New start for popular coffee house
Stuart’s Coffee reopens in Public Market building

Stuart’s Coffee owners Garry and Maria Fleming, of Bellingham, said they have plans to reopen their business this month inside the Public Market at 1350 Cornwall Avenue.
This time, however, the popular hangout will have a different name and plenty of free parking.
For nearly 10 years, Stuart’s Coffee was home to a variety of community events that attracted such talent as Lummi violin player Swil Kanim, folk singer Brandy Carlyle, Whatcom Story Telling Guild founders Doug Banner and Lynn Spangler, as well as several local bands, artists and poets. The business closed last February – albeit much to the dismay of its loyal customers – after their property management company discontinued their lease.
More than 200 people attended a “Stuart’s Wake,” in February 2005 said Adam Ward, a Bellingham marketing consultant and regular customer there. Some were visibly upset and many customers gave Fleming their email addresses to be put on a notification list in case he found a new venue, Ward said.
Fleming said the two had tried to reopen the business in a different location after it closed but were unable to find a suitable location. After that, Fleming said he put the espresso equipment in storage, laid off his employees and took up work as a wine manager for Haggen stores in Bellingham.
“When Stuart’s ended, we looked around for spots and nothing opened, and we just kind of resigned it,” he said. “But we didn’t sell the stuff for some reason.”
So when Bellingham Public Market manager Gary Holloway called him with the proposal, Fleming said he was delighted.
“The more I think about it, there’s a good mix of people here and I think Stuart’s going to fit in really well,” he said. “It’s also really nice to be wanted because we weren’t where we were at before.”
Holloway said that when that particular space became vacant, choosing Fleming’s business to replace it was “a no brainer.”
“It had such a reputation for having a great atmosphere, for brewing a good cup of coffee and just being community oriented,” he said. “We also wanted to have all the events such as story telling, music and poetry nights that Stuart’s brought to the community. They also had a pretty big following that could also help other businesses in the market.
“It’s kind of like a happy marriage of two businesses that think alike.”
When asked what he thinks made Stuart’s such a popular hangout, Ward said it was the business’s inclusive atmosphere, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds inspired a “bottom-up” or “people-up” culture, rather than a “top-down” corporate culture.
“It had the feeling of a living room but it was also a living culture,” he said. “It was a place to hear music and make music, to see art and make art, to hear stories and tell stories.”
Fleming agreed. “We really came in with the idea of knowing how important a coffee house was to the community. Where people could meet and discuss, yell at each other, hug.”
Stuart’s at the Market will offer many of the same items as before – coffee, tea, pastries and desserts – but with less food and more organic items. Fleming said this is because several market vendors already sell food items nearby.
“It will be a lot smaller than before,” he said. “We also won’t be doing the food so that will be nice – especially since there’s going to be a deli right next to us.”
But the most important question: Will Stuart’s still have the same well-loved furniture?
“Yes, we will have couches,” Fleming said. “Though they will be new --– or at least gently used.”
Stuart’s at the Market will be open seven days a week, serving late-night coffee addicts until 10 p.m. The grand opening is scheduled for mid-March.
Holloway said Stuart’s at the Market is the ninth business to join the Public Market since it opened in May 2005.
-by Tara Nelson

New mill comes to Skagit County
Sierra Pacific Industries is building a $90 million sawmill and co-generation plant in Burlington.
To feed the mill, the company has also bought 147,000 acres of former Crown Pacific timer lands. Crown Pacific filed for bankruptcy in 2003.
“This is not like your grandfather’s mill,” says Sierra Pacific spokesman Ed Bond.
He explains that the company can “fully utilize all the wood that comes into the mill.” What doesn’t get turned into lumber is used by the co-generation plant to create energy for the mill. Excess energy is sold for use on the power grid. Sierra Pacific built a similar mill in Aberdeen in 2003.
The family-owned business prides itself on providing family wage jobs with health benefits and a 401k retirement plan. The Burlington operation will employ 200-plus, Bond said. It is expected to start production by the end of the year.
Bond says the company looks forward to adding to Skagit County’s economic base.
“We appreciate the support we have had from the county,” Bond added.

