28-04-2025
Dayton prepares to welcome NATO guests with unique gift bags
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Preparations continue for the upcoming NATO Parliamentary Assembly coming to Dayton at the end of May.
This week, Congressman Mike Turner's office worked in collaboration with some Dayton businesses and organizations to gift the over 600 visitors a welcome token as they arrive in the Gem City.
'These gift bags are more than tokens, they're expressions of Dayton's legacy of annuity, equality and community pride,' said Jacquelyn Powell, Destination Dayton CEO and president.
In less than 24 days, over 600 delegates from 45 countries will fly into Dayton, and to welcome them, local businesses and organizations are working with Turner's office to give them a one-of-a-kind gift bag.
Each gift bag is made in Dayton, with all the materials used made in the U.S.
The Dayton Sewing Collaboration is producing the nearly 700 bags, after they were given a one-week time crunch from Turner's office to come up with the design and prototypes.
'And ours are just far superior, and they will last forever because of the fabric they're made out of,' said Brenda Rex, Dayton Sewing Collaboration. 'Congressman Turner has done a great job with them and Destination Dayton deciding that what goes in this banquet represents Dayton.'
The Lion Group helped the Dayton Sewing Collaboration bring the bags to life, and Hero Coins LLC helped fill the bags with a special Dayton coin.
On the outside of each bag is a zipper, with an exclusive 3D-printed Wright Flyer plane, courtesy of local business Kingman Creations LLC. The business says they are happy to include a small but impactful detail.
'It's a small addition, but just be able to see our 3D-printed item on the outside of the bag is that zipper pole has been just awesome,' said Chandler Hemmerich, Kingman Creations LLC.
The bags are unique, made out of firefighter turnout material and designed around Dayton history. All of the organizations and businesses involved are hopeful that the gift makes a long lasting impression on our international guests.
'These bags are just the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable experience for our guests,' said Powell.
Alongside the bag, there will also be a snack bag full of Dayton-centric treats like Cheez-it crackers and Ester Price candies.
The NATO Spring Parliamentary Assembly arrives in Dayton May 23-26. to find more coverage.
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