Former Sen. Rick Santorum has been named CEO of EchoLight Studios, which produces and distributes faith-based and family-friendly films such as 1 Message, Foolishness, I Am . . . Gabriel and Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell.

"This is the right place and right time, and I've jumped in with both feet," said Santorum, who announced his appointment June 22 on FOX News Channel's The Mike Huckabee Show. "I often say that culture is upstream from politics, and I know entertainment also can be strength and light for people who want to be uplifted and reinforced in their values."

EchoLight's first theatrical film, The Redemption of Henry Myers, is slated for release this fall. Based in Dallas, EchoLight's second theatrical is Hoovey, a film to be released in 2014 and based on the story of Illinois basketball player Eric "Hoovey" Elliott. It is directed by Soul Surfer Director Sean McNamara.

Santorum, who has spent the past year helping EchoLight develop and grow, has high expectations for EchoLight.

"Dallas can become the Hollywood of the faith-and-family movie market," he said. "And the keys are great content and economic success, using money from all over to build out the industry and distribute an authentic product truthful to the faith in people's lives.

"We're in a position with potential to transform the industry," Santorum added. "EchoLight is a wide door into movie excellence and to more of it—which is why we're also helping to cultivate young filmmakers in the faith community, helping them develop cinema that, in many, many ways, can go further and do more."

EchoLight Studios has pledged up to $1 million to produce and distribute the new work from the Best Film winner in this year's 168 Film Project.

Earlier this year, EchoLight awarded $250,000 to fund, co-produce and distribute the work of the winner in the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival Short Film category. Brandon Adams' film Useless took the award, which also won multiple awards in last year's 168 Film Project, including Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Acting.

Additionally, EchoLight has a multi-year, multimillion-dollar agreement to produce films from Liberty University's Cinematic Arts program.

A staunch social conservative, Santorum was the underdog who made it near the top of the 2012 Republican presidential race and won the Iowa caucuses. Prior to running for president, Santorum served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995, and in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007.

Visit http://www.echolight.com/ for more information on EchoLight.

One of Monday afternoon’s ICRS highlights was the successful Children’s Product Trends event presented by early childhood education expert Dr. Mary Manz Simon. During the hour-and-a-half, standing-room-only presentation, 226 people were in attendance with 171 retailers present.

Simon reflected on some of the recent trends and statistics as she shared cutting-edge market research with retailers. A team of supplier representatives, along with guests, including Max Lucado, Randy Alcorn, Christy Ziglar and Colleen Coble, also took the stage to share the details and offer insight about their latest releases.

Attendees learned about some of the top trends. Products such as picture books will continue to be visually driven, mobility will continue, print and digital will co-exist, educational books and toys as well as e-books and apps will continue to rise in popularity. There is also a shift toward more family and “stow-and-go” type products. Retailers also gained tips on merchandising, effective product displays and cross-merchandising.

“We are seeing a huge resurgence with picture books,” Simon said. “In-store merchandising can capitalize on the presence of picture books. It’s an advertisement that retailers can use to sell the product and it doesn’t cost anything. Publishers spend more money on front covers than any other art, so it pays to use it.”

She said illustrations and how to interpret icons and images are trending with children of all ages, because we continue to be such a multimedia-driven culture. They also promote literacy in formats like comic books and graphic novels, which are growth areas. New York Times best-selling adult author Randy Alcorn’s move into a new genre of graphic novels for children is one reflection of the trend. He said these products share the Word of God and a salvation message, presented in a fun format for kids.

“My grandkids love it. One of my grandsons called me the other day and said he has read the book 10 times from cover to cover,” Alcorn said.

To coincide with the trends, several new NIV Adventure Bible products from Zondervan are being introduced including the NIV Adventure Bible Memory App for the iPad and iPhone, which will allow children to memorize Bible verses, while learning books of the Bible.

Another draw for attendees was the featured product giveaway, which showcased items such as books, plush, FotoFrame Water Bottles and more, from more than 20 children’s product suppliers including B&H Kids, DaySpring, Tyndale Kids, Tommy Nelson, Zonderkidz, Guideposts Books/Ideals Publications, Moody Publishers, Warner Press, Kregel Publications, Barbour Publishing, Oodles World and Scripture Candy. For the past 19 years, Simon has brought this highly sought after event to Christian retailers.

The opening ceremony of the 2013 International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) featured a big announcement from the Christian products industry's favorite talking vegetables, a challenge from a top author and an announcement of the Ministry in Action offering.