Puget Sound Business Systems takes new direction, new name
Puget Sound Business Systems, Inc. is reinventing itself. Currently a copy center and Savin office equipment dealership, the company is merging with First Choice of Redmond to become the largest Savin dealership in the state. At the same time, their Freeland location will continue as a copy and office supply center, along with expansion into new services.
Owners Ken and Virginia Bloom will change the name of the copy center to Sound Business Center. Virginia will continue to oversee the Freeland store, which will expand to include vinyl signs, a greater selection of office supplies, scrapbooking materials and a UPS shipping center.
Puget Sound Business Systems has been in business for 12 years. “We’ve grown very consistently throughout that entire time,” said Virginia. As the company has grown, they’ve listened to, and made a list of, customer requests. With the expansion of the Freeland store’s services the Blooms are able fulfill many of those requests.
Ken will continue with sales for Savin in Island County and western Skagit County out of a new Oak Harbor First Choice office set to open in early March. Currently the Blooms operate the office and service center in Freeland and another office in Mount Vernon. The Oak Harbor showroom will feature the newest in digital office equipment, said Virginia, including copiers that can scan and email documents.

Therapeutic Massage Center moves
Therapeutic Massage Center, Inc., starts its ninth year in practice at a new location. Now located at 511 E. Magnolia in Bellingham, the new location provides better parking and easier access.
Owner Paul D. Perry, LMP, is certified in British sports therapy, repetitive use injury therapy, Touch for Health and other modalities. Perry’s staff includes: Rhys Webb, LMP, certified in British sports therapy and medical massage; Susan Guttzeit, LMP, certified in repetitive use injury therapy and active isolated stretching; and Clare Bruce, OM, who handles medical billing. The Therapeutic Massage staff specializes in all types of injury treatment, but also provides full-body relaxation massage. The office accepts most major medical insurance.

Avenue Bread offers Fairhaven delivery
Avenue Bread and Cafe in Fairhaven is now offering free delivery in the Fairhaven business core. “We’ve discovered that a lot of these business owners simply can’t leave the store or office for lunch,” said Wendy Defreest, co-owner of the company with her husband John. “Our new sandwiches-on-foot will make it easy for them.”
The downtown-based cafe opened its second location in the historic district last fall and business has been good. Delivery service will help keep the dining area from overcrowding during peak times. There are 240 businesses in the 4-block Fairhaven core.

Partnership to generate cross-border research
The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) at Western Washington University (WWU) will work together in a partnership with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) on projects of vital importance to states and provinces in the Pacific Northwest.
The BPRI and PNWER will work together to identify research topics and pursue research funding.
“This collaboration will result in top-notch academic research being available to policy-makers – on both sides of the northern border – as they consider cross-border issues crucial to us all,” said WWU President Karen W. Morse.
“As a result of this partnership, regional decision-makers will soon have unbiased, foundationally sound information from which to build long-term plans for tourism, security, trade, water policy and a host of other vital topics,” Morse said.
The BPRI focuses on issues related to transportation, trade, environment, mobility and security affecting the U.S.-Canadian border. The PNWER, based in Seattle, is the only regional statute-based planning and facilitation organization to deal with transboundary policy and planning.

Study to determine economic impact of the arts
Seeking economic impact information specific to the arts, Allied Arts of Whatcom County has signed on as a project leader in Arts and Economic Prosperity II, a national study to assess the economic impact of spending by the nation’s nonprofit arts organizations and the event-related spending of their audiences during fiscal year 2005-2006. The study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, will build on previous national economic impact efforts (1994 and 2000) to document in unprecedented scope and detail the key role played by the nonprofit arts industry in strengthening local economies. Four key areas of Bellingham area’s nonprofit arts industry will be examined: full-time-equivalent jobs supported; personal income paid to residents; revenue generated to city and county government; and revenue generated to the state of Washington.

Information technology firm moves to Delft Square
HiCAST, a company specializing in computer services, media capturing and Web site development, moved Feb. 1 to Delft Square in downtown Lynden.
Owners Christopher and Marian Clizbe said the new store provides easier access for customers and more room for HiCAST’s service lab, where they perform computer diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairs and upgrades. Christopher Clizbe, a service manager with 22 years of experience in information technology and technical support, said HiCAST will continue to offer onsite and remote services to local residents and businesses.
HiCAST recently became a reseller and now sells computers, hardware and software per customer order.
The Clizbes launched their business in California’s Silicon Valley in 1996 and returned to Washington three years ago. They both believe strongly in the value of giving back to their community and enjoy volunteering their services to private and nonprofit organizations.

