July 24, 2003--After the welcome presentation, RNC members received a gift bag containing such items as a NYC & Company baseball cap, a book on the Macy's Parade and two different interpretations of the elephant cookie.  Businesses hope to gain some of the estimated $150 million in economic activity that the convention, to be held at Madison Square Garden from Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2004, will generate.

Copyright © 2003  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action.