AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2017 Golden Scroll Awards at the Golden Scroll Banquet, Tuesday, June 27^th at the Hilton Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Honored for outstanding ministry partnerships with their authors, the Golden Scroll Publisher of the Year Award went to Kregel Publishers. AWSA author Letitia Suk says of Kregel, “I’m proud to have Kregel’s name on my book and so grateful for their support and investment in me.”

Stephen Barcliff was named the winner of the Golden Scroll Non-Fiction Editor of the Year Award. Letitia Suk said, “Steve is sharp and smart about business, but always has time for his authors.”

The Fiction Editor of the Year was awarded to Lisa McCaskill of Pelican Book Group. AWSA author Robin Bayne said, “Lisa put a lot of dedicated effort into the re-release of my novel. She made the entire experience a breeze.”

The Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of the Year Award went to Lynn Eib for Peace in the Face of Cancer from Tyndale House Publishers. The judges remarked, “A comforting, practical book about living with cancer by a survivor with a long time ministry to patients.”

Golden Scroll Merit Awards for Nonfiction were also awarded to Letitia Suk for Getaway with God: The Every Women’s Guide to Personal Retreat from Kregel Publications, Margot Starbuck for He Knows Your Name from Kregel Publications and Lucinda Secrest McDowell for Dwelling Places – Words to Live in Every Season from Abingdon Press.

Silver Scroll Merit Awards for Nonfiction went to Edie Melson for While My Child is Away from Worthy Inspired, Margot Starbucks for Overplayed from Herald Press and Joy Schneider for How to Keep Grief from Stealing Your Destiny from Water of Life Unlimited.

The Golden Scroll Novel of the Year Award went to Cynthia Ruchti for Song of Silence from Abingdon Press. The judges described Ruchti’s novel as, “A stunning, beautiful, poetic, touching read.”

Golden Scroll Merit Awards for Fiction were also awarded to Martha Bolton for The Home Game from Faith Happenings Publishers, Lynette Eason for Without Warning from Revell and Edie Melson for Alone from Prism Book Group.

Silver Scroll Merit Awards for Fiction went to DiAnn Mills for Deadly Encounter from Tyndale House Publishers, Marilyn Turk for The Gilded Curse from Heritage Beacon Fiction and Lynette Eason for Moving Target from Revell.

The Golden Scroll Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley for Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers from Discovery House. The judges remarked, “This is an excellent book for teaching children ages 6 to 10 more about God.” The Golden Scroll Merit Award for Children’s Book of the Year went to Jeanne Dennis and Sheila Seifert for Bible Kid Adventures: Stories of Danger and Courage from Tyndale House Publishers.

AWSA’s official magazine, Leading Hearts, won their third straight Evangelical Press Association Merit award and honored their columnists including Pam Farrel, Michelle S. Cox, Rhonda Rhea, Penelope Carlevato, Saundra Dalton, Sharon Elliot, Kathy Collard Miller, Karen Porter and Cynthia Simmons.

The 2017 AWSA Member of the Year Award went to Suzanne Kuhn. AWSA founder Linda Evans Shepherd said, “Suzanne has so many hard-earned insights and gifts regarding building an author’s platform and she never hesitates to share her knowledge with her AWSA sisters.”

The Beyond Me Award went to Karynthia Phillips, a medical professional, who not only works with high risk pregnancies in the prison population but works with women audiences through her mentoring, writing and speaking. The prestigious 2017 Impact Award was presented to Carol Kent. Shepherd says of Kent, “Carol has served the Lord through both tragedy and pain, and made such a difference for the cause of Christ.”

Carol Kent served as the keynote speaker and recording artist, Ginny Owens, performed the special music. AWSA President Karen Porter served as emcee. Authors Carol Kent and Linda Evans Shepherd presented the awards and AWSA member Jeanne Dennis performed a parody written by Martha Bolton dedicated to editors and publishers.

AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards Banquet, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of over 500 top ICRS women authors who both publish and speak nationally.  See www.AWSA.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) has announced their winners for the 2017 Golden Scroll Awards. Kregel Publications was awarded Publisher of the Year. Managing editor Steve Barclift was also awarded Nonfiction Editor of the Year. Kregel author Letitia Suk received a Nonfiction Merit Award for her book Getaway with God.  Margot Starbuck also received a Nonfiction Merit Award for He Knows Your Name.

AWSA author Letitia Suk says of Kregel, “I’m proud to have Kregel’s name on my book and so grateful for their support and investment in me.” And of Steve Barclift she comments, “Steve is sharp and smart about business, but always has time for his authors.”

Regarding his award, Steve Barclift says “I know this is what every winner of an award is expected to say, but I truly am honored and thankful for this recognition. And humbled. I made new friends and visited with old friends at the AWSA banquet, which was great fun.”

