Strategic Plan - CACSOnline

California Association of College Stores
Strategic Plan 2007 to 2010

CACS Mission

As the premier regional association, we provide leadership, resources, and services to support our members ability to prosper in a rapidly changing environment

The California Association of College Stores purpose is to lead, support, and advocate on behalf of our membership. One important way we accomplish this is through our Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is more than just a document, it is a flexible, working foundation that enables the association to plan for and respond to the changing collegiate retail environment.

CACS believes in the importance of integrity, professionalism, respect and trust and strives to support all members of the association. We find these values to be integral to our work because of the part we all have in the collegiate retail experience.

What sets us apart from other associations is the uniqueness of our regional focus and the desire to maintain a national scope. Also unique are our strategic alliances with the University of California Independent Stores Group, The California State University Independent Stores Group, and the Community College Stores Group. These relationships provide an important dialog that supports the association's mission. We are the only regional or national association that provides the acclaimed Buyer's Institute. At the 2007 Buyer's Institute an advanced "Buyer's Program" will be offered. We truly are your "West Coast Connection."

CACS will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008 and vendor supported programs that include the Spring Showcase, the freight program and the merchandise bag program continue to demonstrate the association's innovative approaches to meeting the needs of our diverse membership.

Our goal with the Strategic Plan is to ensure that the association continues to provide essential programs, services, advocacy and leadership that will support our members' success. The Board, the Strategic Plan Committee, and the Executive Director studied the findings of the Strategic Plan focus groups and incorporated these findings into the new plan.

The California Association of College Stores 2007-2010 Strategic Plan promotes college stores by enhancing their value and image on campus as the "campus resource center." The Strategic Plan addresses membership needs for the future of collegiate retailing. The strategies contained in the plan provided for educational opportunities, tools and services to meet the changing needs of the industry.


Association Goals	These five goals are believed to be the most important objectives to ensure the Associations long term success.
	Goal 1 - Advocacy: Reach out on behalf of member stores to Pro actively recognize and address industry issues.
	Goal 2 - Education: Provide education programs specifically targeted to collegiate retailing.
	Goal 3 - Marketing (Internal): Develop and provide tools for members to promote and enhance their value and image.
	Goal 4 - Organization Structure: Maintain and effective organization structure to accommodate changes in services and membership.
	Goal 5 - Services and Revenue: Ensure viability and relevance to the membership.


Strategies	The CACS Board has selected these strategies to meet the five goals:
	Goal 1 - Advocacy: Reach out on behalf of member stores to Pro actively recognize and address industry issues.
	Strategy 1.1 - Educate stakeholders about the value of collegiate retailers. Strategy 1.2 - Establish programs to enhance the value of collegiate retailing for the campus. Strategy 1.3 - Develop succession planning and staff professional growth resources. Strategy 1.4 - Establish data base of critical positions.
	Goal 2- Education: Provide education programs specifically targeted to collegiate retailing.
	Strategy 2.1 - Develop level specific workshops. Strategy 2.2 - Develop CACS Certificate Programs. Strategy 2.3 Continue to provide member driven and professional education programs for the Annual Meeting.
	Goal 3 - Marketing (Internal): Develop and provide tools for members to promote and enhance their value and image.
	Strategy 3.1 - Create marketing programs to assist stores in promoting their value as a campus resource center. Strategy 3.2 - Develop and provide visual merchandising tools to enhance the collegiate retailing experience. Strategy 3.3 - Create communication plans for bookstore staff, campus community, and vendors.
	Goal 4 - Organization Structure: Maintain and effective organization structure to accommodate changes in services and membership.
	Strategy 4.1 - Review the organization structure and recommend changes. Strategy 4.2 - Review CACS Office Structure and implement necessary changes/modifications. Strategy 4.3 - Identify and recommend membership categories and structure. Strategy 4.4 - Develop programs to recognize volunteers.
	Goal 5 - Services and Revenue: Ensure viability and relevance to the membership.
	Strategy 5.1 Provide relevant services to membership. Strategy 5.2 Achieve a reserve amount that is equal or greater than 100% of expenses. Strategy 5.3 Successfully conduct the Annual Meeting and West Coast EXPO. Strategy 5.4 Web Service: Enhancing the CACS Web site and continue to increase members usage.