Today at noon local time, the public was invited to celebrate the Scriptures on the International Day of the Bible, an event sponsored by The National Bible Association. Participants paused to read or even sing scripture or otherwise creatively express their love of God’s Word.

Other Bible-focused organizations, including The American Bible Society, YouVersion, Bible Gateway, Scripture Union and Bibles for the World, encouraged participation within their own communities.

Bookstore sales increased by 6.8 percent in September, relative to September 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s preliminary sales estimates. Bookstores posted $1.1 billion worth of sales during September, a $69 million increase over the same month last year.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) named Stan Jantz its executive director, effective Dec. 1. Jantz has been serving as interim director, leading the association through a time of transition after former President and CEO Mark Kuyper was hired as executive director of the Book Industry Study Group (BISG).

Jantz has worked in the Christian book industry throughout his professional life. He is a best-selling co-author of more than 60 books. Most recently, he was interim CEO for Gospel Light and publishing director for Regal Books, which was then part of Gospel Light.

Christian Retailing Update may be on a break for Thanksgiving, but readers can still spend the holiday with Christian Retailing. Available now, the December/January digital issue of Christian Retailing highlights how your store can reach out to niche groups, including Young Adult (YA) readers and Catholic shoppers.

Linda Howard, acquisitions director for children and youth at Tyndale House Publishers, explains how to satisfy the voracious appetite of the YA reader, while Greg Erlandson, publisher of Our Sunday Visitor, equips retailers with seven tips for serving Catholics in the community.

Family Christian Stores released a new video Friday that outlines key changes at the Christian retail chain in the aftermath of this year’s bankruptcy and eventual sale. In the video, CEO Chuck Bengochea thanks customers for their support and acknowledges the need for change.

Bengochea describes “bold new steps” to improve Family Christian retail locations. These steps include a revamped look, improved Bible and music layouts, a warmer aesthetic and an expanded selection of gifts. Tying these changes together is a new commitment to “selfless service” that aims to glorify Christ.

Provident Label Group announced Thursday the Recording Industry Association of America Platinum certification of Brandon Heath’s hit song “Give Me Your Eyes.” A No. 1 single and a Gospel Music Association Dove Award winner for Song of the Year, "Give Me Your Eyes" is the first single to receive Platinum status for Provident.

This honor is another accolade for Heath and his already-storied career since earning the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year in 2008. He also won Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year and two consecutive awards for Male Vocalist of the Year. Heath has received five GRAMMY nominations, won an Emmy Award and was named Songwriter of the Year (2014) by Broadcast Music Inc.

Lloyd Hildebrand will step down Dec. 31 as president and CEO of Bridge-Logos Inc. Suzanne Wooldridge, daughter of Bridge-Logos founders Guy and Kitty Morrell, will become president and CEO.

Hildebrand will continue with the company as managing editor and author. He is currently working on Promises That Prevail, which will be released in 2016.