An upbeat mood and positive sales reports were common from retailers, suppliers, distributors and publishers, as the show closed.

Lorraine Valk, co-owner of Banner Books Parable Christian Store of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mich., said she was "encouraged and blessed."

"In talking with many people, I got the overall feeling that they were extremely pleased with the event and that they viewed the smaller show footprint as an advantage," said Valk, whose store won CBA's top honor for retailing excellence and was recognized for its marketing efforts. "There was more emphasis on content and value than on trying to build the fanciest booth with the biggest wow factor. Overall, there was a camaraderie and compassion for one another, including an open dialogue of sharing ideas and visions for the future."

Whitaker House-Anchor Distributors Sales and Marketing Manager Karen Keisler said their booth was "very busy." "I didn't think we had a good location," said Keisler, noting that more than 300 rolling tote bags were given away to retailers with qualifying orders. "It's turned out well. We've been busy from the start."

Gospel Light Trade Sales Director Ken Lorenz said sales were flat at the show compared to last year's ICRS. "However, international sales were very strong," he said.

Allen McVicker, president of Victory Marketing Group, which represents WingSpread Publishers and Messianic Jewish Publishers, benefited by exhibiting in Christian Trade Association International's Marketsquare area for the first time.

"Our booth was very busy, and we wrote more orders than what we have done for several years," McVicker said.

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