CBA will spotlight new films and DVDs during the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), to be held June 23-26 at America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis. According to the trade association's CROSS:SCAN sales data, DVD sales through Christian stores increased 16.6% from 2010 to 2012, and the category represents about 12% of total sales of Christian retailers.

In addition to previewing new faith-based films and DVD releases, the ICRS Film Showcase will feature a workshop exploring media retailing in the digital age.

CBA President Curtis Riskey said films and DVDs are critical tools to help deliver the gospel message in a digital age, and quality Christian films cuts through cultural noise by delivering messages through story.

"We need to better understand where our world is so that we can better reach our culture," he said. "Christian film can be used to reinforce the faith and reach our world. Jesus was knowledgeable about culture to be able to do two things: minister to people who were in it and understand what images, tools and concepts would reach His world."

More than 5,000 DVD titles had reported sales through Christian stores in 2012, CBA said. Scheduled for June 26, the workshop "Retailing in the Digital Media Age: Where does your store fit in the value chain?" will explore how Christian retailers can maximize ministry and business opportunities in the growing Christian media segment. Workshop moderator Dick Rolfe of The Dove Foundation said that merchandising physical product and digital product are not mutually exclusive.

"With some creativity they can be blended to increase consumer impact and enhance the sales experience," Rolfe said. "This panel will provide valuable insights into that process."

Click here for more information on ICRS.

B&H Publishing Group has appointed Dave Schroeder as marketing strategist for projects in the Christian Living, Leadership and Gift categories. The publisher has also promoted Jennifer Lyell to B&H Trade Books publisher.

Schroeder was previously account director at The A Group, where he led strategic marketing efforts for publishing accounts and other Christian organizations. Prior to that, he served as senior director of marketing in the nonfiction division at Thomas Nelson, handling promotional efforts for books by Max Lucado, Mark Driscoll and Eric Metaxas.

"We are very excited that Dave will be joining the B&H team," said Mary Katharine Hunt, B&H's vice president of marketing. "He has a rich background immersed in publishing and movies, a heart for ministry and a passion for sharing the gospel."

Among the first titles Schroeder will handle are Gospel-Centered Teaching by Christianity Today Contributing Editor Trevin Wax, a novelization of the film Grace Unplugged and the "Life Wisdom" series of books, which includes Billy Graham: A Legacy of Faith and Coach John Wooden: Winning With Principle.

Lyell's new role involves managing the entire trade book department, which includes the Christian Living, Fiction, Leadership and Women's categories.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve B&H more broadly in my new role and am excited about being a part of an organization that is strengthening and growing in the midst of great cultural needs and industry challenges," Lyell said.

In her previous role as executive editor of the B&H Women's line, Lyell spearheaded the 2012 re-release of the New York Times No. 1 best-seller The Vow by Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. She also acquired best-selling authors Priscilla Shirer, Angie Smith and Candace Cameron Bure. Prior to joining B&H in 2008, Lyell was the women's acquisitions editor at Moody Publishers.

DaySpring and Thomas Nelson have tied with three gift finalists each in the 2013 Christian Retailing’s Best awards sponsored by Christian Retailing magazine.

DaySpring’s three finalists are the Love Came Down teapot (General Gift Product); Love Came Down dinner plate (Seasonal/Holiday); and Wooden Cross (Wall Décor).

Christian Retailing magazine is offering a complementary listing to gift companies and others exhibiting at the 2013 International Christian Retail Show.

Christian retailers will be creating their game plan for the June 23-26 show in St. Louis, so don’t miss this opportunity to get the word out about your booth number, events, show specials and more. Please go to www.christianretailing.com/icrs/ to post your ICRS information.

Email Editor Christine Johnson with any questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carpentree adds to its number-one seller by Akiane Kramarik with the artist’s latest offering entitled “I Am.” The Tulsa, Okla., company’s current top-selling item is Akiane’s Prince of Peace, which is available in various price points.

Available May 1, I Am (#23427) is the new addition to Carpentree’s Akiane product lineup.

The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has hired Bostrom Corp. as its new association management firm. Bostrom, an 80-year-old professional-services company with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., will assume management of GCA in July from GLM, which has managed GCA since 2010.

GLM is relinquishing management of GCA in order to focus on its core competencies as a producer of events and tradeshows—including the National Stationery Show (NSS) and NY NOW—and to resume its longtime role as an active member of GCA.

Following its run last month as the highest-rated cable show of the year, The Bible miniseries, has become the fastest pre-selling, faith-based title in 60 years, according to CBA.

Released on DVD and Blu-ray April 2 by Twentieth Century Fox (Provident Distribution), The Bible has sold 525,000 units in its first week of release, becoming the top-selling TV program on DVD in the last five years and the best-selling miniseries ever on Blu-ray, digital HD and DVD.

Survivor creator Mark Burnett and his actress wife, Roma Downey, of Touched by an Angel fame, produced the miniseries of major Bible stories. The miniseries aired Sundays last month on the History Channel—culminating on Easter, March 31.

"We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to The Bible miniseries," Downey and Burnett said. "First, the show was No. 1 on History, now it is No. 1 on Blu-ray and DVD, and has been No. 1 in every country in which it aired. ... It is our hope that folks everywhere will continue to be touched by the message of the Bible and cherish these stories at home with their families for years to come."

Watched by 95 million cumulative viewers on the History Channel, The Bible also ranked No. 1 across digital stores, including iTunes, Amazon, VUDU, Xbox, PlayStation, CinemaNow and GooglePlay.