2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

MSP 2008 HOST COMMITTEE AND MAYORS LAUNCH SPRUCE UP MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL CAMPAIGN

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE AND MAYORS LAUNCH SPRUCE UP MSP CAMPAIGN
Metro-Wide Clean-Up Day Planned and “Spruced Up” Photo Contest Announced

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (July 28, 2008) – Local dignitaries are asking residents and businesses to paint, primp and plant flowers in preparation for the 45,000 visitors expected for the 2008 Republican National Convention as part of the Spruce Up MSP campaign.

The campaign was launched today at a press conference by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Saint Paul Deputy Mayor Ann Mulholland, Cynthia Lesher, President of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee and Pam Wheelock, Executive Vice President and CFO of Xcel Energy Center. The group also unveiled a reward package that will be given to the Minnesotan who shows the most spruce up spirit through the “Spruced Up” photo contest, which will be featured on the Host Committee web site www.msp2008.com.

“This convention provides each and every Minnesotan with the unique opportunity to showcase to the nation and the world what we already know – that this is truly a wonderful place to live, work, vacation and raise a family,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “During the month of August we are asking all our residents to join this effort by putting a little extra sparkle in our homes and businesses as we welcome the convention visitors to our beautiful cities.”

Local residents are invited to participate in several events including Spruce Up Volunteer Day on Saturday, August 16 when the Mayors of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington as well as thousands of volunteers will participate in an area-wide effort to clean and polish windows, streets, parks and green spaces.

“The eyes of the nation and the world will soon be upon us and it is time for all of us to do our part to prepare to host this historic event,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our cities as well as our residents, who have the opportunity to not only spruce up our area but also to participate in several events that will be held in conjunction with the Convention.”

Individuals who choose to spruce up their homes and businesses will have an opportunity to submit a photo and win a Red Carpet Convention Package that includes a pair of tickets to three of the best parties during the Convention including the media party and the delegate welcome party. To participate in the “Spruced Up” photo contest, people should submit photos of their “spruced up” spaces to photos@msp2008.com. Photos will be judged by a representative from the Host Committee and the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington.

“Our months of planning for this historic event are about to come to an end as we enter the home stretch and put out the welcome mat,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee.  “We look forward to seeing how Minnesotans will demonstrate their spruce up spirit.”

Residents and business owners are invited to spruce up their spaces by doing the following:

Tips for homeowners:

• Display at American flag
• Hang red, white, and blue decorations
• Plant, primp, and trim the yard and garden (petunias and impatiens come in red, white, and blue)
• Put a fresh coat of paint on your fence and touch up any chipped areas on your house
• Sweep your sidewalks, decks and porches

Tips for businesses:

• Display the American flag
• Hang red, white, and blue decorations
• Wash your windows
• Plant flowers
• Paint areas that are chipped or faded
• Remove graffiti
• Sweep the sidewalk
• Pick up trash surrounding your building

Additional events planned during the month of August include:

• Airport clean up and signage campaign
• Cab Wash at the Metrodome, August 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Spruce Up MSP volunteer clean-up day, August 16, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Metrodome parking lot (5th St. and 11th Ave.)

Saint Paul Conseco Upper Lot (Broadway Street and Kellogg Blvd.)

GOParty Card Participants will be given welcome buttons and window decals

• Mall of America is planting flowers, landscaping, and repainting.

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Convention Program Block Schedule

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Convention Program Block Schedule

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Maria Cino, Chief Executive Officer and President for the 2008 Republican National Convention, today announced the program block schedule for the upcoming Republican National Convention. The program blocks are as follows:

• Monday, September 1: 2:30 - 10:00 p.m. CDT*
• Tuesday, September 2: 6:20 - 10:05 p.m. CDT
• Wednesday, September 3: 6:20 - 11:20 p.m. CDT
• Thursday, September 4: 6:20 - 10:15 p.m. CDT

        *Note: there will be a 30-minute break at 6:30 p.m. CDT

"We are pleased to announce the official block schedule for the 2008 Republican National Convention and are confident this year’s compelling program will be one of the most exciting in GOP convention history," said Cino. "The convention will showcase Sen. John McCain and his vision for America to the 45,000 convention participants joining us from around the country and the millions more participating from home."

Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Prints 45,000 Eco-Friendly More To Minnesota GOParty Cards

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE PRINTS 45,000 ECO-FRIENDLY MORE TO MINNESOTA GOPARTY CARDS
Program Designed to Drive Traffic to Minnesota Businesses During 2008 Republican National Convention

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (July 24, 2008) – As part of its effort to be friendly to the environment, the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee today printed 45,000 More to Minnesota GOParty Cards on a bio-plastic material that is derived entirely from plants.

The printing process took place at Premier Card Solutions in Roseville.  The More to Minnesota GOParty Card will provide discounts and special deals at area businesses, restaurants, lodging, attractions, and more to delegates, media, and Convention attendees.

“We want Convention attendees to enjoy all that the Minneapolis Saint Paul area has to offer, and these cards are designed to encourage our guests to visit many of the businesses that make our cities and our state great,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of the MSP 2008 Host Committee. “We are also thrilled to be able to print these with a local company that is environmentally conscious so that the GOParty cards, and their production leave little impact on the environment.”

More than 400 area businesses ranging from lodging around the state and golf courses throughout the Minneapolis Saint Paul area, to museums, restaurants and shops large and small are providing 20 percent off discounts and special deals from August 23 until September 7 as an incentive for Convention goers to come early and stay longer. A list of participating businesses can be found at www.msp2008.com.

The Host Committee worked closely with the local Chambers of Commerce, the Visitor and Convention Associations from Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, and representatives from Mall of America and Explore Minnesota to reach out to area businesses to garner their participation.  Participation in this program is free and included a company listing in the Official Convention Guide that will be distributed to all Convention attendees in addition to the listing on the Host Committee Web site. Participating businesses will also be identified by a window decal with the More to Minnesota GOParty logo.

What They're Saying About the Republican National Convention (Our 3,000th Post)

What They’re Saying About the Republican National Convention

Convention Preparations on Target

"Indeed, both parties were interested in St. Paul's bid but Republicans moved more quickly and grabbed it first. And their convention planning so far [has] been a model of efficiency and organization while Democrats in Denver have wrestled with logistical complications and fundraising woes."
(Associated Press, Republicans hoping for a grand old party in Minn., July 21, 2008)
Republicans kick into high gear and begin the build-out of the Xcel Energy Center:

"When Neil Diamond leaves the Xcel Energy Center after this weekend's two-night gig, the Xcel Energy Center will shut down for six weeks while it undergoes a Republican Party makeover, turning it into a launching pad for John McCain's 2008 presidential bid."
(Pioneer Press, 'X' about to begin its political makeover, July 20, 2008)

"Republican National Convention planners took their tangible steps forward Monday, beginning a six-week conversion from hockey arena and concert hall to political showplace for the Sept. 1-4 nominating convention."
(Associated Press, Republicans start arena conversion for convention, July 21, 2008)

"This is not the first GOP convention to be held in Minnesota - Minneapolis hosted the Republican convention back in 1892, but this time around the scale is mind boggling."
(KARE, July 21, 2008)

"They'll spend the next six weeks running miles of wires through the building, and building hospitality and media suites. When all is built, John McCain will accept the Republican Party's nomination a few feet from where the Minnesota Wild and their opponents usually sit during hockey games."
(Minnesota Public Radio, RNC construction begins inside Xcel Energy Center, July 21, 2008)

The 2008 Republican National Convention hires convention veterans who apply lessons learned from past conventions and therefore, significantly contribute to highly successful conventions:

