One Minute with...Lynette Seymour
Torchlight | Summer 2009
Lynette has been devoted to and actively serving in the bookstore industry for over 30 years, and has been with Iowa State University Book Store since 1997. She dedicated 6 years of her time as President Elect, President, and Past President of the Mid-States Association of College Stores, served on the ICBA Board of Directors and also as Dean of the ICBA Textbook Institute, and currently serves on the NACS Foundation Board. Lynette has also committed her time throughout the years to participate on advisories, committees, and presented numerous educational sessions to do her part for the betterment of the industry.
Lynette has participated in the Salary & Benefit Survey year after year and takes the time to share some of the reasons why:
NF: Why does your store participate in the Salary and Benefit Survey?
LS:I have found the survey to be very beneficial over the course of my career in not only lobbying for salary increases for employees, but to also use as a guide when developing new positions. As with any survey the data is better when there are more participants. Even if our store does not have plans to make changes, it is important to participate for the good of the industry research. Having the survey at my finger tips just makes my job easier.
NF: How is your store able to use the information?
LS: - First it is a quick look to see where our pay scale is within the industry, but also we have used it to compare to similar positions in the private sector. As with most college stores, wages impact our budget, and it is important to be match the needs of the store to our competition in other industries.
NF: How do you feel about the time it takes to participating in the Salary and Benefit Survey?
LS: I personally respond to this survey, it is quick and easy, and well worth my time.
NF: Have you found your store's salary and benefits are comparable to like-size stores in the industry? How about stores similar in sales, location, etc?
LS: Yes, although one must take into account that each store operates differently. It helps to have additional information from other industry surveys in order to balance some results with similar stores.
NF: Is the data presented in the survey easy to interpret?
TS: Yes, it is pretty straight forward.
NF: Is the report a good value for its price?
LS: Yes.
NF: Would you recommend other industry members participate in S&B survey? Why?
LS: Yes, the more data we can share, the better the overall result.
NF: How did you first hear about the S&B report?
LS: I am sure through Campus Market Place, but I have been responding for so many years I am not sure.
NF: Is there any additional information you would like S&B surveys to include?
LS: Because I use this report along with other information, I find most of the information to be helpful. Contract managed stores are included, and I think it might be helpful to see what the break down is from each category, Contract, Institutional and Other.
Hear how Lynette Seymour and Randy Storm, CCR, Bookstore Manager, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, are using the Salary & Benefits Survey results www.nacs.org/public/events/calendar.asp?EventType=2. Download "Get Green! In Tough Times" and listen at your convenience. The free webcast archive is brought to you by the NACS Foundation in collaboration with the NACS Professional Development Research in Action series.
The 2009 Salary & Benefits Survey, based on data collected in 2008, is available for purchase. Visit the NACS Store www.nacs.org/nacs_store to get your copy of the latest industry compensation practices.