Happy April, MiPA Members!
It’s once again time for our monthly membership meeting! This coming Tuesday, we are excited to welcome Oren DeVries and Aimee Chipman, two individuals who are very familiar with the business of bookstores.
What should independent publishers know about the business of bookstores? What considerations go into buying the selling books at the local level, as an independent store, and how do those compare and contrast to the decisions made in a chain bookstore setting? In this presentation, Oren DeVries, a Barnes and Noble Store manager, and Aimee Chipman, the owner of Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland, Michigan, will give you insight into the ways that independent publishers can better understand, connect with, and work with booksellers. You won’t want to miss this moderated conversation about bookselling and bookstore management.
Join us this coming Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30 p.m. CT for networking, followed by our 7:00 p.m. presentation. We’re excited to have these two great speakers, and we hope to see many of our members there! If you’re interested in attending, please register for the event!
About Our Speakers

Aimee Chipman, the owner of The Bluestocking Bookshop, is passionate about fostering literacy and building a welcoming community for readers of all ages. She values inclusivity, creativity, and the power of books to inspire and connect people. Aimee’s dedication shines through her thoughtful curation and her commitment to remembering customer names and preferences, making every visit a personal and meaningful experience.

Oren DeVries is a Senior Bookseller at Barnes & Noble’s Knapp Crossings location, where he oversees stockroom operations, manages inventory intake, and assists customers as needed. Whether brewing coffee as a barista or helping someone find their next great read, Oren’s favorite part of the job is guiding customers to their new favorite book. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, camping, gaming—both board games and video games—and spending time with his family, three dogs, and two cats.
Event Details & Registration
Date: Tuesday, April 14th
Time: Networking “open mic” starts at 6:30 PM CT; program starts at 7:00 PM CT
Location: On Zoom
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gpxCzrVBRnaxbhu1P6nwkw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting, including access online or using one of Zoom’s dial-in numbers to call from your phone.

