BTW News Briefs

Bookseller Stockton Bagnulo Wins Competition for Indie Bookstore Business Plan

On Wednesday, January 23, Jessica Stockton Bagnulo was named the first place winner in the Power UP! Business Plan Competition, presented by Brooklyn Public Library's Business Library and sponsored by Citigroup, as reported in Stockton Bagnulo's blog The Written Nerd. As the top winner in the competition, Stockton Bagnulo will receive $15,000 and an in-kind package of services worth $5,000 for her plan to open an independent bookstore in Brooklyn. In her blog, Stockton Bagnulo noted that that "the judges were skeptical about the wisdom of opening an independent bookstore given all they'd heard, but I sold them on the idea with my data and my passion."

In addition, Stockton Bagnulo included her acceptance speech on her blog, where she described the worth and viability of independent bookstores: "I know there's a perception out there that independent bookstores are a dying breed, a bad bet. I know that's not true, because I've seen the ones that are working, that are doing vibrant wonderful things in their communities. And I've gotten so much support from people in my industry -- from publishers, from our trade organization, from other booksellers -- especially from other booksellers, who are such a great community to each other."

Powell's Plans to Expand the City of Books

On January 22, Powell's Books announced plans to expand and improve its Portland, Oregon, flagship store Powell's City of Books. The company is in conversation with its long-time architectural firm, Ernest R. Munch, to create a new store design that adds at least one floor of retail space on the southeast corner at West Burnside Street and 10th Avenue. Depending on design options presented by the firm, the southeast corner could grow by as many as three stories. Demolition of the Green and Blue Rooms is tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2010 with plans to reopen that quadrant in November 2010. The store and World Cup Coffee and Tea shop will maintain regular business hours and operations during the construction.

"I'm excited to present the Burnside Store improvements in 2010," said Emily Powell in a statement. "My hope is to continue inspiring and amazing visitors of The City of Books for years to come, an experience that my grandfather began and my father has cultivated for the past 37 years."

As well as adding more retail space for general book inventory, the additional floor(s) will be the new home of Powell's Technical Books, which is currently located two blocks east of the store at 33 NW Park Avenue. Powell's hopes that, by integrating Powell's Technical Books into the flagship store, it will add convenience and service for technical books customers. The 2010 store redevelopment is similar in size and scope as a construction project Powell's Books undertook in 2000, when it added three stories to the Orange Room on the northwest corner of Couch Street and 11th Avenue.

NEIBA Accepting Nominations for Isaac Epstein Scholarship 

The New England Independent Booksellers Association is accepting nominations for the Isaac Epstein Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Isaac "Ike" Epstein, owner of Huntington's Bookstore in Hartford, Connecticut, and past treasurer of NEIBA. Through the establishment of this annual scholarship the members of NEIBA honor Ike's commitment to developing professional booksellers in New England.

Applicants for the scholarship must presently be working full-time in a bookstore. Candidates may apply directly for the scholarship or be nominated by others in the book industry. The $1,000 scholarship is for bookseller professional development including attending BEA, an ABA school, a Paz & Associates school, or other approved curriculum. Taxes, if applicable, are the responsibility of the recipient.

Any bookseller nominating themselves should describe in detail their background, the reasons for their interest in the award and include a copy of their resume. Booksellers who are nominating someone else should indicate in detail why they are nominating this person. Nominations/applications must include all the following information for both the applicant and the nominator: Name, Store Name, Current Position, and Store Address. Send submissions to NEIBA, 297 Broadway, #212, Arlington, MA  02474 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Submissions must be received by February 22, 2008, to be considered.

David Prichard Named President and CEO of Ingram

On January 22, Ingram Book Group Inc. announced that David "Skip" Prichard is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Prichard, the former President and CEO of ProQuest Information and Learning, joined Ingram in July 2007 as Chief Operating Officer. He will succeed Jim Chandler, who is retiring from Ingram but will remain in an advisory capacity.

"[Prichard] will be a valuable part of the coordination of our Ingram content companies -- Ingram Book Group, Lightning Source Inc., and Ingram Digital Group -- which are poised now to take advantage of opportunities in the new digital world, adding important value for our customers," said John R. Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Book Group and Vice Chairman of Ingram Industries Inc. in a statement. "[Prichard] brings deep knowledge and a significant level of experience to us at this remarkable time in our company's history."

Prichard said he is looking forward to his new role with the Ingram team. "I am honored to serve this great company as CEO. With a talented leadership team in place, a growing portfolio of solid businesses, and significant industry opportunities, Ingram Book Group is well positioned to serve our publishing partners, retail customers, and libraries around the world. I couldn't be more excited about the future."

As COO at Ingram, which was a new position within Ingram Book Group, Prichard was responsible for overseeing finance, operations, and information technology. He also was involved in the development of new strategic directions for the group. He holds a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor's degree from Towson University.

National MS Society Names Finalists for Books for a Better Life Awards

The New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the finalists for its 12th annual Books for a Better Life Awards, honoring the best self-improvement books of 2007. The winners will be announced on Monday, February 25, 2008 during an awards ceremony in Manhattan, hosted by NBC Today Show Co-anchor Meredith Vieira, who is also an active member of the Chapter's Board of Trustees. Blindsided author Richard Cohen will also receive the MS Awareness Award, and Bantam Dell editor Toni Burbank, will be inducted into the Ardath Rodale Hall of Fame.

Five finalists are chosen from more than 400 entries for each of nine categories, including childcare/parenting, the First Book Award, inspirational memoir, motivational, psychology, relationships, spiritual, wellness, and personal finance. View the complete list of finalists at www.msnyc.org. A qualified panel of booksellers and magazine, book club and television book editors selects the finalists, and the winners are chosen by secret ballot of three expert judges for each category.