‘A cause greater than self-interest’

With Minnesota’s spring thaw and Earth Day upon us, Republican National Convention planners are making great progress in preparing for the convention. For months now, the GOP’s Committee on Arrangements (COA) has been hard at work to ensure that our party’s 39th presidential nominating convention is the “greenest” ever. Come Sept. 1, an anticipated 45,000 convention guests and volunteers — joined by millions watching from around the world — will gather in Minneapolis-St. Paul for a historic event: the nomination of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.)

From transportation choices to venue selection to staff workspace, the GOP, the MSP2008 Host Committee and the host cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are working together to implement the best environmental practices in all aspects of planning. We are reviewing all aspects of convention preparations to reduce waste and encourage reuse and recycling. We currently use paperless, online systems for internal communications, as well as our delegate travel reservation system, thanks to our partnership with Travel Technology Group, the convention’s Official Housing Bureau.

Coupled with our convention team’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, the decision to go green is also being embraced by the convention’s local Host Committee. MSP2008 and its partners have developed an online system to recruit and register more than 8,000 official volunteers. Accessible through the convention website — www.GOPconvention2008.com — the online registration is easy and eco-friendly.

In addition, the convention website itself is an enormous online resource for delegates, members of the news media, and all interested parties looking for the latest convention news. Visitors with questions can get in touch with a member of our team via an interactive online feature, CONVENTION iNSIDER. We’ve answered more than 500 CONVENTION iNSIDER questions to date!

PR Newswire, our official wire service provider, will provide simultaneous, electronic distribution of news releases, media advisories and convention materials to the estimated 15,000 members of the news media expected onsite at the Xcel Energy Center and to news outlets around the world.

COA and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues, including the Xcel Energy Center and St. Paul RiverCentre, on ways to improve energy efficiency. Everything from power sources to lighting fixtures to recycling programs are being reviewed, and we are making recommendations on how to implement environmentally friendly solutions.

In terms of getting from point A to point B in the host cities, convention guests will ride in a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles. As the official vehicle provider, General Motors will provide the 2008 Republican National Convention with more than 300 cars and light trucks representing a mix of highly fuel-efficient vehicles that include E85 ethanol flex-fuel and hybrid technology.

COA offices have been outfitted with recycled furnishings and recycled office supplies are used whenever possible. Our office climate control automatically shuts off at 5 p.m. each day, so energy is not wasted during off-hours (even though our “off” hours are quickly dwindling). Staff offices use power strips for electronic equipment, which can be turned off to prevent drawing power during periods when the equipment is not in use. Additionally, most convention staffers live within walking distance of headquarters and carpool to do their shopping or take in the local entertainment.

Minnesotans’ deep appreciation for their state’s natural wonders hasn’t gone unnoticed — and the Republican Party joins them in embracing these precious resources. To mark Earth Day, convention staff participated in a park cleanup as part of the COA’s ongoing American Neighbor volunteer program, a service initiative aimed at giving back to the host cities. It was a positive experience and what Sen. McCain might call “serving a cause greater than self-interest.”

The 2008 Republican National Convention will use fewer resources and leave a smaller footprint; showcase Minneapolis and St. Paul as the leaders they are in environmental preservation and sustainable development; and, underscore the Republican Party’s commitment to responsible stewardship of our environment.

As we celebrate Earth Day, we are proud to partner with the people of Minnesota on such a lofty goal – and the Republican National Convention looks forward to showing the world how to execute a large-scale event while remaining good stewards of the environment.

Cino is president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.