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Boston Globe
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘It's like a World Cup': Lawmakers solicit major dollars to fund national legislative gathering in Boston
How much they're ultimately seeking to raise for the event is unclear. Massachusetts legislators behind the fund-raising push either declined or did not respond to questions about their fund-raising goal. Nor are lawmakers mandated to detail whom they solicited, and for how much. Past gatherings have proven to be expensive endeavors. For NCSL's summit in 2014, for example, the host committee in Minnesota set a fund-raising goal of $1.5 million, which they ultimately exceeded, according to a Advertisement For last year's gathering in Louisville, Ky., where more than 5,500 registered to attend, NCSL officials said they exceeded their While legislators are responsible for coordinating fund-raising locally, the NCSL is the entity that actually 'receives and administers those funds' to cover renting venues, security, and other costs for the event, said Mick Bullock, a NCSL spokesperson. Advertisement Legislators and NCSL officials framed the three-day summit, anchored at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, as an economic boon for the city. Bullock said officials estimate the event would have an 'economic impact of more than $8 million' as visitors descend on local hotels, bars, and restaurants. Legislative leaders estimate 9,000 people are expected to attend. 'To me, it's like a World Cup,' said state Senator Barry Finegold, who's helped solicit contributions and sits on the Massachusetts Host Committee responsible for helping coordinate the event. 'Anytime we can showcase the city of Boston and the state of Massachusetts, I think it's a win.' That said, 'if you want it in your city, it means you've gotta raise money to help fund this thing,' the Andover Democrat said. 'This stuff is incredibly expensive to pull off.' Massachusetts lawmakers have circulated a solicitation package asking contributors to give anywhere from $5,000 (dubbed the 'Freedom Trail' level) to as much as $250,000. Donors who give that upper amount, dubbed the 'Old North Church' level, receive passes to the NCSL president-elect's reception, a two-week run of a digital advertisement displayed on NCSL's website, and a 10-by-10-foot booth at the conference's exhibition hall, among other perks, according to the document reviewed by The Boston Globe. To take 'full advantage of the benefits offered,' donors needed to submit their checks no later than June 15, the document said. But the fund-raising effort has stretched well past that date. Finegold said as of Monday, 'we're still at it.' 'It's a lot of major corporations who are active in our state who want this type of activity to be happening,' he said of interested donors. 'That's why they're supportive. These [events] are not easy things to pull off.' Advertisement Among those helping to solicit donations were House majority leader Michael Moran and the Senate's assistant majority whip, Julian Cyr, according to Finegold and three people familiar with the solicitations who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Moran, a Brighton Democrat, did not respond to a request for comment. Cyr said in a statement that the NCSL, which he noted has a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, directly receives all funds raised by lawmakers. Those funds, he said, 'go directly toward covering the costs of hosting the event.' Tax-exempt organizations are generally not required to publicly disclose the names or addresses of their donors. More than a year ago, lawmakers voted to allow themselves to raise funds for the event. Asked about the activity, House Speaker Ronald Mariano pointed to a resolution the House and Senate passed in May 2024, and sent to the State Ethics Commission a few weeks later, which says a lawmaker may solicit individuals, businesses, and others to raise money for the event but must identify themselves as an elected official when doing so. Any solicited funds must be paid to the 'National Conference of State Legislatures 2025 Annual Summit,' and sent to a separate PO box under NCSL's control. The resolution also states that lawmakers can use state resources and their staffs to both solicit donations and do other 'non-fundraising' work for the summit. 'There is a need to raise revenue,' the resolution states, and the event 'will promote tourism and the Commonwealth's business interest.' A State Ethics Commission opinion from 1992 laid out a pathway for elected officials to solicit funds for nonprofits. The commission at the time Advertisement 'I think it's appropriate,' Mariano said Monday of lawmakers directly soliciting funds. Senate President Karen E. Spilka, who also sits on the event's host committee, agreed the event would be 'a real boon for not only the Greater Boston area but for the entire state.' Geoff Foster, executive director of the government watchdog group, Common Cause Massachusetts, said while lawmakers can solicit funds for other groups, they 'could and should take extra steps' to file any ethics disclosures if there's a potential conflict of interest. 'What is probably of greater concern for us is on the other side of the equation: Special interest groups certainly shouldn't be seeking to buy access to elected officials by attending the conference as a way to circumvent existing campaign finance rules,' Foster said. 'If there is an individual or group who is only attending this to try to curry favor with an elected official, that would be problematic.' The NCSL gathering features an Advertisement Lawmakers can also hear from a variety of speakers, including actor Leslie Odom Jr., former Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Boston last hosted the summit in 2017, when lawmakers, too, raised money to pay for the event. Former Senate president Stanley C. Rosenberg, who helped solicit donations then, said the summit was at the time the biggest conference in the organization's history. 'You have 10,000 people, and you have to feed them all,' said the Amherst Democrat, who resigned from Samantha J. Gross can be reached at
CBC
23-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
The 2026 Brier is going to be a party in St. John's. They just need the volunteers to put it off
The Brier is returning to Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time since hometown skip Brad Gushue won it in 2017. Thousands of people will take in the matches, but more than 400 volunteers are also needed to make sure it all goes smoothly. Host Committee vice-chair Eugene Trickett spoke about the need for volunteers on The St. John's Morning Show.