Marina Restaurant sold to Anthony’s
John Arntsen, owner of the Marina Restaurant and Budd Gould, owner of Anthony’s Restaurants announced the sale of the Marina Restaurant to Anthony’s at the end of January. The Marina Restaurant is located in Bellingham’s Bellwether on the Bay and overlooks Squalicum Harbor. It remained open through February.
The Marina Restaurant, which opened in 1988, has been a leader in the Bellingham restaurant scene.
“Anthony’s has been a wonderful community partner and I know I will be leaving the restaurant in good hands,” said Arntsen.
Anthony’s currently operates Anthony’s HomePort at Squalicum Harbor in the Port of Bellingham’s Bellwether on the Bay development.
“We are excited to open a second waterfront restaurant in Bellingham,” says Anthony’s owner, Budd Gould. “John leaves us with a wonderful opportunity to continue the restaurant tradition at this location. The Marina site has a fabulous view and is perfect spot for our new waterfront concept.”
Anthony’s will close the restaurant after they take over in March for remodeling with the anticipation of reopening in June. Anthony’s has a history of successfully operating multiple restaurants as neighbors, doing so in Everett, Edmonds, Des Moines, and on Pier 66 in Seattle.

3D nets ‘gold’ status with Microsoft
3D Corporation is pleased to announce it has been awarded Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program. 3D, an innovative advanced technology firm, is the only technology service company in Whatcom and Skagit counties recognized for this achievement.
“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in someone who can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the worldwide partner sales and marketing group at Microsoft Corp.
“We are pleased to have attained Gold Certified status with Microsoft. With this advancement we will further leverage our expertise and relationships to provide the highest quality services for our clients,” said Dave Koshinz, CEO of 3D Corporation.

Northwest Hot Springs wins regional dealer of the year
Northwest Hot Spring Spas was recently honored with the 2005 Pacific Northwest Territory Dealer of the Year award by their manufacturer, Hot Spring Spas.
Northwest Hot Springs was chosen out of all Hot Spring dealers in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii and British Columbia. This award is based on a number of criteria including the loyalty and satisfaction of current customers, how professional all employees are both in and out of the store and if their service technicians display excellent expertise in the field.
Northwest Hot Springs has been serving Northwest Washington for 21 years with locations in Burlington and Bellingham.

Port funds Small Business Development Center
The Port of Bellingham Commission has approved an agreement with Western Washington University to provide funding for the WWU’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rural Business Outreach Program. This program will provide business counseling services to the small cities and rural areas of the county for three years.
2006 is the fourth year the port has funded a full-time business development specialist and other SBDC programs.
“As one of our goals in providing economic development assistance in Whatcom County, this effort provides one-on-one counseling for business expansion and retention services,” Commission President Jim Jorgensen said.
Tom Dorr, director of the SBDC, reported that in 2005 it counseled more than 180 rural businesses and created or retained over 140 jobs. These results brought in close to $5 million in new investment in rural Whatcom County.
The port will provide $80,000 a year and the updated agreement extends through December 31, 2006.

Businesses prosper with help from WWU Small Business Development Center
Last year, the Western Washington University College of Business and Economics’ Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helped local businesses save or create 478 jobs and assisted clients in obtaining over $19 million in loans and new investments.
Despite a challenging economy, numerous local businesses saw profits grow, in part with help from the services and programs offered through the center, including business counseling, peer support programs and educational events such as seminars and the annual Whatcom Business Conference.
The three business development specialists at the SBDC counseled 448 clients last year. The local SDBC program impacted more than 3,000 local businesses with counseling, roundtables, seminars and information transfers. The SBDC helped leverage every dollar of local funding to $37 in new investments for the local community. The SBDC has counseled more than 3,400 businesses in the last eight years and helped generate over $70 million in new investments.
“The SBDC is one of many economic development service providers in Whatcom County. Our goal is to help existing businesses that are struggling to overcome hardships and problems, while also helping thriving businesses to expand. We focus on helping businesses create and save jobs – jobs that employ our community neighbors and families,” said SBDC Director Tom Dorr.
The Small Business Development Center is a non-profit organization operating in Whatcom County since 1984.

