Business leaders rally for convention

They blasted Springsteen from a snazzy sound system and even trotted out the Red Sox mascot to lighten the mood.

But there was no mistaking this event for your typical pep rally, not with all those gray hairs and all those dark suits. Local business leaders assembled on the steps of Quincy Market yesterday afternoon, delivering a message they said has been lost in negative press coverage: The business community is excited about the Democratic National Convention.

"We are confident of the positive impact of 35,000 visitors, and the positives to come in years ahead," said Michael Kelleher, vice president and general manager of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, who organized the rally. "Unfortunately, some of the positive aspects have been overshadowed."

The predicted crowd of 100-plus business leaders was closer to 30, including the Red Sox mascot, Wally the Green Monster, and a few food-stand workers. Those who did attend proclaimed their belief that the traffic won't be that bad and that Boston will ultimately be thankful for its turn in the national spotlight. It's been a rough few months for convention organizers, with predictions of commuting nightmares, fund-raising woes, and unsettled city contracts all beginning to leave Beantown residents with some sour sentiments about July's convention. A recent study predicted that the four-day event will be a net economic loss for the city. City officials dispute that, saying it will bring some $150 million.