Christian retailers dismayed by the rise in popularity of e-books were given reasons to find some hope in the trend, in the first Food-for-Thought presentation on key industry issues at The Gathering 2010.

They heard that the Symtio program launched by Zondervan in 2008 to give stores a toehold in the digital world has turned out to have an unexpected bonus-a boost in audiobook sales.

CBA Chair-elect George Thomsen has proposed an industry summit to help build up Christian retail.

"I would really love to see us work together," he said when asked about his hopes for the future, during an informal question-and-answer forum at The Gathering 2010 at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky.

With four awards, Ingram was the biggest winner of the event, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp won Producer of the Year for their work on Tenth Avenue North's Over and Underneath (Reunion Records/Provident-Integrity Distribution), and Ingram was part of the songwriting team that won Song of the Year for the band's "By Your Side."

Thirty-three prize winners were named at The Gathering 2010 at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky.

Internet sales, in-store marketing and staff recruitment and training are among the educational offerings for the magazine's annual event for store owners, managers and workers.

Released in theaters last September, the film was written and directed by Dan Merchant, who wrote Lord, Save Us From Your Followers: Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?, published by Thomas Nelson in 2008.