Clinton store’s purchase was serendipity
Peggy and Mark Hockett wanted to move out of California to Washington and didn’t really know what they’d do once they got here. Then they found Serendipity Gifts in Clinton on Whidbey Island. The business was for sale, so Peggy, a former accountant, and Mark, a former inspector for the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, bought the store on October of last year.
The less hectic pace of the island agrees with Peggy. “The people are great. There’s no traffic,” she remarked.
The couple is looking to expand the shop’s merchandise with products such as sugar-free chocolates and collectibles.
Serendipity Gifts has been in business for 23 years.

City of Bellingham’s Building Services Division renamed
As of February 1, the City of Bellingham’s Building Services Division changed its name to the Development Services Division of the Planning and Community Development Department. The change reflects a shift for the department, which recently reassigned all planning division regulatory staff to the development services division.
“This name change results in a better reflection of what actually happens in the Permit Center where permit applications and reviews are conducted by four separate branches of the city: Planning, building, public works and fire, not just building services,” explained John Asmundson, Permit Center Manager. The Development Services Division, which provides staff to the Permit Center, addresses all aspects of development within the City of Bellingham, including zoning, fire, building and public works regulations.

New way to reserve meeting, banquet space
A new online reservation system, Facilities in the Northwest (facilitiesinthenw.com), is ready to help guests locate the perfect venue for the perfect event. Facilities Northwest will help locate the venue for events whether it be a corporate party, wedding, meeting or social celebration. The site allows guests to reserve one of a number of beautiful venues across the Whatcom and Skagit county areas at their convenience. Meeting and banquet facilities that could benefit from an online reservation system are encouraged to inquire about Web site’s services.

Tax time help now available at Jackson Hewitt’s Bellis Fair location
A new Jackson Hewitt Tax Service location opened its doors in January. Located at the Bellis Fair Mall near Macy’s, the office is open seven days a week to provide customers with quality tax preparation products and services.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service provides its customers with full-service individual federal income tax preparation through its proprietary computerized software system. Customers can take advantage of free electronic filing (IRS e-file) when Jackson Hewitt prepares their tax return, as well as several other financial products.

Tube Time adds free Wi-Fi access
Tube Time, a downtown Bellingham business that provides an indoor play area for children, recently added free Internet access and expanded its operations to seven days a week.
Patrons of Tube Time, located next to the Bellingham Public Market on Cornwall Avenue, now can connect to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. Tube Time also added a quiet room for adults as part of a major renovation. Besides wireless Internet access, the room features a large window for keeping an eye on children.
“Parents, grandparents and babysitters can check their e-mail, write letters and get some work done while their children are enjoying a healthy experience in a safe environment,” said co-owner Dale VanderYacht.
Tube Time has separate areas that appeal to a wide range of children. Many enjoy scrambling through a network of tubes and slides. Toddlers can explore a playhouse, go down a short slide and play with soft, oversized blocks. Older children may be attracted to games in the arcade.

Local CPA firm experienced rapid growth in 2005
Varner Sytsma & Herndon, CPAs has added 900 additional square feet to their offices on Rimland Drive in Bellingham’s Barkley District. Rapid growth and four additional team members in 2005 necessitated the expansion. The firm intends to remodel their offices to better integrate the new space with their existing offices in June 2006. They will utilize additional offices vacated by a previous tenant in their current configuration until then.

1890 Caramel Corn Co. moving
After more than 16 years in business at Bellis Fair Mall, 1890 Caramel Corn Co. closed its doors January 31. The store will be moving to a new location, although that location has yet to be finalized, said Perry Neumann, owner.

Johnson Team earns award for Web site
The Muljat Group’s Johnson Team has been honored for its real estate Web site by The Real Estate Library, Inc.
The Johnson Team’s Web site – www.JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com – earned the Pure Gold award from Real Estate Library. Only 21 Web sites in the state have qualified for the award, which is based on a site’s design, interactivity and content.
The Johnson Team, headed by Rich and Lylene Johnson, recently updated its site. It now includes search capability for all properties listed for sale in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties; in-depth information about Whatcom County cities, schools and unincorporated communities; tips to assist buyers and sellers through the sale process; and local housing and economic statistics.

