About NEBC

In the spring of 1992, thirteen institutional bookstore colleagues from throughout New England met to discuss the potential benefits of working together to secure better buying arrangements with a variety of vendors. NEBC was incorporated in Massachusetts in the summer of 1992 as a result of that meeting. The charter requires NEBC to support the educational purposes of each institution through the acquisition of merchandise on terms designed to improve the potential financial contribution to each respective school.

Expanding Outside New England

While NEBC was founded to serve New England schools, the executive board voted to accept membership from other states beginning in 1994. Today, the majority of NEBC member stores are from outside New England. All members are granted full membership privileges and are encouraged to be an active participant in all NEBC activities.

Membership Requirements

NEBC membership is restricted to institutionally operated campus stores.  To join, simply fill out form below or print this form and mail it to New England Buying Consortium, c/o Terry Murphy, 1062 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040.  Please make check payable to New England Buying Consortium.  Current dues are $125 per year, and membership year runs from Feb 15- Feb 14.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact NEBC president emeritus, Terry Murphy, at tmurphy1hcc@comcast.net or 413-887-7195.

FAQ

What Does Your Store Have To Order?

NEBC encourages each store to give our vendors the first opportunity in terms of your purchases, but there is no minimum you are required to purchase in order to maintain your membership status. However, NEBC has been successful because most stores do use the catalog as a guide for purchases and continue to support our vendor partners.

Is There A Trade Show To Attend In Order To Get The Best Deals?

NEBC does combine a trade show with our annual meeting along with vendor presentations which highlight the benefits offered to NEBC stores. We also encourage vendors displaying at this meeting to offer additional show specials if possible.

All NEBC store members are encouraged to attend, and NEBC does offer some scholarship funds to encourage attendance.

Are There Any Meeting Requirements?

NEBC has one major meeting held between mid-February and mid-March which serves as both the annual meeting and also a vendor presentation and trade show. Since 2016, this trade show has grown both in terms of vendors attending and store purchase orders generated. NEBC continues to welcome full store participation at this important meeting and provides financial support for stores to attend including hotel accommodations and meals during the meeting. Past store attendees can attest to the financial and product benefits gained by attendance at this meeting.

More Questions?

Please feel free to contact NEBC president emeritus, Terry Murphy at tmurphy1hcc@comcast.net or 413-887-7195