CBA President Curtis Riskey served as emcee, announcing that the previous night's offering for the Lutheran nonprofit Humanitri, active in St. Louis assisting the incarcerated, homeless, single mothers and impoverished, was more than $6,288. Sam's Club is also donating all supplies for show attendees to pack 100 bags for Humanitri.

Steve Arterburn, best-selling author, creator of Women of Faith and host of "New Life Live" radio show, issued a challenge for believers to see their circumstances from God's perspective.

"Rather than judge God based on our circumstances, we need to see things from God's perspective," he said. "The closer you get to God, the smaller the obstacles appear."

Arterburn also issued a caution to not treat a person's deep wounds superficially, such as advising a person in pain to "just read your Bible more" or "have more faith."

He also urged Christians to not shame anyone for going through a trial or for getting help in a trial.

Additionally VeggieTales celebrated 20 years creating animated children's programming by distributing birthday party hats and horns.

The launch of a new VeggieTales TV show in partnership with Netflix was also announced. Characters Larry and Bob were on hand to help celebrate.

CBA's board chairman, George Thomsen, cut the ribbon to open the exhibit floor for the 2013 show.

Marking 75 years in business, book and Bible publisher Crossway hosted a banquet room full of guests "in celebration of God's eternal faithfulness."

The company's president, Lane Dennis, welcomed guests Monday to the banquet, held in the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel across from America's Center Convention Complex, where the International Christian Retail Show is being held.

Along with the singing of hymns—arranged by Crossway CEO Geoffrey Dennis and accompanied by a church worship team, including his playing guitar and leading—guests heard remarks delivered by video from J.I. Packer, veteran author and general editor for Crossway's English Standard Version of the Bible, on the faithfulness of God and His Word.

The evening's other two speakers were Crossway authors Bryan Chapell and Kevin DeYoung. Chapell,senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Ill., and president emeritus of Covenant Theological Seminary, is author of numerous Crossway books and is general editor of the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible, to be published in September. Chapell addressed the subject of "Christ in All of Scripture, Grace for All of Life."

DeYoung, senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., is a blogger and speaker whose forthcoming Crossway book, Crazy Busy, is slated for August publication. He offered the keynote address, "What Is the Mission of Christian Publishing?"

Reflecting on how the apostle Paul fulfilled his mission and how Christian publishers can do the same, DeYoung talked of the need to find new converts, establish new communities and nurture churches. He observed that in Romans 15, Paul said there was no more work for him to do and considered how to get to that point. He also shared what gospel-centered publishing is not, including publishing to "grind axes," to "make constituents happy" and "to help people keep their jobs."

Considering what a publisher's priorities need to be, DeYoung amused the crowd when he declared that "the hard thing is to have posteriorities," things on "the back end you're not going to do" so the company's focus can be where it truly should be.

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has announced the promotions of Greg Bays and Steve Blair. Previously Capitol Christian Distribution's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Bays will serve as executive vice president of CCMG's distribution arm, and Blair will serve as vice president of sales and catalog development.

"Greg has effectively led our distribution company as its senior vice president through the digital market transformation, while maintaining a steady focus on Christian retail, including paradigm shifting initiatives moving the company into home video and book publishing distribution," said CCMG President and CEO Bill Hearn. "Under Greg's direction Capitol Christian Distribution has become the market leader and innovator in Christian products distribution in addition to being named Billboard magazine's Christian Music Distributor of the Year 15 of the last 18 years."

In his new position, Bays, who spent seven years in Christian retail, will continue to lead the sales function, strategic retail market development initiatives, catalog development and liaison with Universal Music Group Distribution on behalf of CCMG's proprietary label groups and more than 25 third-party music, home video and book publishing partnerships. Bays will continue to report to Hearn.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to this team and our vision to impact culture and resource the church with exceptional music, movies and books," Bays said. "I'm excited about the future of the Christian products industry and the new challenges, opportunities, and relationships each day brings. We have an outstanding team focused on growth through the development of innovative ways to serve our people, retailers, creative partners, and the consumer."

Blair, who joined CCMG in 2000 and since 2011 has served as CCMG's director of catalog sales and marketing, will oversee the Christian retail major accounts and independent retail sales teams, while continuing to lead the company's catalog team.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve our artists, labels, studios and publishers in this new role," said Blair, who will report to Bays. "The CBA market has a tremendous opportunity for growth and cultural impact with the products they sell."

For the first time since December, Eric Metaxas' Bonhoeffer (Thomas Nelson) has returned to the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) General best-sellers list. The ECPA Christian Book of the Year in 2011 was ranked No. 18 for the week ending June 15, according to Pubtrack Christian data.

