Less than a year from the Republican National Convention now, and the CEO of Cleveland's host committee says his group has set up an online portal for businesses to connect with Republicans event organizers.
But in a presentation to Cuyahoga County Council, David Gilbert says he's trying to moderate expectations with Northeast Ohio companies, saying the convention won't be a boon for every business.
"We've said from the beginning, if people judge hosting this convention by whether or not they made a lot of money that week, it's not going to be the way we judge it," Gilbert said. "There's going to be a lot of money spent here. But depending on the type of business you have, depending on where your businesses are, lots of people won't do any more business."
The 2016 convention takes place the week of July 18. Gilbert said so far, local organizers have raised $39 million of the $64 million in cash and in-kind gifts needed.