Dennis Hillman, publisher at Kregel remarked, “It is very gratifying to see our authors recognized for their work by their peers and especially gratifying to have our own managing editor, Steve Barclift, recognized for this outstanding support and promotion of authors. We are also grateful for the award for Publisher of the Year. Kregel Publications has strived to be a place where writers can feel they have a home. AWSA’s recognition is therefore all the more appreciated by our ownership and staff.”

AWSA announced the winners at the 2017 Golden Scroll Awards Banquet on Tuesday, June 27, at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel Continental Ball Room in Cincinnati, Ohio.

AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of over 500 top International Christian Retail Show women authors who both publish and speak nationally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Brother C.V. Vadavana of Truth/Sathyam Ministries and head of CBA India announced with CBA USA President Curtis Riskey an agreement to work together to expand ministry and Christian-product distribution in India.

During a meeting Friday, June 30, at UNITE 2017, CBA’s international convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, the two leaders agreed to a joint project to bring Christian businesses and a rights-and-licensing sales event to the 2018 World Christian Expo in Mumbai, India, Nov. 7-11, 2018.

Vadavana said, “The expo brings together Christians from abroad to share innovations, promote progress, and foster cooperation among fellow brethren.”

He said the event showcases many different attributes of Christendom in diverse disciplines such as international missions, media, music, films, writing, and book fairs. The Expo will appeal to Christian publishers, printers, and distributors, plus content creators for TV, radio, and digital technology.

CBA President Curtis Riskey, who visited Indian leaders during the 2016 World Christian Expo, said working together on such a project can help drive unity not only between international groups like CBA India and CBA USA, but also within India and with other nations.

“Christian leaders in India have identified that unity among Indian Christian organizations is very much needed to improve the development, production, and distribution of Christian resources for a growing church,” Riskey said. “Through shared goals and common commitments, our goal is to develop foundational principles to help Indian Christians maximize their opportunities in ministry with sound business practices.”

Riskey said this could include development of Christian literature distribution agreements, rights and licensing sales, and ministry and mission outreach both within India and around the world.

People from India have far-reaching impact around the world. Pew Research Center reports India is a top source of international migration, with nearly 16 million people born in India living in other countries. As one of the top migrant-origin countries since the United Nations began tracking global migration in 1990, India has a cultural presence in many nations.

Christianity is India’s third largest religion with approximately 28 million followers representing more than 2 percent of the country’s total population. Christianity has been a part of India since 52 AD when Thomas the Apostle visited Kerala on a missionary journey.

CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, is the global trade association for Christian-product providers and distributors. It supplies vital connections, information, education, and encouragement to help Christian resource providers reach all people.

Contact:  Sharon Roberts
sroberts@cbaonline.org  (719) 272-3504

UNITE 2017 attracts retailers, suppliers, publishers, and authors

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – CBA’s UNITE 2017, formerly known as the International Christian Retail Show, took place June 27-30 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Representatives from all aspects of the Christian retail industry, including retailers, publishers, distributors, authors and service providers gathered for face-to-face opportunities at the event co-sponsored by HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Ingram/Spring Arbor.

For 67 years, CBA has helped its members by leading the industry in analyzing critical issues, developing industry-wide strategic direction, and providing highly-valued business solutions, such as data tools and intelligence, industry research, and retail consulting and training.

The exhibit floor is a hub of UNITE where products are shared, transactions are made, deals are signed, and relationships are forged. In addition to an exhibit floor, the convention featured destination areas for international rights and licensing sales, dedicated space for up-and-coming smaller exhibitors, and Showcase Suites for larger, more customized presentations by exhibitors.

Two major initiatives from CBA received an enthusiastic positive response during UNITE 2017. The first is Retail Academy Online, a training program in which CBA has partnered with world-renowned retail training company, the Friedman Group, to offer robust online training at affordable rates for retailers.

The second major initiative is the result of a partnership among CBA, The Parable Group, and The Covenant Group, in which CBA’s store-locator website, ChristianStores.org, will enable customers to locate a Christian retail store near them, see the in-stock inventory for stores using CROSS:SCAN, and then either visit the store, reserve the product for in-store pick-up, or purchase and ship online. The Get It Local Today program is scheduled to launch this year and offers retailers without advanced online capabilities a way to offer omnichannel options, entering into the customer journey and allowing customers to discover or purchase the way the customer chooses—either in-store or online.

Both initiatives are possible due to collaboration within the industry, proof positive of CBA President Curtis Riskey’s constant reminder of the value of unity. “We need to look out for the needs of our fellow industry members because the health and success of the whole industry means health and success for individual companies,” he said.

