CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The RNC was set to bring a major boost to the economy, something many businesses in the Queen City have been looking forward to.
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority has said the economic impact could match the $163 million the DNC generated back in 2012, all of that now hanging in the balance.
Compounded with the coronavirus pandemic, this is a one-two punch for some businesses. Many were relying on the RNC to make up some of the lost revenue from COVID-19.
“It was really going to be a huge event for us,” said James Weymann, the owner of Silverfox Limos. His company brought in 3 months' worth of business in the 4 days the DNC was hosted in Charlotte in 2012.
The Charlotte Host 2020 committee released the following statement:
“We were disappointed to learn of plans to move the Republican National Convention from Charlotte and that RNC officials are actively visiting other cities for the relocation of the convention.
Our team has worked diligently and in good faith for over two years and this decision will unfortunately impact small businesses, the hospitality sector and other industries and dedicated workers counting on the positive benefit of convention activities and events. We had hoped this convention would be an opportunity to showcase our region’s vibrancy to an international audience. We are working with our partners to better understand the implications of recent events and any potential path forward.”
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