Indianapolis Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Scan, score, repeat: Indy Hoops Pass turns All-Star Weekend into citywide game
Whether you're a lifelong women's basketball fan or just tagging along for the experience, the Indy Hoops Pass is your ticket to discover the city in a fresh, fun way during WNBA All-Star Weekend. Visit Indy and the All-Star Host Committee are launching a free, citywide challenge that turns basketball history, art, and culture into one giant interactive playground. From July 17 to 20, fans can visit any of the 25+ basketball-themed locations, from iconic arenas to hidden hoop gems, while racking up points to earn prizes along the way. Each stop strives to showcase the city's deep love for the game. Check out the full list of locations at
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
One year out: Miami will shine in the global spotlight when it hosts the World Cup
We're approximately one year from the start of FIFA World Cup 2026, and Miami is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Our city is one of 11 in the U.S. to play host to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ranks third in the country in number of matches hosted. The global spotlight and brand awareness generated by the world's most-watched sporting event cannot be overstated. This is Miami's moment, and we will rise to the occasion. The World Cup is more than a sporting event — it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock long-term economic, cultural and civic growth for our region. And thanks to the tireless work of the Miami Host Committee, local partners and a groundswell of public enthusiasm, we're already well on our way. Our commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience was powerfully reaffirmed at the recent 'One Year Out' celebration, marking 365 days until the tournament kicks off. This milestone event showcased Miami's vibrant spirit and highlighted the extraordinary preparation and collaboration underway to ensure this World Cup delivers meaningful benefits for all. Miami Stadium will play host to seven matches, including the bronze final clash. The full match schedule for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup has now been unveiled, giving the framework for the 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Host Committee was established as an independent, local body to serve as the central hub for Miami's World Cup planning. It's led by a dedicated team and supported by civic-minded volunteers, many of whom have taken career breaks or donated their time out of a deep love for our city. The mission is clear: to deliver a World Cup that not only celebrates the beautiful game but also leaves a lasting legacy our community can be proud of. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mean so much for our collective prosperity: ▪ A game-changing economic opportunity: With an estimated $1.3 billion in direct economic impact and 600,000 to 1 million visitors expected, the World Cup will provide a major boost to South Florida's economy, especially during the typically slower summer season. From hotels and restaurants to cultural institutions and small businesses, the ripple effects will support GDP growth of up to $730 million and create or sustain as many as 9,100 jobs. This will be the largest economic impact of any sporting event in our region's history. ▪ A global stage for our city: This tournament is our chance to show the world why Miami is a premier destination for sports, culture, and innovation. With county-wide investments in transportation, hospitality and inclusive fan activations, we're crafting an unforgettable experience, on and off the field. Miami will stand as a benchmark for future host cities, elevating our international profile for years to come. ▪ A lasting civic and cultural legacy: The World Cup is more than a moment — it's a movement. The visibility and momentum it generates will extend well beyond the matches, attracting future events, international investment and inspiring local pride. It's about building lasting infrastructure, creating new opportunities and solidifying Miami's reputation as a global capital of connection and celebration. The 'One Year Out' milestone wasn't just a celebration; it was a preview of what's possible when Miami comes together in a collective pursuit of greatness. It showcased a city united by purpose, passion and pride. This World Cup is ours to shape, and we're seizing our moment. Donna Shalala is a member of the Miami World Cup Host Committee.. She is a former president of the University of Miami and a former Democratic Miami-Dade congresswoman (2019-2021 ). Carlos Rionda is a board member of the Miami World Cup Host Committee and executive vice president of Grupo Zucarmex.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republican National Convention created a $321 million economic impact, new study says
