Instead of just repeating the past however, suppose you had the chance to remake your company by making a wish, what would you wish for? Would it be as simple as changing the paint color in your office or store? Would you relocate? How about changing the way you engage potential customers in your community?

Award-winning Christian artist Ron DiCianni has unveiled a major new work, which is likely to feature in gift products available later in the year.

The winner of several Gold Medallions from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for his book covers-which include the original designs for Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness-DiCianni has just completed a 12-foot-by-40 foot oil-on-canvas mural of Christ's resurrection.

Ellis E. Monk, a pioneer in the Christian products industry and founder of churchware company Artistic Manufacturing Corp., died Feb. 23. He was 83.

"I've lost not only my father, but my best friend and my mentor," said Tom Monk, son and Artistic president, who started coming to work with his father when he was just 5 years old.

Gift company P. Graham Dunn is offering record prizes and a special deal to mark the 10th year of its Dealer Conference.

Around 200 store representatives are expected for the March 23-24 event at the company's Dalton, Ohio, headquarters when drawing winners will be announced. In addition to a $10,000 grand prize of free products, Dunn will be offering 10 prizes of $500 each. All orders placed at the conference will receive a 10% discount.

Tapestry Productions, publisher of Ron DiCianni's fine art, has announced a new Stocking Dealer sales and discount program for its retail/wholesale accounts. While streamlining discounts, the program aims to clarify expectations and create a partnership between Tapestry and its accounts.

Tapestry Productions President Grant DiCianni explained the change in direction: "In the past, we really relied on the stores to drive the relationship. That was a mistake. Today's stores are overwhelmed trying to manage many lines with vastly differing quality, discounts and incentives."

T-shirt maker Kerusso continues to grow its inspirational toy line to meet the increasing demand for Christian-themed toys.

CEO and President Vic Kennett said the company's emphasis on toys reflects a long-standing commitment to evangelism.

"Kerusso was founded with the goal to spread the gospel," he said. "Team members saw an opportunity to fill the need for toys that inspire faith-filled play and took it. Our line now includes fashion dolls, miniature puppy play sets and friction-powered trucks."

Minnesota-based Holben Design has recently introduced to the Christian market its Prayer Angel, a porcelain figurine designed to hold a photo, greeting card, memorial card, pocket card or Scripture verse as a reminder to pray for family or friends.

List based on sales data for Feb. 1-28, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

March 5-9
Minneapolis Gift Show
Minneapolis Mart
10301 Bren Road West
Minnetonka, MN 55343
800-626-1298
www.mplsgfitmart.com

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

(John 16:33, NASB)