The We Love Christian Music Awards Unveils Powerhouse Partnerships as Future Ambitions Soar

Nashville, TN – The WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS (www.WeLoveAwards.com), powered by the largest Christian music site online, NewReleaseToday (www.NewReleaseToday.com), is gearing up for its 13th annual celebration this December 2024, and it’s bigger than ever. With new strategic partnerships in place, the awards are set to reach unprecedented heights, promising unparalleled exposure and engagement for sponsors.

Since its inception in 2012, the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS has been the premier platform celebrating the most inspiring artists, albums, and songs that define the entire Christian music landscape–from both signed and independent artists. What makes this event unique is that the power lies in the hands of the fans, who cast their votes to determine the winners. The awards culminate in a vibrant winner’s special, packed with unforgettable performances, interactive segments, and surprise appearances.

This year, the awards are thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with FrontGate Media (www.FrontGateMedia.com). As a leading full-service agency representing top faith-based entertainment and media companies, FrontGate Media will spearhead sponsorship representation, collaborating with nonprofits, organizations, book publishers, film studios, and beyond to bring the expanded vision of the awards to life.

Additionally, Frankland Events has come on board to produce a highly anticipated live event in Franklin, TN, set for April 2025. This partnership promises to bring the awards to life, creating an immersive and memorable experience for Christian music fans.

Together, these partnerships position the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS to deliver over 3 million digital impressions, offering sponsors unmatched visibility across a multi-phase campaign that includes public voting, a live-to-tape ceremony, and a wide-reaching public rollout. From in-program messaging and red-carpet sponsorships to event partnerships and multimedia visibility, the opportunities to engage with this event are endless.

“The WE LOVE AWARDS has been more than just an event; it’s a mission,” shares founder Kevin McNeese. “We’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. With God’s guidance, we’re expanding our vision to ensure that this life-changing music reaches even more people. We’re humbled and excited to see how these partnerships will help us take the WE LOVE AWARDS to new heights.”

Don’t miss the chance to be part of something extraordinary. The full sponsorship deck, detailing the myriad ways your brand or organization can shine, can be viewed here:  https://www.frontgatemedia.com/portfolio/we-love-christian-music-awards.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW SPONSORSHIP DECK

Learn more about the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS at http://www.WeLoveAwards.com.

About NewReleaseToday
NewReleaseToday (NRT), launched in August 2002, has become the largest Christian music and media site online, offering the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on faith-based arts and entertainment. From album release dates to exclusive interviews, world premieres, and Christian music news, NRT is the go-to source for what’s new in Christian music. www.NewReleaseToday.com

About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media is a leading full-service marketing agency and media group specializing in the Faith and Family audience.  With a 20+ year track record of success, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full-service agency and media group has been trusted with over 7,500 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Social Media Content & Advertising, Media Buying, and Creative Services. FrontGate’s own Digital Network also provides reach to more than 10 Million UMV, 20 Million Email Subscribers, and Millions more Social Followers each month.  Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking faith-based and family-friendly audiences. https://FrontGateMedia.com

About Frankland Events
Frankland Events LLC produces live concerts and events throughout the Middle Tennessee market, including annual events like Franklin Summer Bash, Christmas with the King, and Nashville Elvis Festival, which draws fans from all over the world. https://FranklandEvents.com

CONTACT:
Scott Shuford
FrontGate Media
949-528-3359
Scott@FrontGateMedia.com

The Man on the Middle Cross to Release Fall, 2025

Leyland, UK – July 09 2024. 10Publishing is pleased to announce that Pastor and Bible teacher at Truth for Life, Alistair Begg, will publish the mass market title The Man on the Middle Cross, releasing Fall 2025.

Inspired by the viral video clip, from a sermon preached in 2019, the book will explore three people who encountered Jesus, culminating with the story of the dying thief on the cross.

The book will be a powerful work that will be designed specifically for the wide distribution to those with and without faith in Jesus.

“From the time I first heard Alistair’s powerful message in 2019, we were keen to explore how we might be able to share it with a wider audience” says 10ofThose CEO, Jonathan Carswell. “Alistair has been used by God for many years, teaching and preaching the gospel message clearly, faithfully and persuasively. We pray this book will be read by a huge audience, and hear that Jesus invites them to ‘Come’, just like he did with the dying thief.”

