Concord businesses plan to lure DNC delegates out of uptown Charlotte

CONCORD, N.C. — Business owners in Concord are joining forces to maximize profits from the Democratic National Convention.

The entrepreneurs call it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The quaint town of Concord wants a piece of the DNC, so event planner Stacie Jacobs took the lead.

“It only comes once, so we want to take advantage of it,” she said.

A year ago, she started reaching out to state delegates, asking them to bring their business to Concord in September.

“We’re working with Kentucky, Florida and Texas on the events during the DNC, so we have about 30 events total for Sept. 1 through Sept. 6,” Jacobs said.

The demand for events led her to partner with other local companies.

Chelish Moore, who runs a flower shop, cannot wait to show the delegates Southern hospitality. She said the DNC will be like handling a 500-person wedding every day for five days.

But, she said the economic boost will help her grow her business well after the convention leaves town.

“It’s going to help, showing these people who’ve never even heard of Concord, who only think this area is about banking and speedway. It’s cool to show them it’s something other than those two things,” Moore said.

The group has also planned day trips and a special Sunday brunch to Concord for all the delegates.

WSOC