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Is President Obama Good for Business?
Presidents generate big buzz and an influx of customers when they visit restaurants and other establishments. But does it last? Business owners across the nation reflect on what happens when the commander-in-chief walks through the front door.
Posted 8/ 4 10 at 7:30 PM | Business Trends, Advertising & Marketing, Sales, Leadership, Consumer Products & Services, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Retail
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During a recent visit to the Tastee Sub Shop
in Edison, N.J., President Obama helped himself to a six-inch "Super Sub" -- and made a sales pitch for the sandwich eatery that's been "a tradition since 1963.""Well, I just had a terrific meeting with these small-business owners here at Tastee Sub Shop," the president said. "And I want to thank Dave and Carl for hosting us here today. And I highly recommend everybody buy a sandwich while you're here ."
The visit was a stop on President Obama's ongoing "White House to Main Street Tour," where he pitches his economic policies against the backdrop of local businesses. But for at least some establishments that happen to draw the commander-in-chief as a customer, such visits can be something of an economic stimulus -- generating buzz, free media exposure, an endorsement from "the world's most powerful man" and an influx of curious customers.
"The visit doubled our business," says Tastee Sub Shop co-owner David Thornton. "It started on Tuesday when the word was out about the visit and continued through today. We understand it's a novelty buzz right now. We don't know how to plan for when it wears off. If this continues, then we'll have to increase our staff."
Much like having celebrity patrons, a presidential visit -- by any president, as many before President Obama have as well -- can definitely put a small business on the map. Some don't see a direct increase in sales, but still enjoy perks like photos with the president, which they can use for marketing on their storefronts and websites, and a more direct line to the White House staff.
Even well-known establishments with already-loyal followings can reap benefits from a presidential pit stop. Ben's Chili Bowl, a Washington, D.C., landmark made famous by Bill Cosby and other celebrity customers, still saw an uptick in business surrounding a visit by then President-elect Obama.
"We were packed," co-owner Sonya Ali says. "People started cheering. It was almost like somebody scored a touchdown."
Presidents do not have the golden touch in all cases, however. Rick Cummings, co-owner of Oasis Mechanical Contractors, could have used an increase in business following a visit from President Obama earlier this year. The recession hit the Lanham, Md.-based mechanical contracting company hard. Cummings told the president in February that Oasis couldn't take advantage of certain proposed tax credits, like the $5,000 credit employers receive for hiring a new employee, because he didn't have enough work for his current staff.
Even well-known establishments with already-loyal followings can reap benefits from a presidential pit stop. Ben's Chili Bowl, a Washington, D.C., landmark made famous by Bill Cosby and other celebrity customers, still saw an uptick in business surrounding a visit by then President-elect Obama.
"We were packed," co-owner Sonya Ali says. "People started cheering. It was almost like somebody scored a touchdown."
Presidents do not have the golden touch in all cases, however. Rick Cummings, co-owner of Oasis Mechanical Contractors, could have used an increase in business following a visit from President Obama earlier this year. The recession hit the Lanham, Md.-based mechanical contracting company hard. Cummings told the president in February that Oasis couldn't take advantage of certain proposed tax credits, like the $5,000 credit employers receive for hiring a new employee, because he didn't have enough work for his current staff.
"I was surprised," Cummings said about the aftermath of the visit. "A lot of people called, saw it on television, saw it in the paper. But the only calls we got related to business were from charitable organizations looking for donations of equipment and labor."
The president talked to Cummings about problems with legislation and the economy, similar to the conversations he has with employees and customers during the various stops on the tour.
But presidents are not the only ones who can provide a first-hand boost to small businesses. As it turns out, first ladies have cache too -- as seen during First Lady Michelle Obama's recent visit to the Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar in Panama City, Fla., as part of a tour of areas affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill.
"This is a big visit for this little town," Pink Pelican owner Rick Dorman says about the first lady's visit.
Business owners on "Main Street" say perhaps the biggest benefit beyond the momentary hype is a lasting connection to the White House and at least some opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions about the economy.
"I'm sure we [will be in touch] in the future," says David Sullivan, president of Industrial Support in Buffalo, N.Y., where President Obama toured in May. "I mean, I met the man, spent 45 minutes talking to him, had pictures taken with him. He met my sons, my wife, my family and everything."
"I would hope in the future that I could send him letters, send him some sort of correspondence, if I see stuff," he adds. "I don't know if I go to a main line, but I met the leader of the best country in the world, so that can only help."
AP
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Comments (Page 1 of 4)
I lost my job just before President Obama took office. It was the first time in my life that I was unemployed. We have 3 young children and I can't even begin to describe the feeling I had knowing that I had no income and couldn't find a job. A friend of mine told me that he was doing well working full time on an internet based home business. He told me that there were hundreds of thousands of people making a full time living that way. That was all well and good but I didn't much money to invest and I knew I didn't have the skills that would be needed. He sent me this link to this web site ( http://tiny.cc/HomeBusinessProfitSystem ) and told me to check out this system. It wasn't a pyramid scheme or a get rich quick scam. It turned out to be a life changer for me because with virtually no investment I got in the game. Now I'm making much more money than I ever have. I can't say it is because of President Obama but it sure hasn't hurt me that he is in office.
The real question is" American Business good for American workers"? Americans get small vacations than others in the Western World. American Business is exporting jobs to third world nations at a record rate....Hershey....Sony....Mitsubishi...Epson and many others have sent US jobs to Mexico,
India, Vietnam and other places...Obama was not elected by American Business...they don't yet
get a chance to vote....Obama was elected by people and probably not the wealthy who feel
they are entitled to pay lower taxes than any one.
He would be if BP could develop a containment cap for his mouth!