Along with major retail outlets, the book will be sold at 10ofthose.com, who provide the bookstore for The Gospel Coalition, Radical, and Getty Music among others.

The Man on the Middle Cross was acquired by Jonathan Pountney, of 10Publishing, the Publishing imprint of 10ofThose.com, with literary agency Wolgemuth & Wilson representing the author.

Advance review copies of the book and media interviews are available upon request; please contact Product Marketer, Siwan Davies (siwan.davies@10ofthose.com).

Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher at Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world. He graduated from theological college in London and served two churches in Scotland before moving to Ohio. He is married to Susan, and they have three grown children.

About the book:
The Man on the Middle Cross
Author: Alistair Begg
978-1-83728-050-6
Paperback (will also be available as eBook and audiobook)
Release date: Fall, 2025

 

August 2024 | LISLE, IL—IVP Academic is thrilled to announce that The Meaning of Singleness by Danielle Treweek has been named the 2024 Australian Christian Book of the Year.

The judges for the award commented: “Taken seriously, this book will change the way churches operate, preachers preach, Christian organizations act, friends befriend, and crucially, how we love and are loved.”

The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church offers biblical, historical, cultural, and theological reflections to retrieve a theology of singleness for the church today. Drawing upon both ancient and contemporary theologians, including Augustine, Ælfric of Eynsham, John Paul II, and Stanley Hauerwas, Treweek contends not only that singleness has served an important role throughout the church’s history, but that single Christians present the church with a foretaste of the eschatological reality that awaits all of God’s people.

Treweek said, “One of my hopes is that those who read The Meaning of Singleness might be better equipped to love, respect, and value the single members of their church communities. And, of course, I hope it will encourage unmarried Christians (whether they be never-married, divorced, or widowed) to delight more and more in the intrinsic goodness of their singleness. But I also pray that those who read this book might better understand the vitally important and God-glorifying role singles have to play in the church’s understanding of her own unique identity. I hope my book might help us all to better realize it’s not simply that single Christians need the church, but the church who really and truly needs single Christians.”

The judges added: “This is a work of tremendous scholarship and intellectual acuity. By adopting the perspective of our destiny rather than origin, Treweek demonstrates that in church history, biblical exegesis and Christian theology, singleness has the same eternal significance as marriage. She takes on sacred cows and names Christian leaders who have veered away from the Bible to privilege marriage and devalue singleness. Treweek presents us with a vision of the church that is far more inclusive and faithful to Scripture.”

Danielle Treweek (PhD, St Mark’s National Theological Centre and Charles Sturt University) is the founding director of the Single Minded Ministry and an adjunct teacher at Moore Theological College, Sydney. She also serves as both the Diocesan Research Officer and a member of the Archbishop’s Doctrine Commission within the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australia.

The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award has been around since 1981 and is given annually to an original book written by an Australian citizen. The award recognizes and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing. Entries are judged with an eye to the original nature of the work; literary style, including suitability for the target audience; design, layout, cover, text, and illustrations; and contribution that the book makes in meeting a need for Christian writing in the Australian situation and in the Australian market.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Since 1947, InterVarsity Press (IVP), a subsidiary of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, has been publishing thoughtful Christian books and content to equip Christians for a vibrant life of faith. IVP products speak boldly into important cultural moments and provide innovative resources for leaders in the academy and the church. To learn more, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Babbie Mason’s Each One Reach One: Everyday Ways You Can Shine God’s Light Becomes National Bestseller

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Aug. 21, 2024—Christian publisher and music company David C Cook is pleased to announce that Each One Reach One: Everyday Ways You Can Shine God’s Light by Grammy-nominated recording artist Babbie Mason has been named a national bestseller by USA TODAY.

Following the week of its Aug. 6, 2024, debut through Esther Press (David C Cook’s women’s imprint), the book earned a spot on USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist, which is generated by sales data on titles across multiple genres from a variety of outlets nationwide, including bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass merchandisers, and online retailers.

Each One Reach One was inspired by Mason’s hit song in the 1990s of the same name and dives into the message of Matthew 5:16, equipping readers with tangible ways to share the gospel with others and evangelizing with enthusiasm rather than obligation. She emphasizes the importance of personalizing your story and listening well, as well as anticipating opportunities to share our faith to inspire those closest to us.

