The first of the estimated $170 million in economic impact from the Republican National Convention is already reaching that Tampa region, the group hosting the event announced.

Through contracts with businesses, the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee stated that they have “already infused millions of dollars into the Florida economy.”

No hard numbers were immediately available from the Host Committee for the Aug. 26-30 event that is scheduled to see Mitt Romney named the GOP's presidential candidate and feature speeches from Gov. Rick Scott, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The Host Committee has been, and continues to be, committed to utilizing statewide businesses to provide the goods and services we need to make the convention a phenomenal success,” Ken Jones, Host Committee president and CEO, stated in a release.

“In addition, we’re working hard to promote Tampa Bay’s businesses, including its small-business community, to those descending on the region this month.”

Among the areas that have been contracted out: Catering Motor Pool/Rental Cars; Construction Office Supplies/Furniture; Creative Services Operations and Build Out; Event Services Parking; Facility Rental Printing; Facilities Upgrades Production; Hotels Staff Housing; Information Technology Security; and Legal/Accounting Compliance.

Of course, any final accounting will eventually have to balance the anticipated costs of surveillance cameras and law enforcement costs. University of South Florida economist Philip Porter has questioned the economic impact projections, noting that prior conventions haven’t been the windfalls organizers have promoted.

A Suffolk University study placed the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston $8 million in the red, despite organizers' claims that the city received $150 million.

The announcement comes as the Host Committee released a video on promoting its invitation-only “Welcome Event” at Tropicana Stadium in St. Petersburg that is expected to attract 20,000 guests and delegates.



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.