Two years ago, the exhibit space was divided into two floors. With vendors and suppliers tightening up on their booth space, Marie Tamayo, executive director of Expolit 2009, said this year the floor will return to one "packed" floor, "making the job easier for everybody." Among those on the floor will be a larger group of ministry booths in addition to those reserved by suppliers.

Around 140 religious publishing companies are so far confirmed for Book Expo America (BEA), which will take place in New York City, May 28-31.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, March total retail sales--which also exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants--decreased 1.1% seasonally adjusted over February and decreased 10.6% unadjusted over last year.

The move, announced earlier this week, comes after Christian publishing veteran Jonathan Merkh--who lives in Nashville--was named vice president and publisher of Howard Books, last month.

Alderman will be responsible for sales to domestic and foreign religious trade stores, national chains and distributors. He will also oversee national accounts and wholesalers, and manage distribution and inventory as well as the sales team, rights and permissions, special sales and book club sales.

Alderman has more than 15 years of experience in the book publishing industry, most recently serving as the key account manager for general market sales at Thomas Nelson. Prior to Thomas Nelson, Alderman was the national accounts sales manager for Standard Publishing, Eerdmans officials said.

That is the opinion of award-winning veteran producer and director Ken Carpenter who revisited the case for a two-part TV documentary aired last year and released in revised format in May as The Terri Schiavo Story.

Baker, who ministers to more than 4,000 children every week as director of children's ministry at Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Okla., has written three books in the series, including Real Life for Kids, Real Healing for Kids and Real Power for Kids.