State GOP convention coming to Bannock County
For the first time in a decade, Bannock County is hosting the Idaho State Republican Party convention.
With hundreds expected to turn out to Holt Arena for it, it will be an economic boost for the county.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Char Tovey, chairwoman of the convention. “It’s open to the public, they can come down and listen to the different elected officials, some who have been candidates and will face the general election in the fall. They can come to Holt and listen to what’s happening. It’s really educational.”
With 600 expected delegates and lawmakers from across the state expected, plus their spouses and families, the GOP convention is expecting around 900 to 1,000 people.
Tovey said with that many people in town, it’s bound to have a positive impact on the economy.
One area that is seeing the benefits are local hotels, like the Towneplace Suites. Towneplace is booked full for the convention and said it’s been taking reservations for months.
“I remember we got the first call about last August,” said Towneplace general manager Jeff Glissendorf. “We were all focused on the great eclipse of course but I remember somebody called and wanted to book basically the whole hotel for the GOP convention. We were full by, I want to say, the first of May.”
Though hotels have a little more advanced notice of what to expect for these types of events, hotels aren’t the only ones who will see a boom in business.
“It affects everyone of course,” Glissendorf said. “From the smallest mom and pop restaurants, to your big chain restaurants. To Walmart and Fred Meyer will be busier, your McDonald’s and other fast food chains are going tobenefit, your gas stations are full. So when something comes to town it’s definitely a complete area impact.”
Some things to expect at this year’s convention are some leadership changes. New officers for the state centra committee wil be elected, which is one done every two years.
There will also be several guest speakers, including featured speaker Colonel Oliver North. North is a t.v. host who has his own show on FOX network. He is a political commentator, a former Marine, and the new president of the National Rifle Association.
The convention starts Thursday, June 28 and goes through Saturday, June 30. See a schedule of events below or you can visit the state GOP website for more information.
Convention Schedule:
THURSDAY, June 28
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Candidate/Campaign Manager School (separate reg & $20 fee incl box lunch)
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Executive Committee Meeting
11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Registration
12:30 pm: Ribbon cutting
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Redistricting Committee Meeting
Membership Funding Committee Meeting
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Policy Forums – Topics to be announced
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Credentials Committee Meeting
Rules Committee Meeting
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Welcome Reception
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
8:00 am – 7:00 pm: Registration
8:30 am – 11:45 am: Resolutions Committee Meeting
​​​​​​​Platform Committee Meeting
8:30 am – 11:45 am: Fun Event Options
8:30 am – 11: 45 pm: Grassroots Training
12:00 pm -2:00 pm: Luncheon
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: General Session I
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: VIP Social
6:00 pm – 7:00pm: Reception
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Dinner
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
7:30 am – 9:00 am: IFRW Breakfast – Cost $25 Early Bird, $30 at the door
8:00 am – 10:00 am: Registration
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: General Session II
12:00 pm – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – to close: General Session II (continued)
Upon Sine Die: State Central Committee Meeting
