Christian Retailing presented Richard Baker, chairman of the board for the Baker Book House Company, with a VIP (Visionary Industry Pioneer) award at Baker Publishing Group’s 75th Anniversary Reception. Christine D. Johnson, editor for the magazine, was on hand to present the award at the April 24 afternoon event at the Baker Book House retail store.

Christian Retailing  has honored several industry pioneers in the past for their accomplishments and service to the Christian products industry. Recipients have included Ken Taylor, founder of Tyndale House Publishers; Wally Bronner, founder of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland; and Bill Greig II of Gospel Light.

After not giving the award for several years, Christian Retailing Publisher Steve Strang felt that the company’s 75th anniversary was an appropriate setting to honor one of the most respected publishers in our industry for his leadership and service to Christian publishing. The award stated: “Christian Retailing honors Richard Baker of Baker Publishing Group for building one of America’s great publishing companies and blessing the lives of millions.”

Richard Baker began working with the company as a youth and describes his work at Baker Book House as “the only job I ever had.” He effectively worked his way up the ranks and held a position in the sales department before serving as president from 1987 to 1997, a time of growth, success and vision. Under his leadership, the Baker Book House Company acquired the Fleming H. Revell Company and Chosen Books, expanded their selection of academic titles and began working heavily with domestic and foreign distributors.

“The Baker Publishing Group team has still not fully explored all the opportunities that were generated through Rich Baker’s expanded vision, even though his term as president concluded in 1997,” said Dwight Baker, president of the Baker Book House Company. “So many aspects of our company today can trace a path back to Rich Baker’s activities and ideas, and we’ll need at least another decade to fully investigate all the opportunities that he generated for us. We’re just getting started, and it’s very good work.”

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