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Mayors Declare Convention Volunteer Sign-up Week

Unveil Red Carpet Convention Package to Top Volunteer Recruiter

June 23, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, joined by the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, declared the week of June 23 – June 27 Convention Volunteer Sign-Up Week in Minneapolis Saint Paul and unveiled a Red Carpet Convention Package that will be awarded to the individual who recruits the most volunteers to participate in the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“Never before have we had this opportunity to showcase our cities to the world,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we encourage Minnesotans to show their Minnesota Nice by signing up this week.”

The Red Carpet Convention Package will include tickets to three of the hottest parties during the Convention including: the media party on Saturday, August 30; the delegate party on Sunday, August 31; and the Host Committee welcome reception on Monday, Sept. 1.  These parties are not open to the public.

“There are many amazing opportunities for Minnesotans to participate in this unique event and because most of the Convention-related activities take place in the late afternoon and evening, people can maintain their normal work schedule and still participate in history,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “More than 45,000 guests from around the world will be visiting our state and it is our time to show our Minnesota hospitality and volunteer spirit.”

There are currently more than 6,000 individuals signed up to volunteer at the Convention. Volunteers will perform key duties in the areas of transportation, information services, hospitality and special events at various locations before, during and after the Convention, which will be held September 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.

“The support of the community has been tremendous thus far as we work to reach our goal of recruiting 10,000 volunteers,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “The Red Carpet Convention Package gives us a chance to share the excitement of the Convention with someone who helps recruit volunteers to make this event a success.”

Prospective volunteers can apply online at www.msp2008.com where they will complete a secure, online application consisting of personal information and a summary of their skills and experience. All applicants must be 18 years-of-age or older and must be willing to undergo a security background check as well as attend orientation and training sessions conducted by Convention organizers. Volunteer applications will be accepted through July 15.

To be eligible for the Red Carpet Convention Package, individuals should send an email to volunteer@msp2008.com prior to completing the online application.  The Host Committee will provide a referral code that should be entered into the online application and used by anyone recruited by that individual.  Participants must recruit a minimum of 25 volunteers who commit to participating in mandatory training and at least two shifts during the Convention. The winner of the Red Carpet Convention Package will be announced August 13.

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee has hosted multiple volunteer sign-up events throughout the metro area as part of their volunteer recruitment efforts. Additional events are planned for this week including a week-long volunteer sign-up station at Mall of America.

Monday, June 23:

Tuesday, June 24:

Wednesday, June 25:

Thursday, June 26:

Friday, June 27:

Volunteers will be performing duties at a variety of venues including CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed for CivicFest, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 29 to September 4, 2008, and will feature more than 35 world-class exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office, a model White House, exhibits dedicated to Minnesota business and innovation, and more. A special team of dedicated volunteers will act as exhibit guides, assistant curators and docents. Interested individuals should possess an avid interest in historical items and the desire to share that information with visitors of all ages. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and available for at least three 4½ hour shifts from August 28 – September 4. For more information, go to www.civicfest.org/docents.

Monster, the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., created the online volunteer recruitment portion of the Web site.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.