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CHARLOTTE -- Of all the newsworthy stories in Charlotte and the region in 2011, it was hard to top the February announcement that the city was named host of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

"Hot damn, wasn't that good news," Charlotte in 2012 member Cammie Harris said when the official announcement was made.

It set off a flurry of plans and arrangements that will continue until September, when Charlotte is greeted by thousands of visitors and international attention. The work ranged from formal convention requirements to more informal brainstorming by small business owners.

"All of us, the entire hospitality industry, is absolutely overwhelmed by this opportunity," said local business owner Peter Cuocolo.

As the year went on, convention organizers accepted bids and awarded bigger contracts from construction management and event architect at Time Warner Cable Arena to housing services vendor – that company is in charge of coordinating the thousands of hotel rooms for delegates, elected officials and media.

"It's an exciting opportunity to expose my business on a national level," Karen Lawrence, It's My Affair chief event organizer, said.

In early September, one year from the event, convention planners unveiled the logo and urged average citizens to support the cause.

"There is no amount too small. Even $5 will make a difference," said former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt.

In November, Congress finalized and secured a $50 million security grant hat will cover extra police protection and uptown patrol.

As we move into 2012, organizers will continue their work to raise nearly $37 million in required private donations and bulk up the vendor directory so local companies can get a piece of the pie.

"It's the most robust one we've ever used, almost 2,000 folks are already signed up on it," 2012 DNC Convention CEO Steve Kerrigan said.

Organizers estimate the convention will pump in between $150 million and $200 million in economic impact, and promise even as President Barack Obama accepts his party's nomination in uptown, the city won't be gridlocked.

"We're going to work with our partners here in North Carolina and our friends in public safety to make sure that mantra is kept, that uptown remains open for business," said Kerrigan.

The 2012 Democratic National Convention runs from Sept. 3-6. The Republican National Convention will be held in Tampa.