However, the reading is still far short of the 90 that would signify a solid economy or the 120 reflecting a strong economy. In October, consumer confidence was 48.7. The index, which hit a historic low of 25.3 in February 2009, had a three-month climb from last March through May, fueled by signs the economy might be stabilizing. The road has been bumpier since last June, as rising unemployment has taken a toll on consumers, the AP reported.

More than 100 people gathered in London, Tuesday, despite poor winter travel conditions to hear about the launch of Christian Resources Together (CRT).

The organization--which founded its event in 2008 to provide a meeting point with U.S. suppliers for overseas buyers in the absence of CBA's canceled winter gathering--is in talks with organizers of the International Value Book Show (IVBS) to bring the two programs together in some way for January 2011.

The assets of the company, whose "speed table" promotions have become increasingly popular with stores in the past few years, have been sold to Wholesale Christian Books (WCB), a division of Treasures Media.

Stuart, whose parents are missionaries in Haiti, has been visiting the country for many years and established Hands & Feet Project Children's Village along with his former bandmates in 2004. Stuart told CNN that everyone with the mission's orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti, was safe, but they slept outside the past two nights to protect the children from the potential of falling concrete due to tremors.

Christian retailing industry veteran Marcos Perez has been promoted to vice president of sales for Strang Communications' Book Group, effective Jan. 6.

As vice president of sales, Perez will provide leadership, head day-to-day operations of book group sales and meet divisional objectives as well as oversee general market, mass market, Christian market, international, church and ministry sales of books by Charisma House, FrontLine, Realms, Siloam, Excel Books, Creation House and Casa Creación.

A group of international publishers and retailers was encouraged to take another look at Jesus, last night-through the lens of a Hebrew understanding of His life and times.

"He didn't have blond hair, He didn't have blue eyes," author and pastor Larry Huch told the 100 or so guests at the Whitaker House-Anchor Distributors Celebration Dinner that opened Christian Trade Association Inc.'s (CTAI) third annual Marketsquare International in Atlanta.