicated to working toward landing the honor of hosting the 2016 DNC. Columbus 2016 includes representatives from the City of Columbus, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Franklin County, and local community leadership.
They have just announced the executive leadership team that will further underscore the community’s collaboration and commitment in hosting the next convention. Since November of 2013, Columbus has been widely regarded as the most organized city pursuing the DNC Convention. The establishment of the Columbus 2016 leadership team is another critical step toward a continued partnership with the DNC.
Joining Mayor Michael B. Coleman, the Chair of Columbus 2016, are former Democratic National Committee Chair David Wilhelm, Resource/Ammirati Founder Nancy Kramer and Columbus Partnership President and CEO Alex Fischer.
“We’ve assembled a committee made up of some of our community’s most prominent leaders who are eager to put on a phenomenal convention for candidates, media, and delegates,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus 2016 Chair. “Columbus is truly the best location to the host the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and we’re ready to share our city’s hospitality with the rest of the nation.”
Wilhelm will serve as Steering Committee Chair and as a Strategic Advisor for the convention bid process. Wilhelm was selected by President Clinton to serve as DNC Chair after leading the President’s successful campaign in 1992. Wilhelm also led the selection of Chicago for hosting the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Wilhelm is currently a Partner and Chief Strategy Officer for Hecate Energy.
“The road to the White House runs through Ohio, and the road to victory in Ohio runs through Columbus,” said David Wilhelm, Columbus 2016 Steering Committee Chair.
“Politics aside, Columbus is prepared to show the DNC just how ready, willing, and able we are to host the most important political convention in the world.”
Nancy Kramer is Founder and Chairman of Resource/Ammirati- the largest independent digital marketing agency in the United States. Kramer will lead the Civic Engagement Steering Committee for Columbus 2016.
“Columbus is the perfect city to host the DNC National Convention,” said Nancy Kramer, Columbus 2016 Civic Engagement Chair. “It’s a 21st century city with smart, open and highly collaborative citizens who mirror the nation’s diversity. We are willing to do whatever it takes to bring the Convention to Columbus and make it a memorable experience. Bring it on!”Alex Fischer, President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership will serve as Finance Committee Chair. The Columbus Partnership is a membership-based CEO organization of 52 CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions tasked with a primary goal to improve the economic vitality of the Columbus Region.
“Not only will the DNC attract tens of thousands of guests and generate millions of dollars of economic activity, it will place Columbus in the national spotlight and showcase our community to the world,” said Alex Fischer, Columbus 2016 Finance Chair. “Our business community in partnership with our host committee is ready to take the Columbus spirit of collaboration to the next level and execute an extraordinary convention.”
Degee Wilhelm, former personal aide to President Clinton, national political campaign operative and past DNC convention site selector has been selected to serve as the Executive Director for Columbus 2016.
“We’ve assembled a talented team to help land the DNC Convention to our beloved Columbus community,” said Degee Wilhelm. “We look forward to working in partnership with the DNC and bringing our own extensive convention and national campaign expertise to these efforts.”
A critical component of the host committee’s work in fulfilling the obligations with the Democratic National Convention Committee will include raising the resources necessary to conduct a world-class Convention.
In addition to honoring the requisite host committee responsibilities, Columbus 2016 will aim to engage Columbus and Ohio residents in the convention by organizing strategic and attractive business and civic opportunities that represent the diversity and excitement of the city, and that will help tell the Columbus story.
“We are excited to welcome Democrats from across the nation to our great city,” said U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “Our Midwest hospitality, world-class institutions, venue capacity, and many more amenities make Columbus the perfect city to host the Democratic National Convention in 2016.”
The host committee will be largely responsible for welcoming and planning events for the 35,000+ delegates, media and visitors to the city during the convention, as well as training thousands of volunteer workers and coordinating security.
“Columbus has all the necessary financial and logistical resources to host an unforgettable Democratic National Convention,” said Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Our community is prepared to produce a convention that will rank among the most successful in the party’s history.”
“Visitors to Franklin County and Columbus are always pleasantly surprised by our vibrant, innovative and welcoming community,’ added Marilyn Brown, Columbus 2016 Co-Chair. “The Columbus 2016 Host Committee will work together to capture and incorporate those hometown assets into a dynamic delegate experience.”
Click Here to read more about the Columbus 2016 staff.