Earlier this month, party officials and convention organizers unveiled the official logo for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The circular design features the silhouette of a triumphant elephant, a Party symbol dating back to 1874, along with the names of the host cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

"Choosing our logo is another important milestone in planning the 2008 Republican National Convention," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "This design highlights the spirit of the Republican Party and it will adorn everything from the Xcel Energy Center to t-shirts and other souvenirs."

The logo was designed by New York City-based Creative Director Robert Matza. Matza has overseen many aspects of creative development for a broad range of corporate identity clients while at Landor Associates, including Morgan Stanley, GE, Pepsico, Computer Associates, New York Stock Exchange, Lenovo, Verizon, and Nielsen Media Research.

"By the time our convention is complete, this emblem - much like our Republican nominee and future President of the United States - will have been seen by millions around the world," RNC Co-Chairman and Convention Chairman Jo Ann Davidson said. Learn the history behind the GOP pachyderm.

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Roll Call and Pioneer Press Report On New Additions To Senior Staff

The 2008 Republican National Convention this month welcomed five senior staff members to its growing team in Minneapolis-Saint Paul - a story that was picked up by Roll Call and Saint Paul's Pioneer Press.

Roll Call reports, "Recently hired were Frank Spicka as director of security; Mike Miller as director of operations, media operations and production and official proceedings; Joby Boland as deputy director of operations and logistics; Gordon Pennoyer as deputy director of media operations; and Anthony Foti as director of external affairs." Read the full story online (subscription required).

"We are delighted to have such talented people join us in Minneapolis-Saint Paul as planning for our party's 39th nominating convention shifts into high gear," convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino said upon announcing the new hires. "Frank, Mike, Joby, Gordon, and Anthony bring years of experience, professionalism, and a 'get it done' mentality to the task at hand. All five will play important roles in ensuring a successful convention, where the Republican Party will nominate the next President of the United States."

"The move brings to about 20 the number of convention staffers working in downtown St. Paul. Eventually, the convention wants to hire about 140 people to help plan for an event expected to bring 45,000 people and international attention to the Twin Cities," noted Saint Paul's Pioneer Press.

To learn more about the new staff members, read the full text of the convention press release.

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Ever since its launch earlier this month, CONVENTION iNSIDER has been a popular destination online. There is enormous interest in the convention planning that is underway in the host cities and questions posed to staff members have been steadily streaming into the site's mailbox.

For those who have not yet checked it out, CONVENTION iNSIDER is an interactive, online forum where visitors to www.GOPConvention2008.com can pose questions about planning and progress in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Questions may be submitted in the form of videos and emails, and convention staff will respond in the format in which they were received.

All relevant questions and answers are posted online and the feature will serve as a running dialogue in advance of the four-day event. To date, visitors have been most curious about the vendor selection process, official rules and regulations governing convention proceedings, and becoming a convention volunteer.

Read some of the answers to date.

Watch the welcome message from Maria Cino.

Submit a text or video question to convention staff.

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This month, convention staff members participated in a community service project at the Dorothy Day Center in Saint Paul, a short distance from the Xcel Energy Center. The center, operated by Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, provides meals, a food shelf and medical care for homeless and near-homeless individuals in the metro area.

"It was nice to give back to the community by volunteering at Dorothy Day," said Convention staffer Logan Dryden.

The project was part of the Committee on Arrangement's ongoing American Neighbor volunteer program, a service initiative aimed at giving back to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. As part of the American Neighbor program, convention staffers will continue to participate in volunteer projects throughout the next year.

Over the next ten months, the 2008 Republican National Convention will be encouraging delegates, alternate delegates, elected officials and guests to participate in community service projects in their home states through the American Neighbor volunteer initiative. It will be possible for participants to nominate one another for the convention's "Great American Neighbor Awards." Details on the submission process will be released in the coming weeks, but the hope is to recognize outstanding volunteers at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Learn more about the American Neighbor program.

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Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Mike Duncan recently appointed Ohio Republican Party (ORP) Chairman Robert T. Bennett to serve as Chairman of the Committee on the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention. In this role, Bennett will oversee the 2008 Committee on the Call, which will consist of the entire membership of the RNC.

"Bob Bennett has a deep understanding of the fundamental philosophy, values, and grassroots organization of the Republican Party," RNC Chairman Duncan said. "Chairman Bennett has worked as a successful State Party Chairman and leader on the RNC Rules Committee, and I have great confidence that he will be an outstanding Chairman of the Committee on the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention."

The Committee on the Call is responsible for assisting Chairman Duncan with the issuance of the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The Call must be issued before January 1, 2008, and it will formally announce the site and dates of the Convention as well as the number of delegates authorized to attend.

Bennett, a CPA and attorney, has served as Chairman of the Ohio State Party since 1988, having been re-elected to a tenth term in January 2007. He also serves as Chairman of the RNC Midwestern State Chairmen's Association.

Learn more about the role of the Committee on the Call in the Rules of the Republican Party.

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KARE 11 News, the host cities' local NBC affiliate, visited convention headquarters in Saint Paul this month and ran a feature story highlighting preparations being made throughout the host cities - and the great sense of excitement surrounding the 2008 Republican National Convention.

"More than one year before the balloons drop at the 2008 Republican National Convention, the Republicans landed in Saint Paul. They rented 50,000 square feet of office space downtown and hired local contractors to build a nerve center.

