CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The city of Charlotte is full steam ahead in its efforts to win the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Charlotte was recently named one of four finalists for the event.
The slogan and logo for the effort was unveiled during a news conference late Thursday afternoon. "Charlotte in 2012, Reaching for Tomorrow" was selected as the theme.
Mayor Anthony Foxx and Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers said it will require thorough planning, financial backing and community support to land the convention.
To help bring all of the elements together, the city has hired consultants Tom McMahon, Karen Finney and attorney Joe Sandler. They are all Washington insiders with years of experience working for and with the Democratic National Committee.
"A lot of the work has already been done putting together a first-rate application," Foxx said. "They've been very helpful there."
Rogers, who is leading the fundraising charge, said the consultants won't be paid with public money, but with private funds.
Fundraising will be a big part of the more than $40 million the city will have to come up with to put on the event, and the leaders said volunteers will be another important component that could bring the convention to Charlotte.
"Our ability to say we can have 1,000 people or 2,000 people to volunteer their time to facilitate this convention would give us an edge over other cities," Rogers said.
DNC officials are planning a site visit to Charlotte at the end of the month. A final decision is expected by the end of the year.
Previous Stories: July 1, 2010: Charlotte Named A Finalist For 2012 DNC
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