Lou
www.remain-anonymous.at.tc
What would help ? Tax credits to hire the unemployed ,Less goverment spending,A adminstration that tells the American people that what made America great is free enterprize. Cut in taxes to all tax payers. This would help to restore my customers confidence so they would start spending again. And finally stop this Socialist attitude that is destroying America it failed in Europe and it will fail here.
Hot air does not creat jobs. It just creates more hot air. Reading a teleprompter with a cigarette induced deep voice makes good drama. It does not make a good leader.
how can a marxist/communist be good for American capitalism? thats is a rediculous leftisit question. this "president" spits on the constitution the very document he was sworn to uphold. he will govermentalize everything. he already has your healthcare and the financial sector. now he wants your freedom of speech with "internet neutrality". be scared America. JOIN GRASSFIRE.ORG
Frank, how often do you have computer privileges in that mental hospital?
Chris, you must be in the mental hospital. Everything Frank said is 100% the truth. Close your mouth, open your ears and use your brain to think instead of your want for everything given to you for free. Nothing in life is free, someone pays for it. If you get sick, why do I have to pay for your treatment? I am squeeking by in life right now but do not expect the government to give me a handout. I have to make it on my own with the help of friends and family, the way America started. The Revolution was started over less oppression than we are living with today.
We need to take back America from the Socialists in Washington. I don't care if you have a 'R' or a 'D' after your name we are all AMERICANS and need to start acting like it. Back to the Founders away from Europe. If you like the Socialists way the country has drifted over the past years then move to Europe, there are many countries that already run the way you want. Leave this country alone to those who cherish freedom and self-thought, self-control and self-rule.
I had no idea the president had so many admirers. The president before him had quite a few also. Truth is a president is damned if he does and
damned if the doesn't.
Don't forget Carter
I don't believe thates a generation alive that remember having a President as WORTHLESS AS HE HAS BEEN,
Yes it's tuff sitting at the top but you wasnted it and said there was great things that were going to be done to solve the problem ,, daaaaa Guess Im still looking for the GREAT THINGS as far as Im concerned the only great thing we've seen so far is your SINGLE MINDED CONCETE THAT DISPLAYS ITSELF EVERY TIME YOUR IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. POLITICIANS URRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know if Obama has done anything for any of the other industries but I know a couple of gun shops that have him listed as the "Salesman of the Month". So I guess he is doing at least one industry some good.
How about keeping the 10 commandments including the 4th . How about letting people live the way the feel best for their own life. I know we have a great president when there is so much hate and critical statement about him from the right wing. Yes even the whole world knows that obama is one of the greatest prsidents this world ha ever seen. Obama is far from being jesus but he has done many tings that jesus would want us to do. What would Jesus do? Jesus supported those in need. He would give away all his possessions. He would shelter those in need, feed the hungry, comfort those in need. Jesus was much more "liberal" in his deeds and speech. He would want people educated. He would want us to protect the natural world which he would consider as a gift from his father. Stewardship, love, giving, understanding.... What Jesus would not do? Jesus would not carry a gun but want us to lay them down. He would not turn his head from others but offer his love and guidance. Jesus would not start wars but try to find the best way to live with others. Jesus would not have hatred in his language but want all to love each other as they are. He would not want us to spoil the land but conserve it for the generations to come. So what sounds more like Jesus, the Religious right wing or the liberal conscious? The answer is pretty obvious. The religious right are religiously wrong in most of their agenda while the liberal conscious abide by more of the sayings of Jesus without having to worry about quoting the commandments. Think about that when you want to vote for the "more" religious people on the ballot. Jesus would have been a liberal democrat. In reality, Judas was really more of the right wing mentality. He was constantly critical of Jesus' giving and of who he associated himself with. Maybe the religious right should change their saying to, "What would Judas do?".
Jesus would want us to stand up for ourselves and not want big brother to take care of us
Actually you are right, Jesus would have given of himself and encouraged others to do the same. Problem is, Jesus was not the government!! Charity shouldn't come from the government, it should come from your fellow man. you know like in churches and nonprofits, the likes which exsist in this country as in no other country in the world. I don't remember in the bible where Jesus protested the roman government saying to spread the wealth around
One more thing Daniel, What would Jesus say if he were here and you had to explain to him why doctors are going into the womb of a women and killing life? Since you are the one who brought Jesus into the discussion, what would Jesus say about that?
There are some things listed here that our CHIEF EXECUTIVE hasn't displayed YET, Now where is our countrys FLAG thats supposed to be behind him when he's addressing PUBICLY???????????? oh LIKES TO SALUTE WHEN HE GET OFF MARINE ONE BUT CAN'T DO IT WHEN REVIEWING TROOPS, or showing a sliver of respect to ourfallen heros. I believe we need to get the average Joe in office so he can relate to the REAL ISSUES FACING EVERY AMERICAN SINCE THAT JOKE WAS SWORN IN and IS LEADING US TOWARDS SOCIALISM SINCE THATS ALL HES KNOWN.
I Think You Qualify
TRUE AMERICAN
It is time to change from REDNECK humor to TRUE AMERICAN Humor!
Only it isn't seen as HUMOR, but the correct way to LIVE YOUR LIFE!
If you feel the same, pass this on to your True American friends.
Y'all know who they are...
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You've never burned an American flag.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:
You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough TRUE AMERICAN in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the U S A ! Amen
AND YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN, IF YOU THINK THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SHOULD ONLY BE SUNG
IN ENGLISH!
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O'bama has not been good for my business. My automotive franchise was taken from me under this administration. So far, he has taken my business, is raising my taxes, forcing me to buy his healthcare, trying to take away my guns, failing to address immigration and spending our money like it grows on trees. I say overall he deserves an F.
IS THERE A GRADE BELOW "F" ????