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BC Printing doesn't know how much revenue it will glean printing
letterhead, stationery and other materials for the Democratic
National Convention Committee.
But one thing is certain: Working with the DNCC will provide a
significant boost for the Denver-based company in other ways.
BC Printing and a handful of other local companies are finding that
the prestige, exposure and connections gained by working with the
convention are almost as beneficial as the additional revenue it
provides.
"To be able to say we're doing printing for the DNCC is a huge
plus," said Dan Linn, co-owner of the 40-year-old print shop. "It
will open a lot of doors for us that would otherwise not be
accessible."
The DNCC, which is organizing the Democratic National Convention in
Denver in August, has hired local companies and professionals for a
variety of products and services, including furniture, bus
transportation, catering and audio equipment.
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
The DNCC expects to grow significantly in coming months, meaning it
will need more services from local companies.
On Wednesday, for instance, the organization announced that it
selected Lakewood-based Event & Transportation Associates to
coordinate and run the convention's shuttle service.
"Right now, we have a staff of 50, and we'll grow to as many as 200
people," said Natalie Wyeth, a spokeswoman for the DNCC. "That
gives you an idea of the size of the organization come August."
Many of the companies that the convention committee is doing
business with follow environmentally friendly practices, are run by
women or minorities, or employ union workers.
The DNCC declined to provide the financial details of its contracts
and agreements with local companies, and it will not say how much it
expects to spend on services here.
But businesses that manage to get a piece of the pie can look
forward to some intangible benefits, at least if the Democratic
convention in Boston four years ago is any indication.
"When you can align yourself with something like the Democratic
National Convention, by default you get credibility that germinates
throughout the business community," said Alexis Brooks, vice
president of marketing at Inside Cable, a Boston-area firm that
provided phone and video services for the convention in 2004. "We're
still known to this day for our work with the DNC. It brings a
cornucopia of name recognition. It's a marketing person's dream."
Event & Transportation Associates, which won the shuttle contract,
sure hopes so.
The company has provided transportation services for numerous
high-profile events in Denver and elsewhere, including all-star
basketball games and previous Democratic National Conventions. It
hopes to forge relationships this year with the DNCC's partners and
sponsors, many of which host their own events. The company also
expects that the convention will help Denver draw big-name
conferences and gatherings in the future, which could open the door
for more business.
"This obviously is an excellent contract for us, not only on the
revenue side but for the sheer prestige of the event," said Brian
Clark, the company's chief operating officer. "Given the fact that
this is our hometown, we're looking forward to the city getting
bigger and better events."
BC Printing sees similar benefits.
The DNCC recently chose it to handle most printing needs, in part
because of the company's environmentally friendly business
practices. BC Printing uses soy inks and 100 percent recycled paper,
and it's also pursuing green certification.
The company indicated that the revenue impact could be modest, but
"to align ourselves with them and work with a group like this is
invaluable," said Ira Johnson in sales at BC Printing. "As much as
we want the cash, we're really hoping for connections and for the
credibility."
walshc@RockyMountainNews.com
or 303-954-2744
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