Charlotte shows DNC where to find goods, services

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Charlotte businesses eager to sell products and services when the Democratic National Convention arrives next year are getting a boost with a one-stop shopping guide.

The committee organizing the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte will discuss Thursday its re-launched web site with features that include a vendor directory connecting local businesses with national organizations.

Business leaders welcome the effort to promote as many as 5,000 local companies as the Queen City faces high unemployment and a stagnant economy.

Organizers say they expect an economic impact of more than $150 million.

A major chunk of the nearly $37 million that Democratic National Convention Committee is expected to spend will go to transform the city’s basketball arena into a high-tech convention hall.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)