ABA Offers Emerging Leaders Scholarship

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The American Booksellers Association has announced the creation of an Emerging Leaders Scholarship, covering the cost of airfare to Portland, Oregon, and up to a three-night hotel stay at the 2007 Winter Institute headquarters hotel, the DoubleTree Portland, Lloyd Center. Booksellers at ABA member stores who are committed to furthering the success of independent bookselling are encouraged to apply.

Over the past year, the Emerging Leaders Group, which is led by four independent bookstore managers and buyers, has been actively working to identify, and foster the development of, the next generation of booksellers. The group has worked with ABA, the regional trade associations, and publishers to provide scholarships to bookselling events and to organize Emerging Leaders receptions in different areas of the country. Because ABA believes the mission of the Emerging Leaders is of great value to the wider community of independent bookselling, and the Winter Institute's comprehensive two-day education program has much to offer booksellers at all levels of experience, the association is once again providing an Emerging Leaders Scholarship to help cover the costs for one bookseller from an ABA member store who wishes to attend the second annual event, to be held on February 1 - 2, 2007, in Portland.

Booksellers can apply directly for the scholarship, or store owners may nominate their employees. Application is via e-mail to ABA Education Director Len Vlahos at [email protected]. The e-mail should identify the candidate and the store in which she or he works (with contact information). In addition, information should be provided about the candidate's role in the store, his or her feelings about bookselling, the candidate's potential for a long-term bookselling career, and how she or he might benefit from the Winter Institute. Applicants should put "EL Scholarship" in the e-mail subject line.

The Emerging Leaders Group will review the applicants and choose a winner. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 19, 2006. The scholarship consists of airfare to Portland from the winner's city of residence, and three nights' hotel accommodations at the DoubleTree Portland, Lloyd Center. Winners are responsible for ground transport and meals; however, most meals are included in the Winter Institute program.

ABA will also sponsor an Emerging Leaders reception at the Winter Institute. Watch BTW for details.