Hoping for an Obama economic boost on Vineyard
Chilmark — Carolyn Minner is hoping — not expecting, but hoping nonetheless — for a visit from the president.
The road that runs past Gossamer Gallery, where Minner works, leads to the property at which President Obama and his wife and daughters will reportedly be staying during their vacation on Martha’s Vineyard.
And Minner thinks that the gallery’s inventory of Zimbabwean sculpture may appeal to the first family as they enter and exit.
“We are hoping that this will catch his eye,” she said, gesturing at the stone sculptures.
As the Obamas’ retreat draws near — they are scheduled to be on the island during the last week of August — even those businesses not anticipating a presidential visit expect to reap economic benefits.
“It’s going to have a very positive impact,” said Ron DiOrio, owner of Oak Bluffs gift shop Craftworks. “We anticipate that a high level of economic activity is certainly going to be incurred while they are here on the Vineyard.”
The most immediate economic impact will come as the president’s coterie, members of the media and intrigued civilians book lodging, rent cars and eat in local restaurants.
“Obviously, when you have any sort of celebrity come to the island, it attracts that many more people,” said Ann Le-Breton, owner of Edgartown Books.
The presidential presence should encourage more visitors to come to the island for just a day, said Bill Miner, owner of Sports Haven in Vineyard Haven.
“Certain businesses will be more affected than others,” he said. “The type of businesses that are impacted by day trippers: Souvenir ones with Obama T-shirts, ice cream shops, stores like those. My store will get a boost, but not as much as those kind of businesses.”
