Minnesota corporations make a showing at the convention
Best Buy took over a bowling alley in downtown Denver today. They invited members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation, other VIPs and a bunch of local teenagers.
The youth were there, because Best Buy used the event to launch a new philanthropic initiative aimed at helping kids age 13-17. It's called "@15."
"There's a lot of money in early childhood. There's a fair amount of money for kids who have finished high school, but there's sort of this missing middle," said Paula Prahl, vice president of public affairs.
Like just about all the hundreds of parties going on this week, the booze was free (not for the teens, of course.) The spread seemed aimed at the kids (burgers) and so did the music (loud.)
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Prahl didn't reveal exactly how much it cost to rent out the bowling alley, but said compared to some of the swankier soires at the DNC, it wasn't terribly expensive. And she added that it's certainly worth the company's while to be at the DNC.
"It's a really good chance to showcase those things, and to have an opportunity to discuss those things that are really important to us as a company with a number of policy makers."
Prahl spoke on an education panel this morning. CEO Brad Anderson spoke at a forum on innovation. Best Buy is hosting a lunch with several members of Congress on the subject of electronics recycling. The company will hold another event promoting @15 during the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. It will be Sept. 2 at the Minnesota History Center.
Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland was in Denver this morning and gave brief remarks to the Minnesota delegation during their breakfast meeting. Steenland spoke about the challenges high fuel prices pose for the airline industry. He also told the delegates that Delta Air Lines pending acquisition of Northwest would be "in everyone's best interest."
Steenland, who is on the host committee for the RNC, said Northwest isn't planning any parties in Denver this week. Target Corp. is sponsoring a concert by the hip hop croup The Black Eyed Peas on Wednesday.