Embodying the idea of unity, UNITE 2017 officially kicked off June 27 with CBA’s annual worship service. Attendees were led in worship by southern gospel group The Collingsworth Family with beautiful harmonies and exceptional musicianship across numerous classical instruments. Then backed by a full band, eclectic modern worship leader Ricardo Sanchez concluded the night with a set that mixed familiar worship favorites with new songs. The distinct flavors of the groups exemplified the diversity of the overarching genre of Christian music sold in today’s retail stores. Author Mary DeMuth spoke from the heart as she shared her personal story and focused on encouraging the convention-goers.

During the official opening of the exhibit areas, which included a ceremony with a free breakfast and ribbon-cutting, Riskey welcomed everyone with a word about unity and this year’s theme, “Envision the Legacy,” pointing retailers to Galatians 6:10. “We know it’s been a tough year,” Riskey acknowledged, “but what we do today creates a legacy tomorrow.” CBA Board Chair Sue Smith added her word of welcome, stating, “God goes with you today as you start business.”

A major focus for the 2017 convention was training opportunities for retailers. Offering both a foundational track and an advanced track, CBA’s Retail Academy, an intensive pre-convention day of training, provided diverse sessions covering an array of relevant topics, including digital marketing, inventory management, customer experience and leadership strategy. Speakers included The Friedman Group’s Wendi Swanson, Carpentree’s Sherry Morris and The Parable Group’s Erik Ernstrom, among others. While this year’s session leaders acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the Christian retail industry, they also provided tactical tools attendees could implement in their stores. “Changing times require even the most fundamental of things,” noted Morris during her session, Gift & Specialty Buying: Making Gift Campaigns Work.

Specifically for authors, an Author Boot Camp featured a variety of afternoon sessions and a lively Q&A discussion with an engaging author panel. Keynote speaker Cynthia Ruchti, literary agent for Books & Such Literary Management and a best-selling author, shared tips for finding and pitching agents and publishers. “We’re always happy to be anywhere where there are people talking about books, and especially where there are authors,” said Robin Cutler, director of IngramSpark, Ingram’s self-publishing arm, which sponsored the event.

New this year, a “Rep Arounds” session provided a fun and efficient way for attendees to learn about an array of new product offerings in a short period of time. After some brief presentations on overarching trends in areas like Christian fiction and children’s products, tables of retailers enjoyed fast presentations by 14 representatives rotating among the tables with products ranging from greeting cards and stuffed animals to new book titles.

On June 29, convention-goers gathered for the Envision the Legacy Banquet, an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and award presentations honoring leaders and innovators in the Christian retail industry. Over a free dinner, author and Fellowship of Companies for Christ International President and CEO Terence Chatmon delivered the keynote address challenging attendees to pursue a “legacy life” with intentionality, starting in their own homes. Illusionists Adrian Van Vactor and Rod Robison performed Unmasking the Masquerade On Stage!, engaging audience members and bewildering those gathered with mind-bending entertainment. The performers shared that many are misled by psychics and those claiming to have supernatural powers, so they have dedicated their work to pointing to Jesus Christ and debunking myths that lead people astray. Van Vactor shared his personal testimony revealing that he came to know the Lord through Christian media. “You are throwing a lifeline of truth to people who are drowning in a sea of deception,” Robison encouraged the industry representatives. “Keep your focus on people whose lives you are affecting.”

During the convention, CBA announced two international directorships that will guide the industry in its work in South Korea and India.

Leading Korean publishing executive Kyungtae Noh, CEO of Urim Books, has been named the new director of CBA Korea, which has been re-launched. Noh recognizes the need for leadership among the Christian publishing and retailing communities in Korea and volunteered to step into leadership to demonstrate and promote unity to further the Gospel message.

Brother C.V. Vadavana of Truth/Sathyam Ministries has been named the director of CBA India. He and CBA President Riskey announced an agreement to work together to expand ministry and Christian-product distribution in India. During a meeting June 30 at UNITE 2017, Vadavana and Riskey discussed with a group of publishers opportunities to bring Christian businesses and a rights-and-licensing sales event to the World Christian Expo in Mumbai, India, in November 2018.

Riskey said CBA’s annual convention continues to demonstrate the value of face-to-face interactions and the need for the entire industry to work together toward solutions that will benefit all.

“When God’s people work together, the Good News we have to share can be distributed far and wide for the glory of His name,” Riskey said. “We must remember that we are here to serve a higher purpose, and when we do, I believe He will work through us.”

CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, is the global trade association for Christian-product providers and distributors. It supplies vital connections, information, education, and encouragement to help Christian resource providers reach all people.

Contact: Sharon Roberts: sroberts@cbaonline.org, (719) 272-3504