FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Kirby, Marketing & Communications Manager
Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau
(360) 750-1553 x18 - Vancouver, Washington
Email: jkirby@SouthwestWashington.com
VANCOUVER NAMED SITE OF THE 2010 REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Vancouver has been selected as the host city for the 2010 Republican State
Convention to be held June 10 to June 12, 2010. This is the first time in the party's 150 year history
that the convention will be in Vancouver.
"This is the sesquicentennial of the state party, a milestone and a big honor for the city," said Brent Boger,
Clark County State Committeeman to the Washington State Republican Party.
The Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau (SWCVB) began working with Boger and Ryan
Hart, Chairman of the Clark County Republican Party earlier this year to put together the bid for the 2010
Convention. Last week, the WSRP Site Selection Committee voted unanimously to award it to Clark
County.
"We are thrilled to be selected the host city," said Kim Bennett, SWCVB President and CEO.
Several cities submitted bids to host the Convention. The bids were narrowed down to a shortlist of four:
Seattle, Tacoma/Pierce County, Snohomish County and Bellevue.
Vancouver ultimately rose to the top as the first choice not only for its ability to fit the needs of the
convention but because the Committee felt that the area has plenty of things to see and do for visiting
delegates. "Clark County has so much to offer tourists and visitors, from the scenic beauty of the area to
the National Historic Reserve and other local offerings," said Hart. "Clark County is proving to be a very
attractive destination."
Phil Bevis, the WSRP Site Selection Committee Chair praised the SWCVB and Vancouver for their efforts
in attracting the convention. "What's been remarkable about Vancouver's effort is that it has truly been a
community effort and the CVB has represented not just the event center or the convention center but all
the assets of Clark County which is reflected in the programming."
The convention is expected to draw many thousands of people to Vancouver to attend the public events
in addition to as many as 1,800 delegates and alternates who will attend the Convention.
Although Hilton Vancouver Washington and the Vancouver Convention Center will be the host location
for the convention, a majority of the area's hotels will be utilized for the overnight rooms. Other venues
such as Pearson Air Museum and the Clark County Event Center may be used for public events and
private receptions.The 2010 Republican State Convention will also draw media to Vancouver and that will likely boost
enthusiasm among Republicans in Clark County. "Vancouver is a swing area and it will probably help the Republican Party," said Boger. The convention is also expected to bring over a million dollars of
economic benefit to the area.
According to Bevis, the WSRP is still working on the program but guest speakers are expected to include
best selling author, Brian Tracy, and media figure Michelle Malkin. Bevis said anyone with an interest in
business, leadership, finance or government will want to attend. "This is going to be a real opportunity
whether you're from the Republican Party or not."
ABOUT THE SWCVB
The Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization
responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. The SWCVB is located at 101 E 8 th Street, Suite 240,
Vancouver, WA 98660. You can reach the Bureau at 360-750-1553, or via e-mail at
info@southwestwashington.com . You can also visit them on their web site at
www.SouthwestWashington.com .
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