“I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have the opportunity to share the message of Matthew 5:16 with so many readers,” said Mason. “Evangelizing and spreading the hope and good news of God can feel intimidating and even hard at times, but if we approach it with thoughtfulness and joy, we’re sure to make an impact in the lives of people around us.” 

Mason is a two-time Dove Award-winner, singer, songwriter and author and has penned eight total books, including devotionals for young women. A well-known Gospel artist, her music can be heard regularly at Sunday church services across the nation.

“Babbie uses her personal experience to inspire others to share the good news of Christ with their acquaintances,” said Chadd MIller, divisional president of David C Cook’s publishing arm. “We’re excited that this message is resonating with so many believers, particularly those who may want to share their own testimonies, but aren’t sure where or how to start.”

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach online at www.davidccook.org.

About Esther Press 
Esther Press equips and encourages women to courageously stand strong in the truth of God’s Word and who He created them to be for such a time as this. Learn more about Esther Press at www.estherpress.com.

Contact:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

Ft. Wayne, Indiana – August 1, 2024 – At its recent annual conference held in tandem with the Christian Products Expo, the Association of Logos Bookstores, a member-owned trade association of retailers based in Kent, Ohio, presents its annual awards for Vendor of the Year, Author of the Year and the best books of the past 12 months in eight categories. Becky Gorczyca, the association’s executive director, said the winners were:

• Vendor of the Year:  Tyndale House Publishers
• Author of the Year, an award celebrating an author’s body of works:  Dr. David Jeremiah
• Theology/Doctrine/Reference:  How To Read and Understand the Psalms by Bruce Waltke, Crossway
• Bibles:  NLT Courage for Life Men’s and Women’s Bibles, Tyndale House
• Devotional/Spirituality:  Pilgrim by Ruth Chou Simons, Harvest House
• Christian Living:  Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook
• Biography/Memoir:  Being Elizabeth Elliott by Ellen Vaughn, B&H/Lifeway
• Fiction:  The Last Exchange by Charles Martin, Harper Christian
• Christianity in Culture:  Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore, Sentinel/Viking
• Children’s:  God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook by Carl Laferton, The Good Book Company

“We congratulate this year’s winners and encourage them to continue to write and publish books that change lives,” Gorczyca said.

Additionaly, the Logos Association recognized the following sales representatives from companies who serve the individual stores with excellence:

• Crossway – Danny Lee
• Hachette – David Chaudhry
• Harper Christian – Shawn LeBar, Jeff Miller
• New Day – Jim Hunt
• Tyndale House – Mike Bachmann, Mike Petersen, Mitch Ady
• Genesis Marketing – Joe Bailey, Bob Flores, Preston Repass
• Noble Marketing – Lane Davis, Alan Read, Ryan Wheat
• Abbey/Cathedral Arts – Christine Lahee
• Demdaco – Jan Verhoef
• Dicksons – Joan Needham, Pam Williams
• McVan – Denny Santorelli
• Mud Pie – Rebekah Bostwick
• One Coast – Carli Cromer
• Portico – Tara Navid
• Standing on the Word – Shelly & Richard Reeder
• Zoe Hoop – Caroline Johansonn

The Association of Logos Bookstores is a member-owned trade association of retailers.

For more information, please contact:
Becky Gorczyca, Executive Director, Association of Logos Bookstores
330-677-8086, becky@logosbookstores.com, www.logosbookstores.com

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AUGUST 12, 2024) B&H Publishing announces the release of songwriter and storyteller Caroline Cobb’s first book, Advent for Exiles, releasing September 24th. This special advent devotional will feature 25 devotions to awaken Christmas hope in a longing heart. Preorder this Scripture-rich companion for the Advent season now.

In 2020, Cobb released A Seed, A Sunrise, an album that explored the ache of Advent, the joy of Christmas, and the expectant yearning for Christ’s return. That album inspires this Advent devotional as she dives deeper into the poetic imagery of Isaiah and the biblical theme of exile.

