Christian Retailing magazine has recognized industry innovators for their service to the Christian products world.

Awards for outstanding contributions in the development of Christian retailing were presented last night at Retailing ReBoot West, the magazine’s training and trade event in Los Alamitos, Calif.

Editor Andy Butcher presented the first award to DaySpring, noting the company’s creative product development during its 40-year history and its recent introduction of the first recordable Christian storybooks. The trophy was received on behalf of the company by Nathan Collier, in-house account executive.

The second honor went to Aurelio Barreto, founder and president of C28 stores and Not of This World apparel company, for the retail chain’s unique blending of ministry and business that has seen more than 16,000 pray to receive Christ in the stores in the last 10 years.

The final award was presented to American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), in recognition of the group’s efforts to promote the ministry impact of Christian fiction and to help retailers through initiatives like its FictionFinder.com website, which provides a guide to Christian authors and categories by themes and content. Formerly president with the group and now professional relations liaison, Cynthia Ruchti was on hand to receive the award for ACFW.

Church and independent retail stores have gathered at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos for the two-day event, which features educational sessions and an exhibit floor with more than 30 suppliers represented.

The Christian Retailing honors were presented at a dinner preceding an author party at which 19 writers spoke about their work and signed copies of their new and latest releases.