NAIPR Farewell Address

In my 10 years as President of NAIPR I've seen the book industry change dramatically. I realized that NAIPR needed to change right along with it, and adapt to new realities if it was going to remain a vibrant organization that served the essential interests of its members.

As a pass the baton to Eileen Bertelli as new President I feel very confident that NAIPR is in good hands. Other leaders have stepped forward in forging an inspiring partnership with Above The Treeline of Ann Arbor, MI. Midwest Director John Mesjak served diligently on the committee, bringing his expertise in technology and a wide knowledge of bookseller needs to the table. Robert Rooney stepped into a very difficult situation as a newly minted Executive Director, and he was instrumental in steering negotiations forward. Sean Concannon, formerly of the Parson Weems Group and ex-treasurer of the organization, served as Interim Executive Director and was a complete inspiration to me with his positive attitude, work ethic, and amazing abilities to get multiple tasks done in a timely and efficient way.

I consider these fine individuals to be my friends and colleagues and I'm very proud to have served NAIPR with them. I need to make a shout out to Paul Williams and his wife Livia Tenser. Paul was Executive Director of the organization until his untimely passing in 2010. To quote my obituary of Paul, "Paul was proactive in reforming and streamlining that organization so that it ran seamlessly. Independent reps across the country owe Paul a debt of gratitude as he shored up the finances of NAIPR and spearheaded an innovative electronic ordering system that saved countless hours for reps and booksellers alike. His legacy will live on as this system, Frontlist Plus Universal, will continue to serve the book selling community, saving time and money and being brilliant in its simplicity and execution." Now with the upgrades and integration with Above The Treeline, the Paul Williams legacy will live on. Love ya and miss ya, my man.

Livia Tenser was brilliant with the transition in the face of tragic circumstances, and NAIPR owes her big time. Livia realized how important NAIPR was to Paul, and she also understood that she was protecting a legacy of 30 years. I want to make clear that NAIPR never would have survived to continue to be the vibrant organziation it is today without Livia's help. Thank you, my dear friend.

And so I am moving on the publishing side of table after 30-plus years as a commission rep, and a charter member of NAIPR. My company, Wicker Park Press, is an associate member of NAIPR and has reps in each territory across the country. It is celebrating 10 years in business with the publication of a cookbook, Food with Attitude: Cooking the Cuban-Rican Way by Chef Papi Perez, and the anothogy All American Horror of the 21st Century: The First Decade 2000 - 2010 edited by Mort Castle.

In conclusion let me remind independent reps across the country that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Booksellers and publishers need our services, our expertise, and our passion for books. I believe in all of you, and will tell you to keep growing your businesses. NAIPR has your back! You can always call on anyone of our leaders for help in any situation. We have a great industry and now we are forging bravely ahead with new leadership, new ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose!

Carry on!

Eric L Miller
President Emeritus, NAIPR