"'It's going to be bustling with activity, phones are going to be ringing,' convention spokesman Matt Burns said. 'All of the ingredients that go into having a successful convention, they will occur right here in this office space.' ...

"'It's not only going to be a great experience for all the visitors that are going to be coming to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area, but it's also going to be a really fun time for residents,' Erin Dady said."

Read a transcript of the full story or watch the KARE-TV video online.

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The Minneapolis Convention Center - Minneapolis, MN

Located in Minneapolis' central business district, the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is a state of the art facility with award-winning credentials. With more than 480,000 square feet of convention hall area, 87 column-free, private meeting rooms, a 28,000 square foot ballroom, and a huge auditorium with superb production and flexible technology options, the MCC can comfortably accommodate events of every size. Also an environmentally responsible venue, the MCC is committed to sustainability and is actively involved in conscientious business practices. Consistently garnering awards from trade and industry publications, the Convention Center is the recipient of its 10th Gold Service Award by Meetings and Conventions magazine, its 10th successive Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings magazine, and Facilities and Destinations journal awarded Minneapolis the 2007 Top Destination award and the Minneapolis Convention Center Top Facility Award. Learn more about the MCC online at www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com.

The Alexander Ramsey House - Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul is a city full of hidden treasures - and The Alexander Ramsey House is a Victorian-era gem. A gracious residence built in 1878 for Alexander Ramsey, a life-long Republican and the first Territorial Governor of what would eventually become the state of Minnesota, the house is one of the nation's best preserved homes from the period. Upon the orders of Ramsey's children, nothing in the house has been altered since the late 19th century. The subdued granite facade belies the luxurious period furnishings within, including splendid mahogany and carved walnut pieces, tufted and upholstered sofas and chairs, Victorian textiles, marble fireplaces, Bavarian crystal chandeliers, polished silver and gleaming china. In 1880, President Rutherford B. Hayes stayed at the Ramsey House while visiting Minnesota for the State Fair, Ramsey at this time being Hayes' Secretary of War. Set amidst beautiful lawns and with a close proximity to the Xcel Energy Center and some of Saint Paul's prettiest parks, the Ramsey House is a versatile venue that enjoys its status as one of the most well-maintained historic landmarks in the country. Visit The Alexander Ramsey House, a Minnesota Historical Society site, online at www.mnhs.org/places/sites/arh.

The Minneapolis Central Public Library - Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Central Public Library is one of the most outstanding examples of modern architecture in the country - and one of the city's educational treasures. A new addition to Minneapolis in 2006, the dynamic downtown space houses one of the largest public library collections in the country. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the new building amazes visitors as much as its collections. The Library boasts 25 community meeting and study rooms, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an exhilarating multi-storied lobby, and over 353,000 square feet of space. The building abounds with Minnesota imagery, including elegant etched and painted windows that depict water, snow, trees, and prairie grass. Fourteen thousand square feet of parking anchor the roots of the structure, while above an 18,560 square foot "green" roof is planted with low-growing sun and drought-resistant ground cover. Whether hosting intimate readings and lectures, or dazzling downtown galas, Cesar Pelli's magnificent achievement has become Minneapolis' masterpiece. Visit the Central Public Library online at www.mplib.org/central.asp.

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Q: What got you interested in politics?
A: There were several things but a big one for me was a seminar my last year of law school on the legislative process taught by a retired state senator.

Q: You have a law degree but chose to enter the IT field. Did the lawyer jokes scare you away?
A: I graduated law school right at the beginning of the dot com boom and just found myself more interested in IT. When I got the chance to combine IT and politics, I was hooked.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working for the 2008 Republican National Convention?
A: Plentiful baked goods in the office and the chance to help nominate our next President.

Q: Do you think you will prefer the winter or summer on Minnesota's lakes?
A: I'm looking forward to ice fishing on the local lakes this winter.

Q: What is a good place to dine in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?
A: So far, I'd have to go with Manny's Steakhouse in Minneapolis. Good steaks, and great macaroni and cheese.

Q: What is your favorite place to shop in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?
A: Best Buy.

Q: If you had to choose: Twins baseball game or concert by Minnesota native Prince?
A: Prince concert. He puts on a good show.

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Republicans are committed to making next year's nominating convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul the "greenest" in party history. From transportation, to venue selection, to staff workspace - convention planners are working to implement the best environmental practices. Some of the convention cars are currently flexible-fuel vehicles; the Host Committee has developed a paperless system to recruit and register volunteers; and Committee on Arrangements (COA) and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues on ways to improve energy-efficiency. Convention headquarters are eco-friendly and staffers observe the following conservation minded practices: COA offices have been primarily furnished with recycled furnishings (desk chairs, carpet, cubicles, and file cabinets). Recycled office supplies, including paper and folders, are used whenever possible. Office climate control is eco-friendly, and automatically shuts off at 5 p.m. every day, so that energy is not wasted during off-hours. Most employees live within walking distance, or utilize public transportation to travel to work. Eco-friendly office procedures are specifically detailed in the Staff Policy and Procedures manual. 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. News clips are distributed electronically to preserve paper and employees are encouraged to utilize two-sided printing when multi-page documents are needed. The office recycles paper products, cans, and bottles. A greener convention will use fewer resources and leave a smaller footprint; showcase Minneapolis and Saint Paul as leaders in environmental preservation and sustainable development; and, underscore the Republican Party's commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment. To learn more, check out our green fact sheet.

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