Philly Company Wins Contract to Provide DNC Knick-Knacks
Supporters waiting to greet Democratic National Committee (DNC) representatives in August in Philadelphia.
The Democratic National Convention is coming to town in July — and that means Philly will not only be Ground Zero for politics, it’ll also be Ground Zero for DNC merchandise. And that’s big business for Luis Liceaga.
On Tuesday, the DNC Host Committee announced that Liceaga’s company, Impact Dimensions, will be its official merchandise provider and manager. That means the 22-employee shop will manufacture, market and sell promotional materials with the host committee’s official, trademarked logo. Think hats, buttons, polo shirts, coffee mugs and plenty of other knick-knacks.
Liceaga is no stranger to working large events, helping Aramark for the Pope’s visit and providing merchandise for the Republican National Convention in 2000. While he couldn’t share what the 2016 DNC merchandise will look like, Liceaga said he wants a “funner, edgier mix” of products targeted at a younger demographic — like fitted T-shirts, kids stuff and items that prominently feature the city’s landmarks. He expects the merchandise to be available online at the end of April.
Once the convention gets going, he’ll sell the items at stands at the Wells Fargo Center and area hotels, as well as a pop-up shop at PoliticalFest.
But Impact Dimensions won’t be making Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders buttons, T-shirts and knick-knacks. That contract went to another vendor. Impact Dimensions just has the contract for the DNC Host Committee. Still, Liceaga estimates that his company will do $500,000 worth of business from the deal.
The DNC was quick to mention that it chose Impact Dimensions partly because it’s a Certified Hispanic Minority Business Enterprise and makes it’s products at union shops wherever possible. Liceaga vowed that all products will be Made in the USA and said he’ll do his best to source the products locally.
“These are exciting times in the city of Philadelphia,” said Liceaga. “We’re excited to be a part of it.”
Kevin Washo, executive director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee said: “Impact Dimension’s proven record handling large-scale projects make this a great partnership to offer Host Committee merchandise, which will serve as mementos from this summer’s historic event. Since day one, we have been committed to working with diverse, local companies to help us put on the Convention, and I’m thrilled Impact Dimensions will help us provide keepsakes to Philadelphians and Convention visitors alike.”
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