Small businesses compete for a chance to be selected as a preferred vendor at the RNC

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The host committee for the Republican National Convention asked dozens of small businesses to the Prime Osborn Convention Center Thursday to look at what they have to offer before making a final decision.

Masks were required inside, and floors were marked to encourage physical distancing. Temperature checks were also done at the door.

One of the potential vendors at the showcase was Lee Livingston who is the owner of 3 G’s Grilled & Soul Food Catering based in Arlington.

“We’re still looking to, you know, push forward even through this pandemic,” Livingston said.

The pandemic forced event cancelations that affected Livingston’s catering company which has only be in operation for about a year.

And he’s not alone.

Linda Brown, co-owner of 3 Sweet Ladies, is praying she too could land a spot on the coveted preferred RNC vendor list.

“Oh my goodness, it would mean basically everything whether we’re going to be open or not,” Brown said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Jacksonville Thursday to talk about the COVID-19 response at Jaxport.

He said moving the convention outdoors could be a good idea.

The host committee for the RNC sent Action News Jax this statement:

“Jacksonville is a world-class destination with state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to Veterans Memorial Arena, TIAA Bank Field, our baseball park and Daily’s Place, as well as other venues will be a part of hosting this historic event here in the River City.”

It remains unclear exactly how the convention’s events and speeches will be broken up and where vendors will be placed.

Brown said she’ll be taking the necessary safety precautions if she’s chosen to participate.

“I think if I’m careful I believe we’ll be OK,” Brown said.

Cox Media Group