The General Assembly?s special session, the Middle East peace conference, this weekend?s Army-Navy football game and the start of the holiday shopping season all mean one thing for businesses in Annapolis ? ka-ching.
But, perhaps not as much ka-chinging as some would like.
“We?re seeing some increase, but it?s not like a windfall,” said Bob Burdon, president and CEO of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce.
Hotels, restaurants and retail outlets have dealt with increased traffic during the events, and Annapolis should benefit from being broadcast across the world this week, Burdon said.
“The Annapolis conference has been the foundation of what will hopefully be subsequent conversations between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” Burdon said. “There will be a lot of references to the name ?Annapolis.? The name is going to be out there in the forefront.”
Peace conference participants, journalists and security workers filled four downtown hotels, accounting for 800 rooms, according to the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau.
Larry Beiderman, general manager of the Loews Annapolis Hotel, said November is usually a slow time for hotels in the area, but the recent events and media coverage has boosted business.
“To get worldwide exposure on an international level is tremendous,” Beiderman said. “We feel great about it.”
Not all businesses benefited from Tuesday?s peace conference. Michael Moran, general manager of Phillips Seafood in Annapolis, said business was slower than usual because roads were closed and media reports warned people of increased traffic and security in the area. The restaurant served six or seven tables during the day Tuesday, about a quarter of a normal business day, Moran said.
Michelle Kownacki, owner of Paws Pet Boutique, also blamed those factors for a 50 percent drop in her sales Tuesday.
“I think it scared people off ? too much going on downtown, too much of a hassle to get down here,” Kownacki said.
While this weekend?s Army-Navy football game will be played in Baltimore, Burdon said Annapolis should benefit from an influx of Naval Academy alumni in town.
“Certainly, this will be a good week for us,” Burdon said.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
