Fifty thousand people are expected to be drawn in for the Republican National Convention this July, presenting Clevelanders with a unique opportunity to put their city on display. Local business-owners will be able to show off their products to a whole new market, including a large amount of decision-makers from national businesses. Beyond the economic impact, residents of Cleveland and its suburbs can see how their city shines to newcomers, or to those who have not considered Cleveland among the top cities since the burning Cuyahoga river days and the demise of the Rust Belt.

As one of the residents of the Cleveland area, I was excited and intrigued as to how the RNC would affect us in July. Despite my pondering, I jumped at the chance to be one of the faces that represents the area on banners that would be displayed downtown when they announced a casting call– http://www.cleveland.com/rnc-2016/index.ssf/2016/04/want_to_be_the_face_of_clevela.html

I ventured to the Global Center for Health & Innovation around 7am so I would be sure to be among the first 200 to arrive to get our photos taken for the banners. I had a great time talking to the others in line and hearing their motivation for being there. Several local television stations were present, and I was interviewed on Fox 8:

For more information about the RNC, check out this promo video: http://convention.gop/post/142466060335/it-has-been-one-of-the-most-exciting-primary

To get involved, find volunteer information here: https://www.2016cle.com/volunteer