ABA to Honor NPR at Wi6

The American Booksellers Association will honor NPR for its many years of comprehensive coverage of books, writers, and the bookselling and publishing industries during the Sixth Annual Winter Institute, which is made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor the Ingram Content Group and Wi6’s publisher sponsors. ABA will recognize NPR and its President and CEO, Vivian Schiller, at the evening reception that caps Legislative Day, on Wednesday, January 19. The reception, at the Library of Congress’ Madison Building, is co-sponsored by the Center for the Book and is open to all Wi6 attendees.

“ABA is honored to recognize NPR and its CEO, Vivian Schiller, for NPR's exemplary coverage of authors and books. Their ongoing and innovative stories about all facets of our industry has been a powerful force in encouraging reading for all ages and within all genres, and our members inevitably report a clear correlation between what’s being discussed on NPR and strong sales in their stores,” said ABA CEO Oren Teicher.

Schiller, a media executive and journalist with 25 years experience in the industry, joined NPR as president and CEO in January 2009. She heads all of NPR’s worldwide media operations, including the organization's partnerships with a network of more than 900 public radio stations that reach nearly 30 million people.

The January 19 reception will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Montpelier Room of the Library of Congress’ Madison Building, at 101 Independence Avenue, SE. All Wi6 attendees are invited to the reception, whether or not they take part in other Legislative Day activities.

Legislative Day kicks off with a keynote featuring Karen Mills, the administrator of the Small Business Administration, being interviewed by PBS NewsHour’s Jim Lehrer. The conversation between Mills – the highest-ranking official in the Obama administration for small business issues – and Lehrer will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today. The keynote will be followed by session examining effective steps retailers have taken to become politically engaged to benefit their businesses and their communities. At a working lunch, booksellers will be briefed on key legislative issues before heading to Capitol Hill for afternoon meetings with their elected officials.