Gary and Marcia Hoffman, owners of Rainbow Parable Christian Store in Colonial Heights, Va., were recognized with the large store award. "They have effectively addressed issues of downsizing space, the shift in staffing cycle, refinement of financial and inventory management practices," said Parable Franchise Coach John Strifler. "All steps taken in an effort to sustain the life-changing impact of their store in the community."

At last month's International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, Cook reported enthusiasm for the September arrival of The Action Bible, a 752-page updating of the publisher's successful Picture Bible by former Marvel Comics and DC Comics artist Sergio Cariello.

The pop/rock group's 15th studio project, Born Again is the second-highest Christian artist debut on the Billboard Overall chart and the third-highest debut on the SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall chart for 2010. The album ranked No. 4 on Billboard's Overall chart above new releases from such artists as Sting and M.I.A. According to SoundScan, Born Again has sold 45,311 units since it was released July 13.

Since the beginning of 2010, the NIV Bible and NIV Study Bible have been among the top five e-books in the Religion & Spirituality category of the two popular e-book stores.

"We are so fortunate to have someone of Kathleen's experience available to us right here in Northwest Arkansas," said James Barnett, president of DaySpring. "Kathleen is a classically trained marketer and very skilled in the science of consumer insights and research analysis."

Before joining DaySpring earlier this year, Turner worked for Sam's Club, where she served as senior director of consumer strategy. Prior to her time at Sam's Club, Turner was the director of consumer insights at Tyson Foods, Inc. For 20 years, she led her own consulting firm and advertising agency, whose clients included American Airlines, Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola and Ernst and Young.

Travis joins "Provident with an impressive range of publicity experience," Luttrell said. "She has a strong grasp on the creative and logistical aspects of public relations as well as a solid network base.  We're thrilled to have her on our team."

Travis received a bachelors of science degree in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee. She has held internships in the publicity departments of Sony Music Nashville and Warner Bros. Records, working with artists such as Phil Vassar, Heidi Newfield, Rodney Atkins and Marty Raybon.

Harvest House Publishers has instituted a new department to launch the company's forthcoming direct-to-church sales initiative.

President Bob Hawkins Jr. announced that the company has put in place a Corporate Development and Ser

vices Department to be led by Mary Cooper, who is being promoted to executive vice

president. Cooper, who has been with Harvest House for 18 years, was formerly the vice president of administration.

Aiming to reach a broader market, the publisher's new department will launch direct-to-church sales, oversee operational functions and provide oversight of the company's Web site. Assisting Cooper will be Heathe

r Green, who has been promoted to corporate development and services coordinator.