|
Dear friends,
We hope your 2021 is off to a great start! Here at Binc, we’ve hit the ground running with assistance inquiries, donations, and new donors remaining stronger than we’d typically expect at this time of year.
 January marks the changing of the guard for our Board of Directors, and we are thrilled to welcome Kuo-Yu Liang to the Board. Kuo-Yu has spent 30+ years in the books and comics business, and has recently launched Ku Worldwide, a pop culture publishing consultancy.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Kuo-Yu. The depth and breadth of knowledge that he brings from the book and comics industries is immensely valuable as we help booksellers and comic retailers to navigate the volatile retail landscape,” said Pam French, Binc’s executive director. “We especially look forward to benefiting from his strategic planning expertise to guide the Foundation’s continued growth.”
Huge thanks (and keep in touch) to outgoing Board members Jen Reynolds and Lori Tucker-Sullivan. We are incredibly thankful for all you’ve contributed to the Foundation’s growth and wellbeing.
We are also delighted to officially welcome Kera Yonker as development coordinator. Kera joined the team in November, and jumped right in to help with our record-setting year-end fundraising campaign which raised more than $160,000.
Read the full press release.
Meet the full board and check out their cool new Zoom picture on our website.
|
|
Seeking Committee Volunteers
Binc’s committees play a vital role in the Foundation’s operations, reviewing grant applications, contributing to strategy, and helping Binc increase fundraising and outreach efforts in the book and comic communities. Most committee positions require only a few hours a month and provide an opportunity to network with industry professionals. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more, please reach out to us via info@bincfoundation.org and we’ll be happy to provide more information.
2021 Standing Committees
Finance, chaired by Christie Roehl
Provides oversight of the finances and financial practices of the Foundation.
Development and Communications, chaired by Annie Philbrick
Review and provide recommendations on fundraising and communications strategies. Currently, the Development and Communications Committee is working on plans to celebrate the Foundation’s 25th anniversary.
Program Committee, chaired by Ken White
Review, research and recommend changes and additions to Binc's assistance programs. Additional availability is required to review and approve grant requests.
|
|
|
The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide was so popular that we’ve retooled it and are inviting bookstores and comic shops to showcase one product on the page. Clicking a link takes shoppers back to the originating store, where they can complete their purchase or (hopefully) fill up their shopping cart.
Bookstores and comic shops that would like to be included, please email Robin at Robin@bincfoundation.org and we’ll get you set up.
Visit the new shopping page.
|
|
Program Update from Kit & Kate
|
|
Prepare for the Next Round of Government Funding & COVID Relief
 We heard from a number of book and comic stores that they weren’t able to take advantage of these programs the first time around. Don’t be left out on the new funds soon to be available. Now is the time to plan your strategy!
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Some good changes have been made for round #2 of these forgivable loans. Contact your bank or credit union as soon as you can.
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) You can now file for this refundable tax credit AND a PPP loan. Contact your bookkeeper, payroll processor, or tax preparer.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) This round has set aside funds targeted to small lending institutions to help minority-owned businesses. Contact the Small Business Association (SBA) for more information.
Check out this comprehensive guide to Small Business Emergency Loans & Grants from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, states may have funds available. Check with your state’s Economic Development department.
|
|
|
Keeping a store open following a heartbreaking loss
A store owner recently contacted Binc after the death of their spouse. As we hear from many small store owners, they had relied on the spouse's income for household expenses and put store earnings back into the business.
As the store owner was working out the finances of how to keep the store open and manage household expenses, the pandemic hit forcing the store to close. The store location did not allow for curbside pickup, which meant that any business they continued to do would have to be based out of their home.
Like many, this store owner quickly moved to selling online, personal delivery, and curbside pickup. Despite the quick move to adapt, the loss of their spouse’s income and reduction in store income meant the store owner fell farther and farther behind on their personal essential household bills.
With some help from Binc, the store owner is now caught up on their home expenses, and can focus on the reopening of the store without the worry of losing their home.
|
|
|
💡 Fundraising Spotlight 💡
|
|
Double Vision Comic Art Auction to Launch 2/2
Responding to these challenging times, some of the comic industry’s biggest talents have come together to produce unique original art pieces featuring great combos of two artists and two characters benefiting two charities – Hero Initiative and Binc’s Comicbook United Fund.
|
|
|
The auction will include original collaborations, like this Darth Vader versus Luke Skywalker by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Marco Checchetto, as well as published work and a few fun takes on the theme.
See the full auction gallery. The auction kicks off on Feb. 2 and will be hosted on the Hero Initiative’s eBay account.
|
|
Play Trivia with the ABA, supporting Binc
 On February 20, 2021, as part of Winter Institute 2021, the American Booksellers Association is hosting Virtual Trivia Night in support of Binc! Tickets are $5 per participant. Test your knowledge of all things literary and more, and bring your game face! Not attending Winter Institute this year? No problem! This event is open to all!
|
|
|
|
Mary is reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
|
|
Pam is listening to: A Promised Land by Barack Obama & reading Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.
Kathy is reading The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.
Kate is World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
|
|
Kit is listening to A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne and reading Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Kera is reading At the Center of All Beauty: Solitude and the Creative Life by Fenton Johnson.
Robin is reading Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo.
What are you reading these days? Keep in touch and let us know what books you’re telling all your friends about.
All of these wonderful books can be purchased at your neighborhood bookstore or at Bookshop.org. Pick up audiobooks at Libro.fm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Binc is Here for You
If you are a bookstore employee, comic shop employee, or store owner who is facing an unexpected financial hardship, please contact us. Binc may be able to help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