The 2024 Republican National Convention generated more than $200 million in direct spending − including more than $50 million by Milwaukee visitors, according to a new report. Along with additional spending by businesses and their employees, that created an estimated $321 million economic impact on the state and local economy. That's according to the study released May 20 by the MKE 2024 Host Committee and Visit Milwaukee. That total economic impact is well above a $200 million rough estimate convention backers had used before the event. But it comes after some downtown restaurateurs and other business operators reported disappointing results from the convention. Milwaukee hosted the RNC in July, attracting 50,000 visitors. Fiserv Forum, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the newly expanded Baird Center were the main venues. Of the $216.3 million in direct spending, $162.2 million is considered operational spending. Most of that was spent by the Host Committee, Republican National Committee and the City of Milwaukee − with the city's share mainly funded through a $74.7 million federal security grant, the report said. Operational spending, which includes spending by other organizations, covered such items as event operations, insurance, housing and professional services. Also, convention delegates, their family members, news media employees, law enforcement officers, national committee staffers and other visitors spent $54.1 million at sites beyond the official RNC venues, the study said. The largest amount, $36.6 million, was for lodging and accommodations, it said. Other spending categories were food and beverage, $7.7 million; retail, $4.5 million; recreation and entertainment, $3.1 million, and local transportation, $2.2 million. The biggest category for all direct spending − both on operations and by visitors − was business services, which totaled $49.8 million. Along with that $216.3 million in direct spending, the study counts $65.1 million of indirect business sales and $40.1 million of induced business sales − for a total economic impact of $321.5 million. Indirect spending covers RNC-related businesses that buy goods and services from other providers − for example, a hotel restaurant stocking up on food and drinks. Induced spending accounts for money spent by employees of RNC-related businesses. That would include that hotel restaurant's wait staff spending money earned during the convention. The RNC also generated $26.8 million in federal tax revenue and $16.8 million in state and local taxes, the study said. Convention boosters said the RNC raised Milwaukee's profile on a global stage. "Our entire goal with this convention was to help put Milwaukee on the map for future events, and it already has,' said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, in a statement. Visit is a publicly funded nonprofit group that promotes Milwaukee as a travel destination. Meanwhile, the Host Committee plans "to give back millions of dollars in leftover funds directly to the community," said Alison Prange, committee president and chief operating officer. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's reporting during the convention and its immediate aftermath found hotels reporting strong business − while some downtown restaurants, taverns and stores seeing much less of an impact. The occupancy rate for area hotels during the convention week was 83.4%, according to CoStar, a real estate data provider. That compared to 69.2% from the previous week. The average daily room rate during the RNC was just over $350 compared to around $179 during the previous week, according to CoStar. However, the Journal Sentinel in July interviewed several local business owners who were disappointed. They cited three big factors: a spike in downtown employees working remotely, which decimated the normal lunch trade; a reluctance by area residents to venture downtown for dinner because of real and perceived traffic issues, and the busy schedule of delegates — many bused from hotels to Fiserv Forum and other venues — which left little time to explore downtown restaurants, taverns and shops. There were unmet expectations, Nicholas DeSiato, Mayor Cavalier Johnson's chief of staff, told Common Council members in September. Those was partly driven by the contradiction of Milwaukee being the center of a widely publicized week-long event − but with most of the activity confined to a small portion of downtown centered on Fiserv Forum and the Baird Center, DeSiato said at a council Steering and Rules Committee meeting. The study was conducted for the Host Committee and Visit Milwaukee by Philadelphia-based Tourism Economics, a division of U.K.-based Oxford Economics. (This story was updated to add new information.) Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@ and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: RNC created a $321 million Wisconsin economic impact, new study says Sign in to access your portfolio
