From Running Scripts to Knocking Over Connie Chung, Local Business Owner is Busy at Another Democratic National Convention

Jenkintown, PA – With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in full swing, Leza Raffel, Abington resident and President of Jenkintown public relations firm The Communication Solutions Group, is spending her time and expertise at the political convention for the second time. She thinks back to when she got her first chance to volunteer with the DNC nearly three decades ago.

Raffel worked with the DNC in 1988, while she was an intern for CNN in Atlanta, Georgia. When it was announced that the DNC that year would be in Atlanta, and that they were looking for volunteers, she recalls “jumping on the opportunity.” Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts was nominated for President and Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas for Vice President.

Anxious to learn what her role would be, she arrived early to the convention center and quickly regretted the hearty Southern meal she had just eaten: she had been assigned to be a “script runner.” She took off her high heels and ran a total of four miles nightly, to and from the news room to the production vans, handing the production teams their scripts before each live cut-in. Raffel even accidently knocked over the petite Connie Chung, then a reporter for NBC, on one of her runs. Chung was not hurt, but it was definitely an unforgettable moment for Raffel.

One of Raffel’s most memorable experiences of the 1988 Democratic National Convention was getting the opportunity to meet some very influential people. She recalls prominent figures such as President Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, John F. Kennedy Jr., and members of the Brat Pack including Rob Lowe and Judd Nelson, all coming into the CNN studio. She even remembers when the then-unknown Bill Clinton gave a speech, and he spoke so long that they turned off the lights. Since she was working on behalf of CNN, Raffel had to remain unfazed by the fame surrounding her – although she will never forget how excited she was for that experience.

As a proud Philadelphian, Raffel is thrilled to participate in the convention in her own city. The 2016 DNC is being held from Monday July 25 through July 28, at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, with smaller caucuses and council meetings at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Since the beginning of primary season, the 2016 Presidential Election has gotten a lot of buzz. Raffel could not be more excited that the City of Brotherly Love is taking center stage for the week.

“It doesn’t matter which political candidate you support or whether you consider yourself a donkey or an elephant, It is so great that Philadelphia is receiving the attention and recognition it deserves,” said Raffel.

Since her last convention, Raffel is noticing a few changes to the DNC. To her relief, they do not need her as a script runner. Innovative changes in the media industry and technology allow for more information to be spread faster and more easily, with much less running around by volunteers. Raffel, however, still manages to keep herself of her feet as a hospitality host, sending prominent delegates from around the country to historical attractions and her favorite places in Philadelphia.

“I’m a major foodie, so this week I am showing people the best places to eat,” says Raffel, with some of her top picks being at the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market.

She is also providing delegates directions and pointing them toward “The Donkeys Around Town Scavenger Hunt,” where participants can find decorated donkeys around the city, brush up on their state trivia, and enter to win great Philadelphia prizes.

Her first volunteer spot, Embassy Suites, is hosting delegates from Colorado, Nebraska, and Nevada, many of whom have never been to Philadelphia. Raffel will be volunteering again during the week at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott and attending PoliticalFest 2016, a non-partisan exhibition all around the city that reflects America’s history and government.

With her established background in public relations, Raffel says it would be “foolish to not get involved.” As a former Center City resident, she is happy to show off Philadelphia and all the historical and noteworthy attractions that the city has to offer.

Raffel’s company, The Communication Solutions Group, is located on Old York Road in Jenkintown PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Since 1991, Communication Solutions has offered exceptional internal and external communications strategies for businesses, nonprofits and governmental organizations. Key services include marketing plan development and implementation; press releases and media relations; designing and writing brochures, newsletters and annual reports.

The Communication Solutions Group website is www.comsolutions.com