“After releasing my Christmas album, I began work on this ’side project,'” shares Caroline Cobb. “But in the writing, I discovered the album had barely scratched the surface for me. I wanted to dive deeper into the poetic imagery of Isaiah, draw more connections between our current experience and the biblical theme of exile, and help readers imaginatively engage in the ache of Advent as a way of expanding their joy at Christ’s coming. Advent for Exiles is the fruit of more than two years of writing and wrestling this deep dive into words.”

Throughout the 25-day devotional, Cobb weaves Scripture readings, song lyrics, poetic prose, biblical imagery, and responsive exercises to help readers joyfully celebrate Christ’s first arrival while deeply longing for His second.

She adds, “This devotional is written for those who have felt—or at least feel ready to acknowledge—the long groan of exile. We need Advent companions willing to recognize the darkness around and within. Only then will we be able to fully rejoice in the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the world. I pray Advent for Exiles will do just that.”

Book Details:
Title: Advent for Exiles
ISBN: 9781430095842
Page Count: 240
Release Date: Sept. 24, 2024
Suggested Price: $19.99
B&H Publishing – Hardcover

ABOUT CAROLINE COBB:  Before her thirtieth birthday, Caroline Cobb set a goal to write a song for every book of the Bible in one year. That year set a new calling into motion: to tell God’s Story through music and other creative work, helping you rehearse it and respond to it as you go about your everyday life. Her most recent album, Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer (May 2023) gives voice to a rich range of prayers from the Psalms and builds on Caroline’s previous storytelling projects A King & His Kindness (2021), A Seed, A Sunrise (2020), a Home & a Hunger (2017), and the Blood + the Breath (2013). Caroline has been featured by Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, The Rabbit Room, Risen Motherhood, and many more, with a Home & a Hunger named among “The Best Albums of the Decade (2010’s)” by The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband Nick live in Dallas, Texas, with their three children Ellie, Harrison, and Libby.

 

---

What others are saying about Advent for Exiles: 

“Advent for Exiles weaves a glorious tapestry of good news that will help you experience Advent in a meaningful new way.”
—Ruth Chou Simons, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, artist, and founder of gracelaced.com

“I love a good Advent devotional, and this is a great one. Infused with a beautifully coherent, biblically rich exilic theme throughout, Caroline Cobb’s Advent for Exiles takes the reader deeper into a full-Bible understanding of Advent. Including Scripture passages, poetic song lyrics, and responses in prayer and practice, Advent for Exiles is an engaging resource to enhance you and your family’s Advent season.”
—Brett McCracken, senior editor, The Gospel Coalition, author of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World

“Advent for Exiles stands out from any devotional I’ve come across. This book not only compels readers to love the story of Scripture more but also encourages weary exiles to find hope in Christ – engaging our senses and imagination with biblical truth. It is a deeply encouraging read that will move you to rejoice in Christ’s first coming and yearn for his return—a perfect choice for the Advent season.”
—Hunter Beless, Founder of Journeywomen Ministries and author of Read it, See it, Say it, Sing it!

CHARLOTTE, NC– The Good Book Company is delighted to announce that Timothy Keller’s Galatians For You has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales (The Good Book Company, May 2013).

Galatians For You is from the God’s Word For You series, a collection of expository guides by trusted Bible teachers that walks readers through books of the Bible verse-by-verse. Combining close attention to the text with Timothy Keller’s trademark gift for clear explanation and compelling insights, Galatians for You shows how the gospel message transforms all of Christian life to excite ordinary believers in their faith and equip teachers and preachers in their work. It is designed to be  used as a daily devotional, complete with reflection questions; or utilized by anyone who has a teaching ministry, to help small-group leaders understand and apply the text and to give preachers helpful ways of connecting timeless Bible truths to today’s world.

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President for Publishing, reflects, “Putting one hundred thousand books into the hands of people who desire to delve into the book of Galatians is an amazing achievement that showcases the impact of this series. We’re thrilled to honor Tim Keller’s legacy and The Good Book Company’s kingdom impact with this milestone.”

In addition to its milestone title and further volumes by Keller on Judges and Romans, the series contains over 30 other titles, including:

• Hebrews For You by Michael J. Kruger (March 2021)
• Proverbs For You by Kathleen B. Nielson (September 2021)
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians For You by Ligon Duncan (July 2023)
• Acts For You by Albert Mohler

Readers can use the series with accompanying Good Book Guides to study these books of the Bible in small group studies.

