Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with Columbus Urban League. In 2015, Columbus Urban League led a collaborative effort to win the bid for Columbus to be the host city for the 2018 National Urban League Conference. In concert with city officials, the Franklin County Commissioners, Experience Columbus, and Nationwide Insurance, Columbus Urban League delivered a successful proposal that characterized Columbus as, in the words of National Urban League President Marc Morial, “a diverse, young 21st century city with strong leaders, and the open heart and spirit necessary to offer real opportunity to all.”
The four-day event will see more than 5,000 visiting community leaders from 93 affiliates and is expected to generate $8 million in direct and indirect economic impact. In preparation for the 2018 event, Columbus Urban League will partner with local, state, and national stakeholders to develop a shared plan for the event and to create an infrastructure necessary for a successful conference. Included in that is branding, promotional materials to attract vendors, donors, and attendees, development of a website and online activities, and the engagement of an associated development team to solicit private support for the event.
A portion of the early planning will be to determine how the event can leverage support and maximize impact for local minority- and women-owned businesses, and specifically to generate a sustainable MBE/WBE entrepreneurship initiative that will remain on after the event’s conclusion.
Fiscal Impact: $40,000.00 is available within the general fund.
Principal Parties:
Columbus Urban League
Stephanie Hightower, Director
788 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 257-6300
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with Columbus Urban League in support of planning for the 2018 National Urban League Conference; to authorize an appr...
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