DNC officials say money received from corporate sponsors at the convention is being used to showcase Charlotte and its communities. However, some attendees say the sponsors' presence concerns them. Our Courtney Gross has the story.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Democratic National Convention says no corporate influence allowed. But are you sure about that?

AT&T. Duke Energy. Time Warner Cable. United Health Group. Coke. Bank of America.

The list goes on. They are all corporate sponsors.

These companies have contributed to a separate convention account. DNC officials say the money is not going to official convention activities. It's going to showcase Charlotte and its communities.

"We see this as a great economic development job creation tool for Charlotte to give us the national spotlight, to showcase the city for people who have never been here before about what a great place it is to do business," said Dave Scanzoni, Duke Energey Spokesman.

These companies were behind the massive street festival that kicked off the convention. They have set up shop across Charlotte, touting their brands.

"United Health Group has our mobile unit out here today and what we're doing is providing people with free screenings," said Matt Stearns of United Health Group.

It's nothing out of the ordinary. Sponsors were also behind the GOP convention in Tampa. Nonetheless, it concerns some convention attendees.

"Corporations are trying to buy access and influence. It's alright to take the money, but if in any way that influences decision making that is absolutely wrong. And that's why we need campaign finance reform," one person said.

Take Duke Energy. Its chairman is an Obama supporter. They are all over the DNC. That corporate giving they say is not about their political agenda.

"We'll disagree with whatever president it is if there is a policy we feel is not in the best interest of our consumers," Scanzoni said.

The host committee was not ready to disclose how much money they have received from corporate sponsors to put on this convention. They said they would eventually file that information with the Federal Election Commission. This cash won't be kept secret for long.