The Good Book Company celebrates this accomplishment and anticipates the series’ continued goal of providing biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that encourage Christians and their church families to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He received his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from Westminster Theological Seminary. He was the author of such New York Times bestselling books as The Reason for God and Prayer. He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which has helped start over 380 churches in global cities worldwide.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 13, 2024 — Just in time for the holiday season, families with young children can embark on a new journey through the Christmas story with the release of Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional (October 29, 2024), a captivating addition to Minno’s acclaimed lineup of resources.

Developed by Minno, the #1 source of Christian content for kids and families, the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional guides readers through the timeless biblical story of Christmas–from Isaiah’s prophecy to the arrival of the Messiah to the visit of the Wise Men. Each week of this interactive guide features devotionals aligned with traditional advent themes: hope, peace, joy, and love, fostering a meaningful family experience leading up to Christmas.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional as a tool to help families prepare their hearts to celebrate the arrival of Jesus,” said Jess Wolstenholm, Minno’s VP of Education and Research. “This new devotional book embodies Minno’s commitment to bring God’s goodness and love to life for children and families, offering a simple rhythm they can fit into their busy holiday season.”

Key features of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional include:

• Five short devotionals for each week, providing insights into key moments of the Christmas story.
• Talk, Say, Pray, Remember, and Play prompts to encourage interactive engagement and reflection.
• Can be used in conjunction with the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Bible and animated series, enhancing the learning journey.
• Devotions that require just 5-15 minutes, making it convenient for families to incorporate into their daily routines at breakfast, dinnertime, or bedtime throughout the bustling Christmas season.

More than just children’s Bible stories, the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is the most comprehensive, age-appropriate and engaging presentation of the Good News of Jesus’ love available. Through the books, animated series, specials, devotionals, and downloadable resources, families can experience God’s Word in multiple ways–reading a story in the print edition, then watching a fully-animated version of the story in the series and specials, and continuing the experience through off-screen fun and learning. Filled with beloved Bible moments, curious questions, support for sticky subjects and tricky topics, there is no better way for families to grow in the truth of God’s Word together!

For more information about the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional, visit www.GoMinno.com. For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact Paige Collins, at Icon Media Group — paige@iconmediagroup.com.

ABOUT MINNO
Minno is the leading voice globally for using media to spark kids’ imaginations and curiosity around God and the Bible. The Minno Kids streaming service is available as an app on all platforms. Minno Originals creates shows produced in partnership with top industry talent. Minno’s publishing program includes the award-winning, best-selling “Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids.” With the fastest-growing YouTube Channel for Christian Kids, along with parent resources, blogs, life guides, and more, Minno is where God’s goodness and love comes to life for kids. To find out more, go to www.GoMinno.com.

CONTACT:  Paige Collins, Icon Media Group, paige@iconmediagroup.com

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce the addition of five new publishers to its sales and distribution programs.

Whimspire Books, LLC, is a woman-owned, California-based children’s book publisher where the whimsical and inspiring come together to foster imagination and fuel confidence in kids. Their goal is to publish picture books that create moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness for families. IPG will distribute Whimspire in the United States and Canada starting February 1, 2025.

Starting January 1, 2025, IPG will distribute Melbourne Books in the United States and Canada. Melbourne Books is an independent Australian publishing house founded in 2000. They publish a wide range of books, including biographies, cookbooks, art, architecture, social histories, travel, academic work, and novels.

WTAW Press is a nonprofit that supports the artistic development of writers, fosters a thriving literary community, and inspires a passion for literature through publishing books. WTAW strives to publish exceptional, enduring, literary books that are likely to be overlooked in mainstream corporate publishing. They are based in Santa Rosa, California. IPG began distributing WTAW worldwide on July 1, 2024.

Starting November 1, 2024, IPG will distribute BLoved Publishing in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. BLoved specializes in translating and publishing popular Korean BL Manhwa and novels into English, as well as Chinese Danmei, Baihe, and BL Manhua in partnership with Monogatari Novels. BLoved seeks to bring captivating stories and immersive worlds to life through meticulous translations for English readers to enjoy in physical print.