"General contractor Freeman Co. has handled a succession of GOP conventions. Its work includes the extra-quick conversion of the Houston Astrodome in 1992 (which included raising five miles of light trusses to the Astrodome roof) and the creation of a false floor (with offices underneath) in Madison Square Garden for the 2004 convention in New York City."
(Pioneer Press, 'X' about to begin its political makeover, July 20, 2008)

"They are old pros. It's the sixth Republican convention for Greg Lane, the general contractor who works for Freeman, which is coordinating the convention makeover, and the 10th convention for Mike Miller, director of operations for the arrangement committee. Their roles are said to underscore the philosophy of Maria Cino, the convention's CEO, to rely on convention veterans to make things work."
(Star Tribune, RNC gets the keys; time for an X-treme makeover, July 21, 2008)

The Republican National Convention will have an estimated $160 million economic impact on Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The build-out for the convention is also benefitting many local workers in the Twin Cities:

Reporter: "What I'm hearing from these carpenters inside the Xcel Energy Center is that they are eager to work hard and get this place ready for the Republican National Convention."
(KSTP, July 21, 2008)

Interviewed Worker: "I haven't been working for a while. This is going to put food on the table. I'm a single parent, and a full-time dad."
(KSTP, July 21, 2008)

View other clips from today’s move-in into the Xcel Energy Center here:

KARE: The Final Countdown to Convention Begins Today
KSTP: Construction Begins at Xcel
KSTP: Xcel Energy Center Gets a Makeover
KSTP: Republican Convention Takes Over Xcel
WCCO: RNC Preparations Begin At Xcel Energy Center
Blog 4 President: Transformation Begins at Xcel Energy Center for the 2008 Republican National Convention

Transformation Begins at Xcel Energy Center For The 2008 Republican National Convention

Transformation Begins at Xcel Energy Center For The 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today marks the handover of the Xcel Energy Center to planners for the 2008 Republican National Convention, beginning a six-week transformation in advance of the September 1-4 event.

During the next 42 days, convention staff will oversee the build-out of the Xcel Energy Center and the 475,000 square feet of media workspace located in the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Experts specializing in a variety of trades will work as a team to ensure that all systems are "go" when the gavel drops September 1.

"After more than one year of preparation and a lot of hard work, we are excited to officially transition from planning to implementation," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "With only six weeks to go, we will be ready to welcome Sen. John McCain and the 45,000 convention participants joining us from around the country and the millions more participating from home."

Twenty-five trucks carrying equipment and supplies arrived at the Xcel Energy Center early this morning, enabling crews to get an early start on the first phase of the transformation process. Today, modifications to suites and media workspace will begin, ensuring that all necessary accommodations are made for the 15,000 members of the media expected at this year’s convention.

Throughout the next six weeks, crews will install nearly six miles of phone and internet cable and a total of 4,500 data and analog lines. Cellular providers will be increasing service capacity and state-of-the-art technology will be installed to provide real-time access to convention activities for millions around the world.

Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Names Woody Johnson As National Finance Chair

Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Names Woody Johnson As National Finance Chair

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (July 18, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee has named Robert Wood (Woody) Johnson IV to serve as National Finance Chair.  As the National Finance Chair, he will lead the effort to help raise money from across the country to put on a world-class convention.

Johnson, who has deep roots in Minnesota, is chairman and CEO of The Johnson Company, Inc. and chairman and CEO of the New York Jets.  His mother still has a family home in White Bear Lake.

“We are very pleased to have someone of Woody’s caliber to lead our national fundraising effort as we approach the goal line of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Doug Leatherdale, Chairman of the Board of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “Money raised by the Host Committee relieves the burden that would otherwise fall on government and taxpayers.  Woody’s leadership in the coming weeks will be extremely valuable as we prepare for this historic event.”

The Host Committee recently reached its goal of raising up to $39 million by July 15, as stipulated in its contract with the Committee on Arrangements for the Republican National Convention. The Host Committee will continue to raise funds to cover costs associated with the Convention such as rental of the Xcel Energy Center and RiverCenter; the costs of producing CivicFest; insurance, parking relocation and transportation; planning and implementing hospitality and events for media and delegates; and additional preparations to ensure delegates and visitors have a positive experience during their visit to Minneapolis Saint Paul.

