Berks County area leaders see some big opportunities with the Democratic National Convention coming to Philadelphia in 2016 – and not just for Democrats.

The Democratic party announced Thursday that Philadelphia landed the convention, and local Democrats said that they hope it gets the party excited and sparks more participation.

But hosting a political gathering likely to draw tens of thousands of people could also be a win for the region’s economy.

“We all benefit from it as a region,” said Berks Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt, a South Heidelberg Township Democrat.

– Read more at The Reading Eagle