(CHARLOTTE) -- Charlotte will be Democratic headquarters in 2012.  The Queen City was chosen among four finalists to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

First Lady Michelle Obama announced the choice this morning in an email to members of the Democratic National Committee. "I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news. Charlotte, North Carolina will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012," she wrote in the email.

The other cities that made the finalist list were St. Louis, Minneapolis and Cleveland.  Of late experts had said the choice was really between Charlotte and St. Louis. 

"A national political convention is a keystone event that will boost North Carolina’s economy, while showcasing Charlotte and our state to the nation and the world," said Gov. Beverly Perdue.  "What they will see when they get here is what hundreds of businesses already know, Charlotte’s smart investments in infrastructure, cultural attractions and amenities have produced a climate perfect for work and play.”

The officials announcement comes in a news conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday.  The Charlotte Chamber streams it live at: http://www.ustream.tv/user/CLTchamber. The convention is the first week of September, 2012.