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.