An Open Letter From ABA President Michael Tucker

Dear Fellow Booksellers:

Following the first meeting of the newly elected ABA Board, I wanted to take this opportunity to report to you about your association's current priorities and initiatives, especially since our new management team is now fully in place in Tarrytown.

First and foremost, ABA understands that economic conditions remain difficult, and the Board is fully committed to doing all that we can to help ABA members survive these very tough times. As you recall, we reduced member dues by 50 percent for 2009, and, we are proud to be able to say, concurrent with that ABA has been able to maintain most of its programming for members.

One major initiative is BookExpo America, and, despite some dire pre-show predictions, more than 1,600 ABA member booksellers attended this year's BEA in New York, and the feedback we have received is that many found the slightly smaller show a very productive event. ABA again offered a strong, full day of educational programming. For the first time in several years, that programming took place at the convention center, which allowed ABA members to take advantage of the panels and seminars organized by BEA and others.

As I hope you have read in some important communications from the Board, ABA is working to produce a new, updated ABACUS study on bookstore operations. A major part of those messages -- and I strongly reiterate it here -- is that your participation in this unique benchmarking study is indispensable. ABACUS is a key to productivity and profitability that has no parallel, and we hope you will participate to ensure that it continues. Thank you for becoming part of this important process; you can find more information here.

At our recently concluded meeting, the Board made some minor changes to our "Ends Policies," which, as you may know, represent under our form of governance the core statement of what ABA ought to be focused on. Though the changes are not dramatic, they do reflect a refinement and adjustment that keep ABA in sync with member needs and the rapidly changing business landscape. The updated Ends Policies appear at the end of this letter and on BookWeb.org.

One of the most discussed issues in the evolving bookselling scene is the growing importance of digital publishing and e-content, and ABA is taking concrete steps to help members participate in the digital world -- including the soon-to-be launched sale of e-content on IndieCommerce websites, discussions with manufacturers of e-book readers regarding hardware sales in indie bookstores, and more.

There is currently a vigorous national debate regarding both health care reform and how any reforms should deal with small businesses. At our recent meeting, the Board addressed this issue, and to help inform our ongoing discussion regarding health care reform and how it affects indie booksellers, the Board is asking that you participate in the short online survey that you recently received by e-mail. All of the information gathered will be kept strictly confidential, and no information will be tied to any individual store that participates in the survey. Your input is critical, and it will only take a few minutes to participate in the survey. Many thanks for your help with this.

As I'm sure you've noticed, the IndieBoound movement is growing, and the increasing number of media stories about the many "Independence Week" promotions and other Shop Local initiatives is just one indication that the message that locally owned indie businesses help build and maintain strong communities is being heard nationwide. IndieBound is creating great new tools -- including the popular IndieBound iPhone app and online book lists -- to help spread the word, and ABA continues to reach out to other constituencies to build an even stronger network. Most recently, ABA CEO Oren Teicher gave a very successful presentation to indie music retailers about the potential in greater collaboration among indie businesses, and these efforts will continue.

The fight for E-Fairness has never been more important. Happily, Rhode Island recently joined New York State in legislating a level playing field and ensuring that all retailers obey the law in collecting sales tax for online sales. We may have additional victories before this legislative season ends in other states, but, no matter what happens in the coming weeks, this is in no way the end of the fight. ABA will continue to aggressively advocate for e-fairness nationwide, and your help in this cause is critical. Bookselling This Week will be closely following this issue, and ABA will be reaching out to you in the future for your help. In the end, the most persuasive voice to lawmakers comes from you. If you are not already, I hope that you will become engaged in this issue and, when the opportunity arises, will let your elected officials know just where you stand on sales tax equity.

ABA staff are currently planning the association's participation in the upcoming fall trade shows, including our educational offerings. Both Board members and senior staff will be attending the regionals, which are always stimulating, informative, and fun. We hope to see you there!

For all of us booksellers, these have been challenging months. In times like this, a sense of community and professional collegiality is more important than ever. In addition to its programming and initiatives, ABA is also about connection and support. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, I very much hope that you will contact either me or ABA staff. My e-mail address is at the end of this letter, and here's a link to ABA staff.

I hope the remainder of the summer brings you both book sales and an opportunity for some rest and relaxation before the holiday season!

Sincerely,

Michael Tucker
[email protected]
President, American Booksellers Association
Books Inc.
San Francisco, California

AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION
ENDS POLICIES

July 2009

I. ABA member bookstores will be professionally operated and profitable, and income derived from regular member’s fees will be equal to, or less than those of comparable trade associations.

1. Members will have business skills to be professionally operated and profitable.
   
   • Members will attend multi-leveled informational and educational programs presented around the country.
   • Members will have multiple networking opportunities that foster a constructive exchange of ideas.
   • Members will have access to financial and/or consulting services, and access to relevant operating financial models to use as tools in the operation of their businesses.
   • Members will use multiple access vehicles, made available by technological advances, to educational and informational material.
   • Members will be aware of, and have access to, new business models, systems, technologies, and services.

2. Member bookstores will be the preferred marketplace for consumers.
   
   • Consumers will recognize the value of independent bookstores to their communities.
   • Independent Bookstores will be part of a community of local independent businesses nationwide.

3. Member bookstores will be vital partners to publishers, wholesalers, and vendors.
   
   • The general bookselling/book publishing community will be aware of matters of concern to independent booksellers.
   • The wider bookselling and publishing communities will use and view the American Booksellers Association as a source of relevant and timely statistical, research, and marketing information.
   • Members will constitute a vital portion of the U.S. book market

4. Member bookstores will be heard on legal and regulatory issues, including First Amendment, free expression, and fair trade practices.
   
   • Member bookstores will be represented within groups of appropriate allies dealing with issues of literacy, culture, and the development of new readers.

5. Existing and potential professional independent booksellers will use programs that facilitate entry into the complex world of independent bookselling.