CBA's new initiatives were intended to help "put the 'special' back in specialty retailing," association President Bill Anderson said at yesterday's members' breakfast.

In an interview with author Chris Fabry who hosted the talk show-style morning event, Anderson and CBA's strategic solutions executive, Curtis Riskey, spoke of CBA Connect, which provides online training for store workers; the new Know Thy Customer report combining consumer research and retail strategies; and additional channel exclusives.

"I'm really excited about the impact our industry is having," Anderson said. "We are demonstrating that when Christian retailers work together with their association, and we bring in the right kind of product, we can not just move the needle, we can really spank that puppy."

During the breakfast, winners of the CBA Spirit of Excellence Awards announced earlier in the year received their trophies, with Anderson spotlighting some of the innovations and ideas that had earned the stores their nominations.

Among them were Lorraine Valk, owner of Banner Books Parable Christian Store in St. Joseph, Mich., who was honored for excellence in inventory management, "exemplary" departmental mix and proportionate allocation to categories. Rick and Susan Lewis, owners of Logos Bookstore in Dallas, were singled out for "memorable customer service."

Also announced at the breakfast were this year's show booth award winners. The winners were: Best design, books over 300 square feet: David C. Cook; Best design, gifts over 300 square feet: DaySpring; Best design, retail support: Design Identity; Best staff, over 300 square feet: Tyndale House Publishers; Best design, books under 300 square feet: Harrison House Publishers; Best design, entertainment over 300 square feet: EMI CMG Distribution; Best design, entertainment under 300 square feet: NOTW (Not of This World); Best first-time exhibitor: The Mission Ball; Best design, gifts under 300 square feet: Cosmos Gifts Corp.; and Best staff, under 300 square feet: WWJD.

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