SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas—July 31, 2023—DaySpring Cards, Inc., a Northwest Arkansas-based company specializing in Christian greeting cards, specialty products, and books and Bibles announces the retirement of its president James Barnett, effective July 31.
Barnett is the longest serving president of the company. He joined two local pastors—Dean Kerns and Don Leetch—at DaySpring on May 2, 1981, as a marketing intern. He has worked at the company for 42 years, serving 29 years as the president of DaySpring.
Smith Holland, president of Hallmark Global, told the DaySpring employees, “Over James’ long tenure, DaySpring has clearly defined its mission and purpose, evolved the business in light of significant industry changes and economic challenges, and solidified itself as a valuable component of the Hallmark Global business.”
Barnett has not only grown an enterprise, but he has also built a well-known brand, and integrated business and ministry in a most unique manner. DaySpring products impact millions of individuals worldwide each year. As he says, “Our motivation is ministry, our method is business, and our message is Jesus. Visiting companies and partners tell us we have developed a model for those who desire to combine a profitable business and a ministry vision, to be dedicated to integrating faith and work.” he said.
“It’s no secret God has blessed DaySpring over the past 52 years. And I remain confident that there continues to be amazing opportunities to thrive and succeed in fulfilling DaySpring’s vision of seeing every person experience and express the life-changing message of God’s love! Our founders always said that DaySpring is God’s idea, not man’s. We are all stewards of the business and ministry, carrying the baton for a season,” said Barnett. “I look forward to my own new season, concentrating on helping others who want to have a Kingdom impact in the marketplace.”
The company’s 50th anniversary celebration several years ago revealed the meaningful contributions that Barnett has made during his tenure at DaySpring. In the early days of his career, he launched the first fixture program in Christian retail. In the early 2000s, Barnett oversaw the launch of two direct-to-consumer channels: Ecommerce in 2000, and the Mary & Martha home party business in 2007. He also launched the (in)courage website where Christian women can share an online community. Over the past 42 years, he was a key part in negotiating DaySpring’s sale to Hallmark Cards, Inc. and led numerous partnerships with key licensors, along with DaySpring movies on Hallmark Media, and countless local, regional, and national partnerships.
Multiple ministries exist and thrive with the help of Barnett’s leadership and the generosity of DaySpring employees–American Rehabilitation Ministries, Ability Tree, Mali Hoops, Kind at Heart Ministries, Ezekiel Rain, Compassion International, Leather and Iron Ministries, and the Manna Center.
A native of Northwest Arkansas, Barnett is committed to the educational, cultural, and economic health of the region. He has been very involved in community and area organizations for more than 40 years, serving on several athletic, charitable, and scholastic boards. Currently, he serves on the boards of John Brown University, Walton School of Business (Dean’s Advisory Board), WorkMatters, and is engaged with the CEO Forum organization. Other affiliations include Arkansas Athletes Outreach, the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce (Chair in 2020), Soderquist Center for Leadership & Ethics, Urban Ministries, Inc. and the Winshape Marriage and Family Foundation. His industry affiliations include the Association for Christian Retail, the Greeting Card Association, and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
About DaySpring:
DaySpring, the world’s largest Christian-message product provider, was founded in 1971 with a single Christmas card. Today DaySpring offers more than 6,000 products — from greeting cards to home décor, specialty gifts to devotional books. In 1999, DaySpring was acquired by Hallmark Cards, Inc. DaySpring products are sold in Christian retail outlets, mass retail stores, card and gift shops and other outlets in the United States and 60 foreign countries. DaySpring is based in Siloam Springs, Ark., and employs a staff of more than 200 people. Visit www.dayspring.com for more information about the company, to find a local retailer, and to send a free e-card.
For information: Brenda Turner, 479.220-2408, Brenda.Turner1128@gmail.com