“I’m honored to have been asked to serve as the National Finance Chair for the Host Committee,”  Johnson said.  “Ensuring the presidential nominating convention has the funds it needs to put on the best convention in history is critical to Minneapolis Saint Paul.  People will be pleasantly surprised by what the cities have to offer.  The Xcel Energy Center is a tremendous site for nominating a candidate to be the next President of the United States.”

The money raised and spent by the Host Committee will be fully detailed following the Convention in a report to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) and the IRS, as required by law. In addition, Host Committees for Minneapolis Saint Paul and Denver will be audited by the FEC, which also is required by law.

Republican Party Of Iowa Announces National Convention Delegation

RPI Announces National Convention Delegation

(Des Moines) – Following an energetic 2008 State Convention, the Republican Party of Iowa is announcing its delegation to the Republican National Convention. The national convention will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota from September 1 – 4.

Iowa Republicans will be represented by 40 delegates and 37 alternates. Twenty-two of the national delegates and their alternates were approved as a slate by the 1,347 voting delegates at Saturday’s convention. Fifteen delegates and alternates were chosen the night before at the District Presidential Caucuses with three delegates and alternates elected from each of Iowa’s five Congressional Districts.

The final three members of Iowa’s delegation will be RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson, National Committeeman Steve Roberts, and National Committeewoman Phyllis Kelly.

At-Large Delegates

Ike Ackerman, Bremer
Carmine Boal, Polk
Andy Christiansen, Polk
Bill Clark, Polk
Robert Cramer, Polk
Ed Failor, Jr., Muscatine
Sandy Greiner, Washington
Reid Houser, Pottawattamie
Roger Hughes, Hamilton
Morris Hurd, Des Moines
Drew Ivers, Hamilton
Katie Koberg, Polk
John Ortega, Scott
Kim Lehman, Polk
Bill Northey, Dickinson
Steve Scheffler, Polk
David Roederer, Polk
Loras Schulte, Benton
Lisa Smith, Wapello
Bob Vander Plaats, Plymouth
David Vaudt, Polk
Craig Williams, Carroll

At-Large Alternates

Jacob Bossman, Woodbury
Katherine Betts, Linn
Ray Dearin, Story
Ricky Dean, Mahaska
Tim DeMouth, Johnson
Katherine Farrand, Linn
David Fisher, Polk
Chuck Hurley, Polk
Drew Klein, Jasper
Mark Lundberg, Sioux
Ellen Markham, Dubuque
Chris McGowan, Plymouth
Shelly Pitts, Dallas
Lynn Proudfoot, Polk
Carmen Reitsma, Mahaska
Stephanie Laudner, Floyd
Liz Schofield, Clinton
Monte Shaw, Guthrie
Larry Smith, Madison
Scott Spray, Polk
Luana Stoltenberg, Scott
Jerry Tweeten, Winnebago

District Delegates

Sen. David Hartsuch, Scott
Matt Reitsetter, Black Hawk
Mike Knopf, Dubuque
Edward Thornton, Johnson
David Chung, Linn
David Miller, Jefferson
Diana Hansen, Poweshiek
Peggy Herman, Polk
Ted Sporer, Polk
Polly Granzow, Hardin
T.J. Augustine, Webster
Tamara Scott, Warren
Vergene Donovan, Dickinson
Ann Trimble-Ray, Sac
Mary Ann Hanusa, Pottawattamie

District Alternates

Steve Hoodjer, Butler
Nicole Baker, Clinton
Jeremiah Johnson, Dubuque
Bob Anderson, Johnson
Sarah Henderson, Linn
Rose Eaton, Linn
Roger Barr, Jasper
Charla Farnum
Wes Enos, Polk
Glen Massie, Warren
A.J. Spiker, Story
Crystal McIntyre, Warren
Linda Holub, Woodbury
Kurt Brown, O’Brien
Nancy Bowrey, Page

