Rod O’ Connor, CEO of the Democratic National Convention met with Asian business leaders at the China Pearl restaurant in downtown Boston to solicit involvement and present opportunities available to businesses to support the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Over 35,000 people from all over the country are expected to attend the convention which will be held at the FleetCenter in Boston, MA from July 26-29 2004.

The convention presents significant business opportunities for locals. “We are committed to using minority (MBE) and women–owned(WBE) firms as much as possible. I urge all of you to go to our site and sign up on the vendor directory” said O’Connor. The major construction contract for the convention was won by Shawmut Design and Construction, Primary Group and SAR Engineering. The budget for the construction is $3.5 million. They have guaranteed a 50 % MBE/WBE participation amongst its subcontractors.

“We have a wide range of needs. Our needs range from Telecommunications, Technical support to Florists, Decorators, Event Planners and Graphic Design” said Rekha Chalasani, who is the Budget Director for the convention. “We are very serious about making sure that the businesses we choose are from a diverse group of owners. I urge vendors to sign up on the vendor directory so that as the need arises we can contact you”. To signup to be on the vendor directory visit http://www.boston04.com/vendors/how_to_register.asp

Rod O’ Connor outlined other opportunities for people to get involved. “We have job openings and a lot of volunteer opportunities. Check out our website to see how you can get involved in this event” said O’ Connor. To learn more about jobs and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.boston04.com/volunteers.asp

O’Connor also urged people to check out the process of becoming a delegate. Each state is allocated a certain number of delegates to the convention based on its population and Democratic voting strength. There are four different types of delegates. These include “District-Level”, “Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official”, “At-large” and “Unpledged”. To apply to become a delegate or to better understand the process better, go to http://www.democrats.org/whitehouse/delegate.html.

If you are between 13-24 years old, the convention invites you to take part in contests. You can enter in one of two contests: “Gavel in the Future” or “Speak Out for the Future” . Winners will make appearances at the Convention.. To learn more about the contests go to http://www.democrats.org/convention/contests.html.

“We are committed to making this convention more creative and appealing than ever before. We are also committed to involve people from a diverse set of background in all aspects of the convention. Whatever your interest, we urge you to get involved” said Rod O’ Connor.

For general information on the convention, please visit the web site at www.boston04.com

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