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Local businesses prepare for the convention…

Charlotte Observer: DNC to fill nearly all room blocs

“Most hotel rooms reserved by the Democratic National Convention Committee in the Charlotte area were filled as planned. Out of 15,000 rooms contracted by the committee, about 7 percent – or just over 1,000 – were released back to hotels on Monday, according to a convention official. The hotels can now sell any of those rooms to other guests. “Per the request of some of the hotels, we are in the process of trying to fill a number of the un-booked rooms,” DNCC press secretary Joanne Peters said in an email. Mike Dino, CEO of the Denver host committee four years ago, said he didn’t remember any rooms being released back to the hotels before the 2008 Democratic convention, but that some of the rooms went unused. “I think that’s good management, certainly on the DNC’s part,” Dino said. “It’s very positive to see that the DNC is working with the host city.” The timing is excellent for hotels, as Labor Day weekend is not usually a busy one for Charlotte, said Glenn Simon, general manager of Hilton Charlotte Center City in uptown. His hotel has all of its rooms booked by the committee from Sept. 1-6. “It’s a great convention for Charlotte,” Simon said. “It’s really great for the hotels.”

Charlotte Business Journal: EpiCentre improvements under way as DNC approaches

“Uptown Charlotte's EpiCentre complex is working to put its best foot forward for visitors arriving for the Democratic National Convention, according to a report from WSOC-TV. The center's $15 million makeover includes the installation of a new security system, directional signs, valet stand, upgrades for escalators and elevators and aesthetic touches such as artwork and benches, says Ed Camp, director of business development and public relations for the EpiCentre. And the complex will have its share of visitors -- from MSNBC's broadcast of Joe Scarborough's Morning Joe program from BlackFinn American Saloon and CNN's use of Vida Cantina as its CNN Grill to the private parties booked there. Still, Camp told WSOC-TV the complex will be open to the public during the DNC. The renovations are expected to be complete next week.”

On the convention blog…

Meet Your Delegates: At 22, a Seasoned South Carolina Delegate

Lauren Bilton, 22, will represent South Carolina as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Charlotte’s first convention won’t be Lauren’s first, however. The young Democrat from Columbia, South Carolina was one of the youngest female delegates at the 2008 convention in Denver. Before her first convention experience, Lauren learned about political conventions and the delegate process while finishing her senior year of high school, and knew she wanted to be a part of it. At 18,  she completed the application process, campaigned to represent her state, and eventually was elected as a delegate for South Carolina. She had such a great time in Denver that she said she had to run again this year. “I really liked being exposed and getting to listen to all the speeches. My favorite speech was Michelle Obama’s. I thought it was very empowering and inspirational,” says Lauren, now a student at the University of South Carolina. “I am most looking forward to hearing all the speeches again this year. That’s the highlight I’ve liked most in doing this,” she adds. With the convention so close to Columbia, the experience will be extra special for Lauren. “I’m really super excited that the convention is in Charlotte. I’ve always thought that Charlotte was an awesome town. I’m excited to see how they’re going to transform it because I am so familiar with it.” Lauren plans to make the short trip to convention with her parents and make it a family affair. Her parents have been to every Democratic National Convention since 1984, and she is excited to be a part of that tradition for the second time in a row. “They’re really excited I got a delegate position, which will make my trip even more fun. We’ll get to experience as much as we can together.”