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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 202-06
June 14, 2006

MAYOR BLOOMBERG WELCOMES DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE'S TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO NEW YORK CITY

New York City Makes Pitch to Host the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg welcomed the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Technical Advisory Committee to New York City at a dinner reception this evening. The City will play host to the 10-member committee for a three-day tour that includes a taste of the best that New York City has to offer in hospitality, dining and entertainment. During their visit, the DNC Technical Advisory Committee will assess the City's bid to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which will include a thorough review of plans for transportation, security, hotels and its convention complex, the world famous Madison Square Garden. New York City's Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention is co-chaired by Jonathan M. Tisch and Robert E. Rubin, two prominent New Yorkers, with histories of service and dedication to New York City and the country. The DNC is expected to make a decision about the Host City for the 2008 convention in Fall 2006.

"New York City's experience as the host city for spectacular national and international events makes us the ideal home for the 2008 Democratic National Convention because we know how to get the job done," Mayor Bloomberg said. "New York City has an unparalleled ability to commit substantial resources and experience to ensure an event's success. Just as we have done with past conventions, New York City will generate great energy and excitement for the Party's nominee heading into the crucial final weeks before Election Day."

"No other city provides the energy, spirit and vitality of New York City," said Host Committee Co-Chair Tisch. "No other city contains the neighborhoods, languages and diversity of New York City. No other location offers the media, cultural, and financial resources. And, there is no city that better symbolizes the spirit of America. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair with Bob Rubin and look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg and his team to provide the Democratic Party with a highly successful and memorable convention."

"As a proud New Yorker and Democrat, I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the New York City Host Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention," said Host Committee Co-Chair Rubin. "The Democratic National Committee can count on the Host Committee's dedication, energy, resources, creativity and commitment to make the 2008 convention a great success."

The committee members' will arrive the evening of Wednesday, June 14th and travel from their hotel through Central Park in hansom cabs to a welcome dinner at the Mayor's residence. On Thursday, June 15th, the day will begin with a breakfast at Gracie Mansion where delegates will hear presentations on the City's plan for media hospitality given by Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs Kevin Sheekey. Immediately following breakfast, Committee members will travel via double-decker bus through Times Square to Madison Square Garden, where they will be greeted by a welcoming message on the Madison Square Garden marquee before a tour of the facility that will include presentations on the Garden's capabilities.

"Madison Square Garden has proven to be a charmed space for national political conventions," said MSG Vice Chairman Hank J. Ratner. "No other building has hosted the breadth of world-class events of this size, scale and scope, and it would be an honor to join the Mayor and New York City in hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention."

Thursday afternoon, committee members will break up into groups for presentations on topics including transportation and security, hotel and other accommodations, the convention complex and city obligations. Thursday's dinner will take place at one of the City's newest gems, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, which features spectacular views of many of the City's landmarks including Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. The committee members' visit will conclude Friday morning, June 16th, with a breakfast at the River Café in Brooklyn with Mayor Bloomberg followed by a tour of the City via water taxi.

In 2004, NYC's hosting of the Republican National Convention resulted in an estimated economic impact on New York City's economy of $255 million. In the City's 2008 Bid, the City's Host Committee has committed to privately raise funds totaling $70 million and the City of New York will provide $7.35 million, including in-kind City services toward the Convention.

The DNC bid effort is being led by Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff and NYC Big Events President and Chief Executive Officer Maureen J. Reidy. New York City is one of 4 cities competing for the 2008 Convention - the other cities are Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul and New Orleans. Highlights of the City's bid proposal to the DNC about why New York City is the best choice for the 2008 Convention include:

  • Experience: Two of the last eight presidential conventions have been held in the Big Apple and the Bloomberg Administration has had first-hand experience in planning, organizing and executing a successful convention.

  • Security: New York offers resources unmatched by any city in the nation. It is the safest big city in America, and it possesses the experience and resources to provide the most secure and well-protected convention site in the nation. The NYPD is the largest police force in the nation with over 36,000 uniformed police officers and upwards of 10,000 civilian members. Its size allows the NYPD to implement the highest security measures during the Convention period without compromising police coverage of the rest of the City.

  • Transportation: New York's transit system is the most extensive and efficient in the nation, serving more than 2.5 billion people annually. The intra-city system features more than 30 subway and commuter railroad lines and more than 200 bus routes, offering delegates fast, easy and affordable transportation throughout the City.

  • Convention Complex: The world-famous Madison Square Garden (MSG) is one of the nation's most technically modern arenas, offering state-of-the-art technical capacity, optimal design for television coverage, and convenient proximity to transit hubs, hotels, restaurants, stores, theaters, and a variety of other attractions. MSG benefits from superb facilities, a sense of intimacy, and an incredible tradition of hosting remarkable events.

  • Lodging: New York City welcomed over 41 million visitors from around the globe in 2005, and is home to more than 230 hotels with over 71,000 hotel rooms.

  • Technology: New York is the media and technology capital of the nation and offers one of the world's most extensive communications infrastructure - from Wall Street's global trading systems to the satellite linkages of the broadcasters. More top corporations operate their headquarters in New York than anywhere else. NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox are headquartered here, and the three network morning programs broadcast live from studios overlooking the City's streets. Seven of the top 20 cable networks are also located here.

  • Support: New York has the ability to assemble a powerful coalition of labor unions, business leaders, and government entities who are committed to making the 2008 Convention a grand success.

New York City has a long, close history with the Democratic Party. Since John F. Kennedy's victory in 1960, only two non-incumbent Democratic nominees have been elected President. Both were nominated in New York City: Jimmy Carter, who was elected the 39th president of the United States in 1976, and Bill Clinton, who was elected as the country's 42nd president in 1992. Both candidates addressed the delegates from the podium in Madison Square Garden.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958

Damien LaVera (DNC)   (202) 863-8109/787-8953




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