Harry Robie, owner with is wife, Laura, of Robie and Robie Fine Books, is guest speaker for the Berea Forum on Tuesday, November 8. Robie will talk about survival and perseverance of the private business in an era dominated by large corporations in a program titled “Mom and Pop in the Age of Wal-Mart.” The program is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Baird Lounge of the Alumni Building on Berea’s campus.

Robie will examine the growing number of huge corporate chains replacing the traditional family named department stores, hotels, and drugstores of yesteryear. He will point out the failure of big corporations to establish distinction between one location and the next, as well as how he has strived to remain a unique landmark in Berea with “quirky” and “opinionated” book choices. In his presentation, Robie will address how small businesses manage to survive alongside larger chains, how they can keep loyalty among customers, and what happens when they disappear from a community.

Berea Forum programs are designed by and for retirees in Berea with assistance from the office of special programs. Admission is free and open to the public and include
light refreshments. Parking is available behind the Alumni Building or behind Boone Tavern Hotel. For additional information on this and upcoming Berea Forum programs, contact Katie Adamchik at (859) 985-3553.