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RNC Committees Close to Reaching Fundraising, Volunteer Goals

David Gilbert at Friday's RNC press conference (photo: Elizabeth Miller)

By Elizabeth Miller 

With 100 days to go, the 2016 RNC host and arrangement committees announced a few updates on July’s Republican National Convention. 

RNC host committee CEO David Gilbert had a lot to report at Friday’s press conference…

“About 80% of the dollars pledged are already in hand, so we have plenty of money to pay the bills," said Gilbert.

“We need to recruit about 8000 volunteers for the welcoming part of this at the airport, every hotel throughout the community.  We already have 7400 volunteers already signed up.”

The news included some upcoming casting calls to find 50 locals to represent Cleveland on signs throughout the city.

“We’re going to be featuring the faces of Clevelanders – our community, our people, welcoming the world to Cleveland," said Gilbert.

Adding to that, the city of Cleveland recently received a National Security Special Events grant for $49.9 million dollars to purchase equipment and hire extra officers for the 4-day long event.  Steve King, chair of the RNC committee on arrangements, says he’s satisfied with law enforcement efforts.

“I was in charge of security in Tampa for the convention," said King.  "The PD, the Secret Service, the other local, county, and state authorities are on top of this thing.”

The RNC host committee estimates that the Convention will net about $250 million in direct spending.  And a contract is close to being signed for a commissioned study to measure the actual economic impact of the RNC on Northeast Ohio.  Results from that study are not expected for several months after the convention is over. 

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