Founded by legendary creator Gerry Anderson, Anderson Entertainment creates, develops, produces, and nurtures IP and content for raving fans across the globe. Anderson publishes books in a wide selection of formats—hardbacks, coffee table books, comic anthologies, series guides, and audiobooks—based on classic Anderson properties, such as the shows Thunderbirds and Space:1999. IPG will begin distribution for Anderson in the United States and Canada on January 1, 2025.

About Independent Publishers Group
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.  www.ipgbook.com

Contact: Julia Dillman | Corporate Communications | 312.337.0747 | jdillman@ipgbook.com

Investment in manroland Goss LITHOMAN Press Reflects Company’s Continued Commitment to its Ohio Printing Location

Project Will Solidify Lakeside Book’s Industry-Leading Service to Customers

August 15, 2024 – Willard, OH – Lakeside Book Company announced today that it is strengthening its already industry-leading customer service offerings via investment in a new, state-of-the-art manroland Goss LITHOMAN press to be installed at its Willard, Ohio facility.

The new 64-page, 4-color offset, wide-web press will be installed and operational in less than a year and will enhance automation, setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact.

Built with cutting edge technology, the manroland Goss LITHOMAN press includes inline control systems with self-correcting features to manage all aspects of quality, ensuring color consistency throughout the printing process. The proposed project involves substantial capital investment by Lakeside Book Company and will create 100 new jobs in its Willard location and retain over 400 jobs. The project received approval from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) for eligible tax credit assistance during its meeting today.  The City of Willard, Huron County Growth Partnership, ODOD, JobsOhio, Ohio Department of Transportation Jobs & Commerce, and Team NEO worked closely with Lakeside Book Company to ensure the project would go forward in Ohio.

“By investing substantial private capital in this new press, we will further enhance our ability to deliver superior, comprehensive, and highly reliable solutions to our customers.  We’re sending a clear message that we are doubling-down on our great team of employees and the strong governmental support we have in Ohio,” said Dave McCree, CEO of Lakeside Book. “This project, and the new jobs it creates, allows us to adapt our Willard facility to the ever-changing dynamics in the printing industry, leveraging leading-edge technology,” McCree added.

Lakeside Book’s Willard facility is 1.3 million square feet and employs over 500 talented employees.  The team produces upwards of 50 million books a year. The business began operating this location in 1956, printing telephone books, and grew substantially in subsequent years by serving blue-chip customers across the publishing industry. As the book printing business transformed in the 2000s, the team at our Willard location became the industry leader in printing education-related materials.

“For over sixty years, book printing has been a staple of the Willard community, providing thousands of jobs. With the backing of a strong workforce, Lakeside Book Company has been able to adapt new technology to remain competitive in a challenging market.” stated City of Willard City Manager Bryson Hamons. “The City of Willard is excited about today’s partnership announcement between Lakeside Book Company and JobsOhio/TeamNEO, which will hopefully allow Lakeside Book Company to continue to be an economic driver in Huron County for the next sixty years.”

Sarah Ross, Executive Director, Huron County Growth Partnership commented on the importance of the company to the county, “We are excited that Lakeside Book Company is continuing its long history of operations and investment in Willard, Ohio. The investments they’ve made into these innovative technologies will prepare it to be an employer of choice for Willard and the greater Huron County area for generations to come. We are proud to have worked with Lakeside Book Company and the City of Willard to bring this to fruition.”

“On behalf of everyone at Team NEO, our local partners, and JobsOhio, we are delighted that Lakeside Book Company continues to invest and innovate in the Northeast Ohio Region,” added Team NEO Chief Executive Officer, Bill Koehler. “Their investment underscores Lakeside Book’s confidence in our region’s manufacturing legacy, its exceptional talent, and the deep industry know-how that continues to drive success.”

About Lakeside Book Company
Lakeside Book Company is the largest book printing, binding, and distribution company in North America. The Company has a rich legacy of innovation in crafting quality books enjoyed by readers all around the globe since 1864 when R.R. Donnelley started as a partner at a small printing company in Chicago. As the decades passed, the company expanded its services, acquiring multiple complementary organizations that share our passion and commitment to the book industry. The company’s mission states, “We are committed to crafting books and services that are meaningful. We take pride in the challenge of fulfilling our customers’ visions.” For more company information, visit www.lakesidebookcompany.com.

For Information Contact:  Rajeev.balakrishna@lakesidebook.com