By Mitch Holt, Staff Writer

Two businesses on campus, The Campus Store and Dining Services, are preparing for the hundreds of visitors who come to campus during Sing Song and Bible Lectureship. Businesses face an increase in customers and profits.

Cory Bourg, director of ARAMARK, said employees are stepping up to the plate in light of the recent loss of the catering manager, who moved in January with her husband when the U.S. Air Force transferred him from Dyess Air Force Base.

“The biggest difference is in catering,” Bourg said in an e-mail. “The majority of the Lectureship events are for guests on campus; it is a chance for people to have large events on campus and avoid leaving and having to deal with restaurants, parking and time issues.”

Bourg said The Bean receives the biggest increase in traffic. Students stay on campus more during these events, so more meal plans are used.

“Cash is also increased by visitors on campus,” Bourg said. “The retail areas, mainly Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A, see greater sales during the week, mostly from visitors who are on campus for the day.”

Former students often come back and want to eat in The Bean to see how much it has changed, so the staff is well adjusted to accommodate the influx of visitors, Bourg said.

The Campus Store sees an increase in store traffic beginning Friday and lasting through Lectureship, said Lorie Stewart, administrative assistant in the store.

“Alumni, parents and prospective students come into the store to purchase items like decals, hats and clothes,” she said.

Stewart said once Sing Song is over, the Lectureship crowds shop in the store mainly for books.

“This year we will be having several authors at the store to sign books on Monday and Tuesday,” said Stewart.

The Campus Store also offered a 15 percent discount coupon for ACU apparel that was located in the Friday Sing Song program booklet. Stewart said the coupons were only valid Saturday.