Politics and Business: Is it Worth It?
Scott Van Duzer with President Barack Obama at Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant. Photo Courtesy of Pablo Martinez/AP. Above Promotions Company. Tampa, FL 2012
For many business owners, the opportunity to be featured in national news is one to jump on. But what if that opportunity involved a political official or candidate? Would you still take the chance of gaining more exposure for your business?
Scott Van Duzer, a registered Republican who voted for President Barack Obama in 2008, welcomed the Commander-in-Chief on Sunday, September 9th to his pizza restaurant in Ft. Pierce, FL. In an impromptu moment, Van Duzer in all of his 6 foot 3 inch glory, decided to bear hug President Obama. It would be hard pressed to remember a hug seen around the country like this one. It made the national news, while making those opposed to the president upset.
Since this bear hug was made public, Van Duzer has seen negative responses and even bad Yelp.com reviews over the gesture.
Now you may not be as excited or as strong as Van Duzer to see the U.S. President or any political figure come to your establishment as much as this owner was on Sunday, but would you even welcome such a parade of fan fare if given the chance?
Is it worth putting your business in the middle of politics for media exposure? Tell us your thoughts?
************************
Above Promotions is a full service publicity, marketing and promotions company, founded with the purpose to serve an array of clients that are looking to expand their presence in the marketplace. From a local to international market, Above Promotions Company can provide the exposure that goes above your expectations. Visit http://www.abovepromotions.com today.
Related articles
- Anderson Cooper Gets The Bear Hug Treatment (huffingtonpost.com)
- Obama bear hug sparks boycott of Florida pizza parlor by Republicans (thestar.com)
- Van Duzer enjoying fame after bear hug (wptv.com)
- Small-Business Squeeze: Obama Hugger Speaks Out (inc.com)
Wow, this is such a great question to ponder. I will go with my first reaction to Van Duzer and that was a resounding Yes! Not because of any political affiliation or lack thereof but it’s really a once in a lifetime moment.
Anyway, what would you do…rebuke the President of the United States if he came in your establishment? I know I wouldn’t and the all the president’s men were probably well aware of the good vs. bad of this visit.
There have been presidents I was not impressed with but nonetheless, I would embrace the moment…..at least if I were a pizza restaurant.
Brenda Ellison-MyInfoSnap
Now that would have been an interesting story! “Businessman Rebukes President Obama!”