The new chairman of CBA has called for a new level of cooperation and partnership in the Christian products industry.

"Never before has it been so critical that we work together," said George Thomsen, as he assumed the key role Oct. 1 at the retailers' organization. "In many ways we are navigating in uncharted waters. It will require the collaborative efforts of our industry's best minds and the Lord's wisdom if we are to succeed in the future."

Despite the major changes the industry has faced in recent times, Thomsen said that he remained optimistic about the future. But it was more important than ever that "we not only exercise traditional business discipline, but also that we be forward-thinking, creative and untraditional in how we think about our industry as we work together for solutions.

"We must also seek to honor our Lord as we conduct our business if we are to have an expectation of His favor upon our labors."

Though he has only now formally taken on the chairman's role, he served as acting chair for the previous year during which the association underwent major changes. They included the departure of longtime President and CEO Bill Anderson, the sale of its Colorado Springs, Colo., headquarters and a reduction in staff as well as a revised management model.

Director of The Harvest Store at Harvest Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., and a consultant to other stores, Thomsen is the first church-based retailer to lead the CBA board. He took on the position with "a sense of gratitude, humility and sobriety," he said. "Any reservations I have about the task are mitigated by the knowledge that I serve alongside such dedicated, capable and godly members of our board and team in Colorado Springs."

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