Dec. 21, 2007 The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has added a green business designation to the Democratic National Convention's official vendor directory the first green recognition process for a national political convention. This is also the first time that the convention's vendor directory will be available exclusively online.

The green designation requires businesses to commit to sustainable practices in seven key areas, including leadership, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste and pollution reduction, community involvement, working conditions, and education.

"This opportunity will inspire local companies to start putting their houses in order now to attract that convention business," says Host Committee director of greening Parry Burnap. "We hope the vendor directory sets a precedent that leads to institutionalizing environmental/sustainable performance as a formal and consistent requirement for preferred contractor status in future conventions."

Slated for August 25-28, the 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to bring 35,000 visitors to Denver.