May 11, 2001 Booksellers and ABA Meet in Seattle On May 5, at the Hampton Inn in Tukwilla, Washington, an ABA Booksellers Forum was held in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA). The forum was preceded by a sold-out Booksellers School, sponsored by PNBA, taught by its members, and organized by Donna Paz of the bookstore consulting group, Paz & Associates. Scott Foley of Grass Roots Books in Corvallis, Oregon, went directly from a full day of teaching to the forum. He told BTW that, "the participants in the program were enthusiastic and the course filled up quickly. It was a long day and the forum was low-key but very informative.… Every time I have ever seen Avin [Mark Domnitz, ABA CEO] in person, I have always learned something new.… He has an infectious enthusiasm, as does Neal Coonerty [ABA president]. I appreciated his debriefing on the recent litigation." According to Dee Robinson, co-owner of Village Books in Bellingham, Washington, the group's response to the settlement was "positive and appreciative of all ABA has done." Book Sense and BookSense.com were discussed in detail. According to Robinson, "Most stores present seemed to be reporting to the bestseller list and were finding the lists very useful." Foley was pleased that the forum was close enough for him to attend, "The session was very valuable for those of us there.… These gatherings help focus energy and add cohesion to the independent cause. It's gratifying to know that the ABA Board [Coonerty and Board member Miriam Sontz of Powell's attended] are making themselves available to the membership and have their ears open." Topics: Forums, About ABA,