Debbie Harvie, CCR

Donald "Buz" Moser

Mark Palmore

Melanie Sparks, CCR

George Masforroll

Laurie Bales

Tom Bauer , CCR

Lisa Gallivan-Reed

Katie Lee

Jackie Middleton

Jim Lance

Mike Roos

Lynette Seymour

Fred Weber

Brian Cartier, CAE

DeAnn Hazey

Jessica James

Kristi Runser

The NACS Foundation has had an amazing year so far! We are well on our way to identifying the vital steps required by college stores to stay in business through our College Store of 2015 research project in partnership with TNS Retail Forward. If you are attending your state and regional association meeting this fall, I highly recommend that you attend the "What's Next for Campus Retailers: A glimpse at the road ahead". You will learn more about interpreting the trends that are affecting our stores and get a sneak peak at preliminary findings before the CAMEX 2010 Mega Session. Out of this project will come priority checklists and roadmaps that can be customized to meet the needs of the various types of college stores, education and training opportunities, as well as business solutions for the industry.

On the fundraising front, the Annual Fund is progressing well, raising 34 percent of the $25,000 goal. The exiting news is that the Foundation received a leadership challenge grant from Pearson Higher Education. For every donation received by an industry leader, (comprising all NACS boards, committees, task forces, emeritus council, past presidents, and state and regional leaders) through December 15, 2009, Pearson will match it dollar for dollar up to $5,000! Won't you please help us by supporting the Annual Fund? It is easy to make a secure donation at www.nacs.org/donate.

On September 29 and 30 at the University of California in San Diego and at the NACS headquarters in Oberlin, OH, the NACS Foundation presented yet another "I Am" volunteer opportunity. I had the privilege of working with 20 talented and energetic college store buyers from across the U.S. and Canada who volunteered their time for this year's annual Phonathon to raise money for NACS Foundation's education, research, and professional development grants. Each of these areas supports the work of individuals within our industry. At the end of the two day event, we raised $92,923, in addition to the $35,710 raised in advance of the Phonathon!

This fabulous lineup of buyers solicited support from their vendors by highlighting the Foundation's fundraising events slated for CAMEX 2010 that provide companies with opportunities to increase their visibility during the trade show, while at the same time supporting the work of the NACS Foundation.

One of our "newbies," Jolene Sweet from Northwest College Bookstore in Powell, Wyoming, had this to say, "The Phonathon was my first experience volunteering for the Foundation and it was great! I had a chance to interact with buyers from throughout the U.S., talk about our store operations, as well as raise money to help my industry colleagues. I made new friends and hope to come back again next year!"

This year's NACS Foundation CAMEX fundraising events included the Bring A Buyer grant program, Online Auction, and Student Watch research. Any NACS Associate member who is interested in a partnership can visit the Foundation's web site to get started.

The funds generated from Foundation partnerships support industry educational programs, research, such as Student Watch and the College Store of 2015 project, as well as grants to individuals for CAMEX and regional and state associations. The NACS Foundation is grateful for the ongoing support that we receive from our vendor community and for the personal contributions of individuals throughout our industry. If you have not already made a donation to the Foundation please think about making a contribution today!!

Some of the most successful collegiate retailers set themselves apart during difficult times. Lead by creative thinkers, fueled by a passion to develop a culture encouraging innovation and driving growth, these retailers work tirelessly to overcome industry challenges. Innovative ideas, combined with strong partnerships, solid planning and focused execution enable these retailers to not only survive—but thrive.

These collegiate retailers are the driving force behind the NACS Foundation Innovation Achievement Award. The intent of this award is to both recognize innovation in the college store industry and to share new and creative ideas with others to strengthen the industry overall. Funded by the Martin D. Levine Endowment Fund, the award recognizes outstanding development, implementation, and creative entrepreneurship of a new and/or existing collegiate retailing program or service.

Previous submissions have focused on a number of topics including book rental programs, funding solutions, branding initiatives, research services, marketing concepts and many other key business areas.

Submissions for the 2010 Innovation Achievement Award are now being accepted online at www.nacs.org/public/foundation/award.asp. In addition to a $5,000 cash award to the winning submission, your store, your staff and your program will be recognized on a national level. To review previous winning submissions and review submission criteria, visit the www.nacs.org/public/foundation/ online. - Kristi Runser

The 2009-10 NACS Foundation Annual Fund campaign officially kicked off in September and continues through April. Building momentum from a tremendous first year campaign that exceeded goal and raised $22,000, the Foundation is aspiring to reach $50,000 this year.

The Annual Fund is an important resource for NACS store members. The fund provides a reliable source of unrestricted funds and allows the Foundation to be responsive to the needs of the college store industry. The generosity of donors makes it possible for the Foundation to follow its mission to provide key educational programs, critical industry research, and professional development training and grants. Striving to have a positive impact, the NACS Foundation will continue working to strengthen the college store industry. Along with funding essential educational programs, providing grants for programs and conferences, and underwriting costs for student consumer research, the NACS Foundation will reveal the results of its "2015" research project conducted this past year at a CAMEX Mega Session in Orlando, FL. The findings will play a vital role in building resources for the future success of collegiate retailing.

The Annual Fund continues to grow one donor at a time. No gift is too small or too large and every dollar received directly impacts NACS store members. The Difference is You! Show your commitment to our industry and contribute to the Annual Fund. Become an "I Am A Donor." Get started today by making an www.nacs.org/public/foundation/.
- Jessica James

The impact of the NACS Foundation has been felt far and wide for more than 25 years, funding in excess of $1.6 million for research and educational programs, and providing over 1,700 professional development grants to college store personnel. The Foundation is the only charitable organization dedicated to supporting the college store industry as a whole, but perhaps its greatest impact can be seen on individuals and their specific stores.

Laura Nole from Highline College Bookstore in Des Moines, Washington, is just one individual who has greatly benefited from the Foundation. Due to state budget cuts for travel in 2008, Laura was unable to attend CAMEX and believes her customers suffered as a result. Laura applied for and received a grant for CAMEX 2009, allowing her to maximize her time at the tradeshow, as well as network with her industry peers and learn new ideas during the education sessions.

"Thanks to the NACS Foundation and the great work the CAMEX team did, I was able to attend and purchase almost all the back-to-school items we needed," Laura said. "I was able to purchase items at lower prices, received better terms, and saved a bundle on freight costs by attending CAMEX."

The chance to network with colleagues at CAMEX 2009 also proved beneficial. "Over lunch," she explained, "I was able to engage in 'shop talk' and found even more bargains and products that I might not have noticed."

The CAMEX grant also gave Laura the opportunity to learn about important industry trends. According to Laura, "The educational sessions gave me the necessary tools to keep our store profitable in this new and exciting technical age."

Best of all, it's quick and easy to apply for grants. Simply review the NACS Foundation Grant and Eligibility requirements and complete the www.nacs.org/public/foundation/grant/default.asp. Thanks to the many donations from industry professionals like you, there are many stories just like Laura's. "I am so very grateful," Laura said. "I have the NACS Foundation to thank for all of this." - Tom Hoffa, Pearson Higher Education