National Convention Committee Members

Credentials:
Steve Scheffler
Katie Koberg

Permanent Organization:
Loras Schulte
Vergene Donovan

Rules:
Steve Roberts
Sandy Greiner

Resolutions:
David Chung
Lisa Smith

CivicFest, Held In Conjunction With The Republican National Convention, Announces Exhibit Sponsors

50 Days Out: CivicFest Announces Exhibit Sponsors
Local companies commit to being a part of history by sponsoring more than a dozen exhibits at CivicFest

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, Minn. (July 14, 2008) – The Minneapolis Convention Center will transform into CivicFest central beginning Aug. 22 thanks in part to 15 corporate sponsors committed to civic engagement and being a part of history.

CivicFest, which is produced by the Minneapolis Saint Paul Host Committee, will be held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 29 to September 4, 2008. CivicFest is a nonpartisan celebration of American and Minnesota political and statehood history showcased through more than 35 world-class exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia.

Never again will these exhibits be displayed as a collection in one place.

"Minnesota has several unique and amazing assets, but one that stands out is the undying civic engagement of our corporate community," said Cynthia Lesher, president of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "We are both proud and thankful that our corporations see the value in bringing American and state history to our community through their support of CivicFest."

CivicFest exhibits and corporate sponsors include:

• Information Booth – 3M Company
• President’s Walk Exhibit – Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
• Three Centuries of Political Memorabilia – Associated Bank
• Live Stage – Best Buy Co., Inc.
• Air Force One – The Boeing Company
• Presidential Timeline Exhibit – Carlson
• White House Entertaining Exhibit – Ecolab Inc.
• First Ladies Gown Exhibit – Medtronic, Inc.
• Convention Floor Exhibit – Qwest Communications International, Inc.
• Presidential Health Exhibit – St. Jude Medical, Inc.
• Oval Office Exhibit – Target
• Walleye School of Fish Exhibit – The Travelers Companies, Inc.
• Minnesota Greatest Generation Exhibit – UnitedHealth Group
• Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit – U.S. Bank
• Hail to the Chief Exhibit – Xcel Energy Inc.

About CivicFest

CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration is a family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime interactive and multimedia experience, featuring more than 35 education and entertaining exhibits, historic memorabilia and artifacts celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency. CivicFest is being produced by Maxene Fernstrom for the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. For more information, visit www.civicfest.org.

2008 Platform Committee Launches Interactive Web Site

2008 Platform Committee Launches Interactive Web Site
Republicans Across the Country to Actively Participate in Development of Party Platform

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Platform Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.-22) and Platform Committee Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.) announced the launch of www.GOPPlatform2008.com, the first, entirely web-based initiative that allows voters across the nation to actively participate in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform.

"For more than 150 years, Republicans have met every four years to adopt a platform that outlines the principles and policies upon which the Party stands. We are proud that the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform will be more interactive, inclusive, and open than any other in political history," Duncan said.

"Today, new and innovative technology allows us to engage those who have not been involved in the political process before," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "Here at the 2008 Republican National Convention, we also remain committed to engaging as many Americans as possible through numerous interactive initiatives."

"We are seeking the most input through this historic opportunity to use a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Internet town hall," McCarthy said. "We know Washington is not a place for solutions, so we are reaching out across the nation to create a forward-looking platform rooted in our core values with solutions that create prosperity today and for the next generation."

Burr said, "We are excited that this process will facilitate greater transparency and participation in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform than ever before. The Platform Committee will form the foundation for our future and this innovative tool will allow people with all points of view to participate in this critical discussion."

This process, unique to the Republican Party, will allow voters to provide input on a variety of issues important to the American people. Creating an account on www.GOPPlatform2008.com allows voters to have full, interactive access to the Web site. Account holders can use the text and video submission tools, participate in in-site polling, and monitor individual entries on a personalized index page. Every submission will be catalogued and reviewed leading up to the official Platform Committee meetings at the end of August in Minnesota to ensure every participant's voice is heard.