The Top 20 ECPA General best-sellers were: 1. Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, hardcover (Thomas Nelson); 2. Happy, Happy, Happy, Phil Robertson (Howard Books); 3. Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman (Zondervan); 4. Jesus Calling, Young, large print deluxe (Thomas Nelson); 5. The Duck Commander Family, Willie and Korie Robertson (Howard Books); 6. 7 Men, Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson); 7. Jesus Calling, Young, deluxe (Thomas Nelson); 8. The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson (Zondervan); 9. Heaven Is for Real, Todd Burpo (Thomas Nelson); 10. Jesus Calling, Young, women's edition (Thomas Nelson); 11. One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp (Zondervan); 12. The Harbinger, Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine/Charisma House Book Group); 13. The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing/Moody Publishers); 14. Love Does, Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson); 15. Jesus Today, Young, hardcover (Thomas Nelson); 16. Follow Me, David Platt (Tyndale House Publishers); 17. Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan); 18. Bonhoeffer; 19. Deep & Wide, Andy Stanley (Zondervan); and 20. Gods at War, Kyle Idleman (Zondervan).

The Top 10 Fiction best-sellers were: 1. The Harbinger; 2. The Guardian, "Home to Hickory Hollow" No. 3, Beverly Lewis (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group); 3. Damascus Countdown, "The Twelfth Imam" No. 3, Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale); 4. Crossing Oceans, Gina Holmes (Tyndale); 5. Band of Sisters, Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale); 6. Borders of the Heart, Chris Fabry (Tyndale); 7. Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales, Randy Singer (Tyndale); 8. The Breakthrough, "Precinct 11" No. 3, Jerry B. Jenkins (Tyndale); 9. The Quarryman's Bride, "Land of Shining Water" No. 3, Tracie Peterson (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group); and 10. Full Disclosure, Dee Henderson (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group).

The top five Bibles were: 1. The Story, NIV, deluxe, hardcover, New International Version (Zondervan); 2. NIV Adventure Bible, hardcover (Zonderkidz); 3. NIV Student Bible, Italian Duo-Tone, gray/slate blue (Zondervan); 4. NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible, hardcover, New International Reader's Version (Zonderkidz); and 5. NIV Celebrate Recovery Bible, softcover (Zondervan).

The Parable Group honored its franchise stores with awards for excellence in retailing at its annual franchise meeting June 22 in St. Louis, ahead of the International Christian Retailing Show (ICRS). Parable recognized various successes by store owners, honoring 11 stores for achieving excellence in Sales, Customer Service and Industry Impact.

"In the midst of the challenging economy, we celebrate that a number of stores have seen increases in sales," said John Strifler, Parable marketing and operations coach. "The Sales Increase Award is simply that—recognition for the store that showed the most positive sales increase in 2012."

The Sales award went to Matt Mitzel, owner of the Rainbow Shop in Bismarck, N.D.; Patti Franks and Leslie Farthing, owners of Kihei Christian Bookstore in Kihei, Hawaii; Mitch and Aaron Kastein, owners of Beacon of Hope in Springfield, Ohio; and Kevin and Jill Van Duyne, owners of Joy Christian Bookstore in Wabash, Ind. Honorable mention was given to Gary Hoffman, owner of Rainbow Parable Christian Store in Colonial Heights, Va.

In the category of Customer Service Excellence, Parable recognized Sam and Judy Walker, owners of Sonlight Parable Christian Store in Sheboygan, Wis. Honorable mention went to John and Deborah King, owners of Heaven's Attic, A Parable Christian Store in Rome, Ga.

"Customer opinion matters and these stores have served them well," said Steve Adams, Parable operations director.

Four stores were presented with Parable Industry Impact Awards for "renewing the hope" for all in the ministry of Christian retail. The stores "invested in their future through relocating and expanding their stores," Parable said.

The Impact awards went to Danny Vera of Christ Centered Life Store in Ft. Myers, Florida, who relocated and renamed his store; Frank and Marilyn Hood, owners of Sweet Spirit, A Parable Christian Store in Marietta, Ga., who relocated their store; Deidre and Lorre Pagni, owner of His Word Parable Christian Store in Sparks and Reno, Nev., who relocated two stores within two years; and Jim and Kathie Kregel, owners of Kregel Parable Christian Stores, who opened a P. Graham Dunn gallery store as an extension and expansion of their store in Grandville, Mich.

Parable also named P. Graham Dunn as the 2013 Vendor Partner of the Year at ICRS.