Phila. businesses getting ready for next year's DNC

More than 150 business people hoping to profit from next summer's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia gathered at Community College of Philadelphia Monday. Mayor Nutter told the group that he was there to manage expectations - encouraging them, but also warning them that not every business in Philadelphia will be able to capture the dollars the convention will bring to the region.

Rev. Leah Daughtry, chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention Committee, said there would be opportunities with the 40,000 people - delegates, journalists, donors and family members - expected in the city for the presidential nominating convention, scheduled for the week of July 25.

She said that the Democrats were particularly eager to funnel contracts to minority, female, veteran and LGBT businesses. Companies should sign up on www.phldnc.com to be included in a vendor directory and to receive alerts for bid requests.

So far, Nutter said, 1,500 businesses have registered on the site. Of them, he said, 36 percent identified their businesses as minority-owned. Nearly half were based in Philadelphia. Owners and sales managers of businesses that provide security, travel assistance, massages, commemorative medallions, limousine services and souvenirs were among those attending the forum. - Jane M. Von Bergen