The Skinny: March

PRESCIENT

Boston-based speaking agent Jodi Solomon, for signing a certain Harvard Law Review president in 1990. With his unusual backstory and exceptional gift for oratory, the young Barack Obama was a natural pick for Solomon, who promotes progressive speakers. As she does with all new clients, Solomon (shown above with Obama) discussed possible topics and reviewed the outline for his first gig, at St. Mark's School in Southborough. She would go on to book his appearances for the next 14 years, until he entered the U.S. Senate.
Looking to avoid the spotlight, Solomon kept mum on their connection during last year's campaign, but is now discussing it for the first time. "It gave [Obama] an opportunity to travel," she says, recalling how she arranged speeches for him nationwide, "and to understand the different places in the country and their different needs."

By the time Obama arrived in Boston for the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Solomon was of course well aware of his speaking prowess, and while others were stunned by his powerful address, she sat in the audience, unsurprised. "It was essentially a very similar speech [to what] he had been giving at the venues we had booked," she says.

Today Solomon is busy promoting new talents, like immigration activist Enrique Morones and environmental biologist Sandra Steingraber. Summing up her line of work, she borrows a phrase from the new president: "I see myself as an agent—and I use that as a pun—of change."
CHRISTINA KONINGISOR

DROPPING

The once scandalously steep prices of Boston liquor licenses. Not too long ago, restaurant operators looking to leave the biz were able to flip their licenses to newcomers for upward of $300,000 (a figure so high that Roxbury businessman Ron Wilburn turned to the FBI in frustration—and helped bring down Dianne Wilkerson). But according to industry specialists, just two-thirds of that price will now buy you full booze-serving rights.

In a down economy, it's simple supply and demand: More restaurateurs are getting out, and fewer want in. "We're very busy now; we have a lot of inventory," says Daniel Newcomb, principal of the Atlantic Restaurant Group, a brokerage that deals in both eateries and licenses. "It's a trying time."

Charlie Perkins, president of the Boston Restaurant Group, says he currently has three Boston licenses available, including one from the now-closed Bennigan's in the Transportation Building. "I've had two calls on the license," he says, with both discussions centering on the 200-grand figure.

"I've never seen it below $200,000 in the seven years I've been in business," Newcomb says. You get the feeling he soon might.
JASON SCHWARTZ

HAGGLING

Unabashedly frugal shoppers at upscale fashion stores like
Louis Boston, LuxCouture, and Stil. As the spring collections trickle in, cash-strapped fashionistas are reportedly demanding discounts and making offers, flea market–style, at posh shops around town. "One woman carrying a Birkin bag picked up a scarf and asked what I'd take if she paid cash," says Sari Brown, owner of Newton boutique LuxCouture. "It was already marked down to $185. I said, ‘One sixty-five? And I'll be losing money.' She said, ‘I'll think about it,' and walked out."

Last season, when department stores began slashing prices on fall collections as early as October, consumers quickly realized: Why pay full price? "I always ask [for a discount] at independent boutiques," confirms one avid shopper, who recently took home a white leather jacket from Stil for 10 percent less than marked. "But I'd never try to bargain at a restaurant. That's just embarrassing."
ALYSSA GIACOBBE