Blue Sea Systems introduces new battery switch
Bellingham-based Blue Sea Systems, a manufacturer of marine electrical products, has introduced a new line of battery switches. The m-Series (mini) battery switch is available in four models and offers flexible mounting and configuration options. Its 300-Amphere current capacity is suitable for outboards and small inboard gasoline engines. Blue Sea Systems was founded in 1992.

Launching Success celebrates new store
A thank you party and new location celebration is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the new Launching Success store, 133 Prince Avenue. There will be prizes, music, and a chance to mingle with authors and workshop presenters. The public is invited. Doors reopened on February 14 after a three-day move.

Celebrating one year of breathing easy
The Relaxation Station in downtown Mount Vernon celebrated its first anniversary in February. Owners Allison and Gene Morelan have Skagit County’s only oxygen bar. The shop also offers automated massage chairs and a hydrotherapy massage bed.

Horizon Financial earnings grow 29 percent
Horizon Financial Corp. reported continued growth in commercial loans and core deposits resulted in record profits in both the third fiscal quarter of 2006 and year-to-date. Net interest margin expanded for the fourth consecutive quarter, contributing to earnings per share growth of 29 percent in the quarter and 21 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
“We have improved our profitability, validating our strategy to manage growth and focus on higher-margin business,” said V. Lawrence Evans, Horizon’s chairman and CEO.

Brown & Cole Stores discontinue card program
After hearing its customers want simpler ways to save money, Brown & Cole Stores decided to discontinue its Rewards card program at the end of January.
“Over the past year, we have been listening to our customers who want an easier way to save money at our stores and who don’t want to be bothered with a card program,” said Jane Hubrig, director of advertising and loyalty programs for Brown & Cole.
In its place, Brown & Cole, whose stores include Cost Cutter, Food Pavilion, Everson Red Apple, Thrifty Foods, Market Place and Food Depot, have launched a program called Over 1,000 Things on Sale. The program guarantees at least 1,000 generously discounted items on sale. Sale items will change weekly and no card or membership is required to take advantage of them.

Botanical Laboratories expands lab
Botanical Laboratories, Inc. (BLI) completed an expansion that doubles their quality laboratory space in December. BLI added new instruments to their testing capabilities and added centralized offices to accommodate the growing quality department and staff.
The expansion is expected to serve BLI well with anticipated growth and increased production and testing requirements. This department has now grown to a total of 15 employees consisting of chemists, biologists, and product and materials specialists.
“This expansion is a result of BLI’s commitment to product quality and maintaining the highest quality control standards possible. BLI has invested in new and advanced laboratory equipment and training to support our expanding business and quality staff,” says Mary Beth Watkins, director of scientific affairs for BLI.
Botanical Laboratories, Inc., is a manufacturer of complementary medicine and nutritional supplements. Headquartered in Ferndale, it employs approximately 100.

GeoEngineers acquires High Desert Geo-Technologies
GeoEngineers, a local Bellingham earth science and technology company, announced that it has acquired High Desert Geo-Technologies, Inc. High Desert is a Bend, Ore., company that specializes in custom GIS solutions and services for property, asset and land management. GeoEngineers is a national earth science and technology company with headquarters in Redmond.
Terms of the sale, which took effect on Feb. 1, were not disclosed. The Bend company will become GeoEngineers’ 14th office. The High Desert staff will remain as part of GeoEngineers.

PRWeb partners with Pheedo
California-based Pheedo, an RSS advertising and analytics company, and PRWeb, an Internet-based newswire service based in Ferndale, have unveiled a new content-based RSS ad format that displays current press release headlines and abstracts. RSS, Really Simple Syndication, is a Web-based format for content distribution.
From the PRWeb database of current press releases, Pheedo pulls relevant content on a contextual basis and places it in the ad unit within the RSS feed. The content spans across all categories of Pheedo ad network publishers. Clicking on the ad directs the user to the corresponding content on the PRWeb site.
Recent Pheedo research shows that RSS ads garner a click-through-rate over seven times higher than that of traditional online ads.

