St. Louis replaces Columbus for NRA conventionAfter pulling out of Columbus, the National Rifle Association said Thursday it will hold its 2007 annual convention in St. Louis.
The NRA said in May it would hold the 2007 convention in Columbus, but rescinded that decision July 18. The NRA cited Columbus' ban on certain kinds of assault weapons for its decision.
The NRA is philosophically opposed the ban -- and said the ban would prevent some of the vendors at its convention from selling their wares.
Columbus City Council enacted the ban July 11. Representatives from the city said they informed the NRA the ban was likely. Some, like Councilman Mike Mentel, accused the NRA of agreeing to hold the convention in Columbus just so it could cancel it if the weapons ban passed.
"To the citizens of St. Louis, a word from your friends in Columbus: Don't cash the NRA check yet," Mentel said in a statement.
The convention was expected to draw around 60,000 people, who might have spent between $15 million and $20 million in the local economy, according to Experience Columbus, the local convention and visitors bureau. Experience Columbus said in July it is already looking to book other conventions for the space.
The NRA's 2007 meeting will take place from April 13 -17 in St. Louis and include five acres of guns, hunting equipment and outdoor gear.
http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/08/01/daily33.html*FW Note:A valuable lesson about
biting the hand that feeds you, Columbus.
Enjoy sleeping on the porch while the friendly dog gets fed.
:-D
