The economy is growing, but Washington needs to make job creation a priority, according to statements issued by National Retail Federation (NRF) officials today in response to the March jobs report. Unemployment continues at 6.7% while total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 192,000 jobs last month, short of analysts’ expectations.

“After a long, harsh winter that put many retailers at a disadvantage in terms of inventory control and staffing their stores, merchants are eager to move forward with their spring hiring and operational plans,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Though we can report relatively positive figures for March, there’s still noticeable slack in the labor market. In order to see momentum in economic growth through 2014, it’s imperative our leaders in Washington put job creation and the economy back at the top of their agenda, giving businesses the confidence they need to grow and invest.”

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Foundation recently announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and honorees for the Hall of Fame induction and inaugural GMA Honors celebration. To be held April 29 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, the ceremony will feature Hall of Fame inductees, including Brown Bannister, Gaither Vocal Band, Rich Mullins and Take 6, as well as Honors recipients such as Dr. Bobby Jones, Don Moen, Michael Guido, Show Hope and World Vision.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to raise awareness for the legacy of gospel music,” said GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. “Each of these inductees or honorees has made a definitive mark on the fabric of our musical tapestry.”

Faith-based publishers reported a 70.6% year-over-year jump in hardcover sales for December, though paperback sales saw a slight dip, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP).

Net hardcover sales from religious presses skyrocketed to $25.4 million in December 2013, a significant leap over the $14.9 million sold the same month in 2012. This helped push hardcover sales growth for the year well into the black, with 2013 hardcover sales up 3.4% from the previous year—$307.4 million, versus $297.4 million in 2012.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which decreased in February, improved in March. Consumer optimism is growing, but uncertainty remains about the future.

Based on a probability-design random sample, the monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was March 14.

The national small business movement, Independent We Stand, has introduced a new mobile application to help consumers pinpoint millions of locally owned businesses. Parable Group stores are among those already using the app to reach new customers.

“Big-box stores have big budgets for marketing and app development,” said Nick Jiannas, vice president of sales and marketing for STIHL, founding sponsor of Independent We Stand. “But there is growing demand on the part of consumers to buy from local retailers, like our STIHL dealers, and thanks to Independent We Stand, small businesses now have a search application of their own to drive traffic right to their doors.”

Residents of one Southeastern Ohio town have a new place to enjoy each other’s company and purchase faith-building products—Psalm 121 Discount Books & Gifts. Started in mid-2013, Psalm 121 was part of the revitalization of Logan’s downtown.

The owners, semi-retired United Methodist minister Randy Hardman and his wife, Frankie, who worked in banking for years, have served small churches in the area. Together with employee Jessica Enderle, they now bring a hometown feel to their 1,200-square-foot store that offers books, Bibles, gifts and children’s products, including educational toys.

Stoney Lake Entertainment has announced that Left Behind, the star-studded reboot of the hit book and film franchise, is slated to release in theaters nationwide Oct. 3. The rapture-themed movie stars Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage (National Treasure, City of Angels, The Croods) as Rayford Steele, as well as Chad Michael Murray, Cassi Thomson, Nicky Whelan, Lea Thompson and Jordin Sparks.

Slated for release on 1,800 screens, the movie is directed by veteran filmmaker, Vic Armstrong (Thor, Amazing Spider-Man, War of the Worlds), who is renowned for directing action sequences. Entertainment One has acquired the domestic home video rights.