Haggen, Inc., earns awards from Grocers Association
Haggen, Inc. recently received two Creative Choice Awards for advertising from the National Grocers Association.
Haggen’s “Angus Beef” commercial was honored as the industry’s Best Radio Ad for 2005. This is the company’s first national award in radio advertising after winning eight national first-place awards in print advertising. Haggen also earned an honorable mention (runner-up) award for Best Public Service Campaign with its promotion of a food drive. The company also received an honorable mention in this category last year.
The two national awards give Haggen a total of 20 since 1999.

Coastal Community Bank opens Freeland branch office
Coastal Community Bank celebrated the opening of its brand-new permanent branch location on Main Street in Freeland in February with a month of grand opening festivities.
In just over a year since opening in a very small temporary office, Coastal’s staff has grown from three to five, and local residents and businesses have responded enthusiastically to the community-focused bank.
Sarah Hogarth, a long-time South Whidbey resident and banker joined the branch as manager.
Coastal Community Bank CEO Lee Pintar hopes the community will also appreciate having the attractive building enhancing downtown Freeland. “It turned out even better than we hoped,” he said. “It’s just beautiful, and we’re very proud to be part of the South Whidbey community.”

Brown & Cole Stores partner with Straitshot
Brown & Cole Stores has selected the Straitshot Intelligent Private Network (IPN). Designed to deliver superior security and network performance without the high cost or complexity, Brown & Cole Stores will deploy the Straitshot network at its 30 grocery store locations across the Pacific Northwest.
“As the state of Washington’s oldest family business, we strive to deliver the highest levels of service to our customers,” said Craig Cole, president of Brown & Cole Stores. “By partnering with Straitshot, we now have a high performance network for servicing our employees.”
Using Straitshot, Brown & Cole Stores provides their employees with secure access to important applications, including electronic payments, pricing, inventory, Citrix thin-client applications, and the company intranet. In the future, the supermarket chain also plans to deploy VoIP.

New occupational safety and health degree at Edmonds CC
Due to private and public employers’ need for trained workers, Edmonds Community College now offers a two-year occupational safety and health technician associate of applied science-T degree.
More trained technicians are needed to replace retiring workers. Updated skills are also required to respond to homeland security and emergency preparedness issues. Nationwide, employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014, reflecting the continuing public demand for a safe and healthy work environment. Industry growth and the trend for more self-enforcement will also create jobs for technicians.
In the Puget Sound, 50 employers across a variety of public and private industries reported the need to hire about 30 full-time safety and health technicians over the next five years, according to a college labor market survey.

Martial Arts school moves to State Street
Bellingham Martial Arts instructor Chris Strelau has re-opened his studio at a new location.
Chinese Martial Arts Academy, formerly Bellingham Kung Fu/Tai Chi Club, is now located at 1705 North State Street, across from Bellingham Health & Fitness.
“Right now we offer kids classes in Kung Fu, and adult and seniors classes in Kung Fu and Tai Chi,” says Strelau. “In this new location we will also be able to expand our services, including selling Martial Arts equipment and training weapons. We’re also excited about adding morning classes in addition to our afternoon and evening schedule.”
Strelau has owned and operated Martial Arts schools in Bellingham since 1994. He regularly travels to Shanghai, China, to study under two accomplished “sifus,” or masters, allowing him to hone his skills and renew his passion for Martial Arts.

Western’s bookstore recognized
Western Washington University’s Associated Students Bookstore has won two awards for excellence, in course book and general book management.
The Associated Students Bookstore is a campus-operated store that benefits students with a 10 percent discount on all textbooks and by returning all net revenues to the campus.
The awards recognize textbook manager Robert Perks, general book buyer Leigh Ann Giles and bookstore manager Lara Mann for five years of continuous improvement.
Bookstore managers have aimed to increase the availability of lower priced used books for students and to encourage the readership of general books.
Between the 2000-2001 and 2004-2005 academic years, the AS Bookstore:
• Increased used course book sales by 38 percent compared to a 15 percent increase in total course book sales;
• Increased the ratio of used to total course books from 27.2 percent to 32.7 percent; and
• Increased general book sales by 72 percent.