The Christian Authors Network (CAN) gave away more than $3,000 worth of books during the Munce Group's CPE (Christian Product Expo), held Jan. 20-22 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa.

More than 100 retailers attended the breakfast event, where they learned about new releases from CAN authors and how to increase store traffic. Three winners each received more than $1,000 worth of books from Zondervan, Abingdon Press, Tyndale House Publishers and Revell.

"I've never won anything before," said Theresa Hanley of Solid Rock Café in Chalfont, Pa.

The other two winners were Nanette Jones of The Branch in Dover, Del., and Mary Rajasekhar of Olivet Books and Gifts in Alpina, Mich.

"We can use these new books to build awareness of authors," Jones said. "We'll also use some to bless our loyal customers and some for people who like to shop at the store, but can't afford to buy much."

Rajasekhar added: "Getting to know authors on a more personal level is great. We also like to get to know our customers personally. Then when we see something we know a certain customer will like we think, 'That's exactly what they need.' "

Munce Group formed a partnership last June with CAN, a marketing co-op with more than 100 members, which seeks to educate authors and promote their books.

"CAN has been a valuable partner to the Munce Group," said Munce President Kirk Blank. "This year brings many new ideas, solutions and awareness for authors and Munce member stores. I'm grateful to the work Karen Whiting and Bonnie Calhoun have done to partner with the Munce Group and the investment they are making in the independent Christian retail industry."

Calhoun, president of CAN, said that the partnership "is helping our authors get into the hands of many more retailers, and it is supplying retailers with great products to sell."

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