Suppliers and retailers paused to remember fellow believers around the world who don't enjoy freedom of faith, before turning to two days of Christian-retail business.

They were led in prayer at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for CBA Advance by Jane Charette, vice president of sales and marketing at Gregg Gift Co., who recalled “so many people who don't have the privilege that we do,” and thanked God “for the freedoms we have in this country that we are able to do what we do and celebrate and share our faith in Christ.”

Chairman of the exhibitors advisory committee, Charette appeared at the opening with CBA Chairman Chris Childers and President Bill Anderson, who noted that there were more than 200 exhibitors at the event. The trade show's doors opened for four hours of evening exhibit time, with further exhibit time today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Prev
• Next