As part of its efforts to hold the most technologically savvy convention in GOP history, the 2008 Republican National Convention remains committed to providing increased interactive accessibility to millions of Americans through numerous innovative initiatives including social networks, YouTube, Ustream.tv, and through the GOP convention blog.

Mayors Coleman And Rybak Declare Week Of June 23 Convention Volunteer Sign-Up Week In Minneapolis Saint Paul

MAYORS COLEMAN AND RYBAK DECLARE WEEK OF JUNE 23 CONVENTION VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL

Mayors Unveil Red Carpet Convention Package for the Individual Who Recruits the Most Volunteers For 2008 Republican National Convention

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (June 23, 2008) – Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, joined by the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, declared the week of June 23 – June 27 Convention Volunteer Sign-Up Week in Minneapolis Saint Paul and unveiled a Red Carpet Convention Package that will be awarded to the individual who recruits the most volunteers to participate in the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“Never before have we had this opportunity to showcase our cities to the world,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we encourage Minnesotans to show their Minnesota Nice by signing up this week.”

The Red Carpet Convention Package will include tickets to three of the hottest parties during the Convention including: the media party on Saturday, August 30; the delegate party on Sunday, August 31; and the Host Committee welcome reception on Monday, Sept. 1.  These parties are not open to the public.

“There are many amazing opportunities for Minnesotans to participate in this unique event and because most of the Convention-related activities take place in the late afternoon and evening, people can maintain their normal work schedule and still participate in history,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “More than 45,000 guests from around the world will be visiting our state and it is our time to show our Minnesota hospitality and volunteer spirit.”

There are currently more than 6,000 individuals signed up to volunteer at the Convention. Volunteers will perform key duties in the areas of transportation, information services, hospitality and special events at various locations before, during and after the Convention, which will be held September 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.

“The support of the community has been tremendous thus far as we work to reach our goal of recruiting 10,000 volunteers,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “The Red Carpet Convention Package gives us a chance to share the excitement of the Convention with someone who helps recruit volunteers to make this event a success.”

Prospective volunteers can apply online at www.msp2008.com where they will complete a secure, online application consisting of personal information and a summary of their skills and experience. All applicants must be 18 years-of-age or older and must be willing to undergo a security background check as well as attend orientation and training sessions conducted by Convention organizers. Volunteer applications will be accepted through July 15.

To be eligible for the Red Carpet Convention Package, individuals should send an email to volunteer@msp2008.com prior to completing the online application.  The Host Committee will provide a referral code that should be entered into the online application and used by anyone recruited by that individual.  Participants must recruit a minimum of 25 volunteers who commit to participating in mandatory training and at least two shifts during the Convention. The winner of the Red Carpet Convention Package will be announced August 13.

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee has hosted multiple volunteer sign-up events throughout the metro area as part of their volunteer recruitment efforts. Additional events are planned for this week including a week-long volunteer sign-up station at Mall of America.

Monday, June 23:

· Mall of America in Sears Court 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

· St. Paul Saints Game  6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24:

· Mall of America in Sears Court 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25:

· Mall of America in Sears Court 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Thursday, June 26:

· Mall of America in Sears Court 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

· Minneapolis Farmer’s Market 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday, June 27:

· Mall of America in Sears Court 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Volunteers will be performing duties at a variety of venues including CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed for CivicFest, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 29 to September 4, 2008, and will feature more than 35 world-class exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office, a model White House, exhibits dedicated to Minnesota business and innovation, and more. A special team of dedicated volunteers will act as exhibit guides, assistant curators and docents. Interested individuals should possess an avid interest in historical items and the desire to share that information with visitors of all ages. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and available for at least three 4½ hour shifts from August 28 – September 4. For more information, go to www.civicfest.org/docents.

Monster, the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., created the online volunteer recruitment portion of the Web site.