by Will Bryant

CORNELIUS – An optimistic combination of local business owners and politicians met Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Peninsula Yacht Club to discuss ways to capitalize during the Democratic National Convention that will take place in Charlotte in September 2012.
The Newsmaker Breakfast, put on by the Cornelius-based publication Business Today, featured guest speakers Doug Stafford and Joel Griffin, two prominent leaders in the region’s hospitality industry.
Stafford is the former CEO of the Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau. Griffin is a member of the board of directors of the Charlotte Area Hotel Association and has played a key role in arranging the room contracts for the upcoming convention.
The Democratic National Convention has the ability to have a very positive impact on businesses in the area, especially the hotel industry, Stafford said.
“This increased business is going to have a tremendous impact on our industry, which means that the community will also benefit as well,” he said
Stafford also stressed that for businesses outside the hotel industry, it will be paramount to register on the 2012 Democratic National Convention’s website at www.Charlotte
in2012.com.
It is through this website businesses will be able to showcase their services and products to the thousands of the visitors expected to come to the city for next year’s event, Stafford said.
The speakers also addressed the concerns of those in attendance about whether or not businesses outside the core of Charlotte could attract the business brought by the convention.
“As big as Charlotte is, it isn’t quite big enough for the convention,” Griffin said. “That means all business and hotel owners outside of the city will benefit from this event as well.”
Shane Smith, local chef and owner of Davidson’s A Tasteful Solution, said he has already started looking for ways to attract business for next year’s convention.
“We have quite a few venues in the Charlotte area and we are doing our best to be found and feature not only this area but also the cuisine in this area,” Smith said.
Smith said that besides networking with other businesses in the area, he has also recently purchased a bed and breakfast in Mooresville just to attract those coming for the convention.