ICYMI: “Democratic National Convention Should Springboard Support for Chicago’s Small Businesses” Says Ald. Gilbert Villegas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 13, 2024

CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com

Chicago 2024 Host Committee Announces “Chicago Civic Action Week” With Chicago Cares

Chicago, IL Today, Alderman Gilbert Villegas penned a new op-ed in the Chicago Sun Times discussing how this summer’s Democratic National Convention presents a major opportunity for Chicago small businesses. He highlighted the resources the Chicago 2024 Host Committee has created for the convention that will all continue to be used long after the event has left Chicago. 

READ THE FULL OP-ED HERE

KEY EXCERPTS 

“The Chicago 2024 Host Committee launched its vendor directory and venue map, a one-stop shop for the convention’s 50,000 expected visitors. Thanks to this resource, the delegates, elected officials, volunteers and journalists converging at the convention will have thousands of local vendors at their fingertips to experience Chicago’s best hospitality.”

More than 20 organizations from around our great state are coming together as members of the host committee’s Business Diversity Advisory Council to spread the wealth as venues are booked, contracts are signed, orders are placed and stages are built…By turning this council’s insight into action, the convention team is one step closer to achieving our shared vision of maximizing diverse business participation in this summer’s events.”

“Too often, large-scale events touch down in our city like a tornado sweeping up all the economic benefits with them on their way out. There is untapped talent our city has to offer, and it is critical to push for more permanent resources like the ones being built for the convention.

Back in February the Host Committee launched its DNC Vendor Directory and Venue Map, which both include a wealth of diverse, local businesses and venues who are available for this summer’s Democratic National Convention. 

The vendor directory and venue map aim to connect the 50,000 delegates and other visitors to the wealth of local vendors available in Chicago leading up to, during, and after the convention. The vendor directory has already been shared with state parties, allied groups, and other stakeholders to use in the planning of their ancillary convention events. Numerous vendors from the directory have already been booked for convention-related events. After the convention, the vendor directory will be shared with Chicago’s local chambers of commerce, tourism entities like Choose Chicago and Enjoy Illinois, and other large-scale event planners.

Vendors and venues can sign up to be included in the directory and map by filling out the Vendor Interest Form on the Host Committee’s website. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis and updated weekly. 

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