The president and CEO of CBA for 24 years, Anderson was presented with the honor by Chairman-elect George Thomsen who said that Anderson had been "a true champion for Christian retail and Christian retailers."

Thomsen and CBA Executive Director Curtis Riskey-who took over the helm at CBA after Anderson stepped down last fall-read tributes from several industry leaders during the presentation at the Pacesetter event.

Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Records and chairman of the Gospel Music Association board, described Anderson as "a statesman for Christian retail," while Greg Thornton, vice president of Moody Publishers, called him "a remarkable leader, one of the finest Christian leaders serving today."

Mark Taylor, president of Tyndale House Publishers, noted that Anderson had led during the years the industry was "coming of age" and that he had helped "foster a strong supportive relationship with suppliers." Jim Potts, retired president of Dicksons, paid tribute to Anderson's "positive, Christ-honoring approach to all situations."

Presenting the award, Thomsen said: "We do stand on giants' shoulders. Bill Anderson truly is a giant in our industry. We owe him a great debt of gratitude."

Receiving the award, Anderson said that it had been an honor to serve, and he reminded those present that "we have a high and holy calling, and we have been given a sacred trust."

Anderson said that as an industry of one book, the Bible, everything that was published and all products should align fully with Scripture "or we have no business handling it. Because we are here to do the King's business, we have no business altering His message."

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