Kuzak Elected President of State Store Association

Mike Kuzak (Bookstore) was recently elected president of the Michigan Association of College Stores. He is responsible for organizing and conducting meetings, leading the decision-making process on issues impacting the organization, and promoting professional development to MACS members through networking and education.

“The college store business is challenging,” Kuzak said. “There are so many unique things to deal with, and the rate of change continues to accelerate, especially in the area of competition. It used to be that college stores were the only ones willing to touch textbooks, but now you can get them on the Internet. And many of the supplies we stock are available at other stores in the community. Textbooks still account for the bulk of our sales – 67 percent – but there is significant competition in every phase of our business now. The support that comes from our state association is invaluable. I’ve been grateful to have the MACS as a resource and I’m honored to be elected its president.”

The MACS holds two meetings each year. The fall gathering features a large trade show with education sessions. Kuzak said the organization is comprised of 107 college stores in Michigan and 87 vendors. Based on his experience and observations, he said the NMU Bookstore ranks among the best in the state – if not the country – in terms of size, functionality and design.

“There have been three renovations since I’ve been here,” Kuzak said. “The store has a loading dock out the back door and ample space in front for cash registers and potential expansion. We’ve been wired from the start by injecting technology and keeping up with the latest developments. Ours was one of the first college stores in the country to use scanners. The administration has been supportive in helping us do things right without having to beg. It’s the kind of visionary leadership you like to have, and one of the big reasons I’ve stayed at Northern this long.”

Kuzak was hired as assistant manager of the NMU Bookstore in 1974 and moved up to the manager position in 1993. He previously served as treasurer for the Michigan Association of College Stores before assuming the three-year commitment associated with serving as its president.