MINNEAPOLIS 311 SERVICE EXPANDED DURING 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
Information Line to Provide Convention and Visitor Information Throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul
MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 21, 2008) Visitors to the 2008 Republican National Convention wondering about traffic snarls or needing directions to a certain location will be able to dial 311 on their cell phones from anywhere in the Minneapolis Saint Paul area and access that information.
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, in conjunction with the city of Minneapolis and Qwest, has expanded the Minneapolis 311 service during the Convention to provide Convention-related information. The service, usually only available by cell phone within the Minneapolis area, will be accessible from anywhere within the Interstate 494/694 area.
“Many of the 45,000 people that are expected to come to the Convention have never been to the Minneapolis Saint Paul area and we want to do all we can to make their stay as enjoyable and easy to navigate as possible,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “Minneapolis 311 is an excellent resource for Convention goers, media and delegates and just one more example of how our cities are rolling out the red carpet.”
Minneapolis 311 will connect callers to a Convention Information Call Center, which has been set up to answer questions regarding flight times, restaurants, tourist attractions, traffic, directions and other visitor-related information. The Convention Information Call Center will be available during the following times:
· 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., August 25 – 29
· 24 hours a day, August 30 – September 5
“Qwest is proud to help expand 311 services to 24 hours a day throughout the Republican Convention," said John Stanoch, Qwest Minnesota President. "This vital resource will help visitors and Minnesotans stay connected to the information they need during the convention."
In addition, Minneapolis 311’s regular call center will have extended hours leading up to the Convention, making it easier for residents to get access to city services and information. The hours are as follows:
· 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., August 30 – 31
· 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., September 1 (Labor Day)
“Our city is a great place to spend time and we want our visitors to know it,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “This partnership will give our guests access to insider information about all of the fun things to do and see while they’re in town.”
Minneapolis 311 can be accessed outside the service area by calling 612.673.3000.
