Twelve Christian novelists took the stage Tuesday afternoon, June 24, for the Christian Fiction Trends Workshop: Celebrating Story at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). The dozen authors write in genres that ranged from historical to suspense, fantasy to contemporary.

Sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the event was hosted by Cynthia Ruchti, ACFW’s professional relations liaison.

The Parable Group, provider of marketing services and real-time information and analytics, announced June 24 an agreement to provide analytics and enhanced insight for CBA and its members.

Under this agreement, Parable will provide CBA members and CROSS:SCAN reporting stores with enhanced analytics through the ParableConnect data platform. This base-level data partnership will deliver many benefits to CBA member stores for free, enabling them to seamlessly store and process real-time transactional data in order to achieve rich insights, drive operational efficiencies and increase revenue opportunities.

Church store managers, staff and those considering entering the church store market gathered Tuesday during ICRS at the Church Store Connection Center for a time of education, networking and fellowship. Charles Stanley offered the keynote message during the Church Store Luncheon.

Dr. Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Atlanta and founder and president of In Touch Ministries, encouraged the church store personnel.

Winners of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best awards were announced Tuesday morning, June 24, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta. Lighthouse Christian Products Co. won all three gift categories: General Gift Product, Seasonal/Holiday and Wall Décor.  

Todd Starnes, author of God Less America (FrontLine/Charisma House) and host of the “FOX News & Commentary” daily radio show, presented the 2014 awards, at the Creative Pavilion stage at the Georgia World Congress Center. Steve Strang, founder and CEO of Charisma Media, welcomed the guests, and Christine D. Johnson, editor of Christian Retailing magazine, the sponsor of Christian Retailing’s Best, emceed the awards.

Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher of W Publishing Group, a Thomas Nelson imprint, announces the hiring of Joel Kneedler as associate publisher. Recently serving as a lead agent for Alive Communications, Kneedler brings with him a wealth of experience in a variety of publishing areas.

"Throughout his publishing career, Joel has exemplified a deep passion for meaningful author relationships and strong content development,” Baugher said. “For the many projects on which we have partnered together, he has been a key part of our strategic campaigns, and I know that he will be a valuable asset for our authors going forward. His background in publicity, marketing and acquisition will all be utilized in his new role as associate publisher, and we couldn't be more thrilled that he will be joining our team."

CBA named three new board members to fill vacant director positions: Bob Hawkins, Harvest House Publishers president; Randy Davis, Provident Distribution’s sales, marketing and distribution vice president; and Tim Vineyard, LifeWay Christian Stores division president.

Hawkins fills the publisher representative seat; Davis the music and entertainment seat; and Vineyard the chain and franchise representative seat.

Christian apparel, jewelry and gifts supplier Kerusso has been named the official licensed products partner for Left Behind—The Movie, coming to theaters Oct. 3. The movie features an all-star cast, including Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray, Cassi Thomson, Nicky Whelan and Jordin Sparks.

Left Behind is based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. With more than 65 million copies sold, the Tyndale House-published titles comprise one of the best-selling fiction series of all time.

Kerusso, in partnership with Stoney Lake Entertainment (SLE), debuts three new T-shirts, two stainless-steel travel tumblers, an embroidered cap and silicone wristbands, each building on a theme of “Left Behind—The End Begins: Are you ready?”

“We’re very pleased to have Kerusso partnering with us to share the message of Left Behind,” said David Heimbecker, SLE’s vice president of marketing. “Stoney Lake Entertainment is committed to bringing big-budget faith-themed films to a wider audience.”

Kerusso founder and President Vic Kennett said the company is “excited for the book series to come to life on the big screen in a big-budget way, allowing millions to experience the message.”

From its founding, the Berryville, Arkansas-based gift supplier has been evangelism-oriented, so Left Behind fits in well with the company’s line of products.

“Designing products that embody the meaning of the movie is an honor because it aligns so well with our mission: Proclaiming the Good News to the World, through products about Jesus,” Kennett said.

View the movie trailer at leftbehindmovie.com.