From the January 2010 issue, subscribers to the free digital issue available online will find audio and movie extras linked to articles in the edition. The first extras include a recording of Christian Retailing editors commenting on the major industry news and events of 2009, in association with their written review of the year.

The Virtual Christian Restock Connection, running Dec. 30, 2009, through March 30, 2010, will highlight some of the key new and backlist products from approximately 40 leading suppliers.

Readers paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the Christian products world when Christian Retailing asked them to nominate their Industry Person of the Year for 2009.

Sales reps were the most widely represented group among the nominations, one of which was put forward by Ed Nizynski, vice president of sales for Lighthouse Christian Products, for his "invaluable product knowledge and sales experience."

Cathy Shupe, manager of the Fireside Cafe & Bookstore at Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio, noted how another company's account executive had "really gone out of her way to help. ... She is very Christlike, knowledgeable and friendly." Through the past year, she had "become more than a sales rep," Shupe said, adding, "she has become a friend and prayer warrior. She truly has gone the extra mile for me."

Greg Wiley, buyer for Bitterroot Christian Bookstore in Hamilton, Mo., applauded a third rep's "passion for the customers, not just the sales," while Jayson Payne, retail manager for the Rockpile Bookstore at The Rock Church in San Diego, Calif., identified another as "the most helpful I know. ... Our relationship has elevated beyond buyer-rep; (he) is a genuine family friend that I trust and respect. He's a true ambassador for Christ."

Meanwhile the CEO of one leading publisher was nominated by Marty Thomas, buyer and department manager at Shepherd's Fold Books in Rock Hill, S.C., for having "elevated the awareness of Christian publishing" through social networking.

Discover the identities of these nominees and others in the January 2010 issue of Christian Retailing magazine.

Grady will continue as a "contributing editor" of Charisma. "This is a positive move for Lee, whose international ministry has really expanded in recent years," said Steve Strang, the magazine's publisher and founder.

While there has been a large increase in the number of church stores in recent years, "we're starting to see some adjustments," says George Thomsen, manager of the Harvest Store at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., and chairman-elect of CBA.

The lineup was announced earlier than usual to generate awareness of the awards show, which previously capped the GMA music industry conference, scrapped for next year.

Greg Bays--chairman of the Christian Music Trade Association, which tracks the sales of Christian music--reported that in a year when music sales in the overall industry fell 13%, 2009 unit sales in Christian retail dropped by only 2.9%. At the same time, sales of Christian music in mainstream outlets were down 9.4%.