Family Christian Stores has recognized five companies—Provident Distribution, Tyndale House Publishers, Lighthouse Christian Products, Bridgestone Multimedia Group and Evergreen Enterprises—as "the industry's elite suppliers."

On Aug. 2, the largest Christian retail chain—with almost 300 outlets nationwide—presented its 2012 Vendor Awards in Grand Rapids, Mich., recognizing vendors in the categories of Supplier of the Year, Ministry Impact, Business Innovation, Partnership, and Service and Distribution.

The awards' top honor, Supplier of the Year, was given to Provident Distribution "for its overall focus on business growth, strength in service, marketing and promotional efforts support, and excellence in product innovation."

In the past year, Provident has released albums from Casting Crowns and MercyMe, as well as the faith-based films Courageous and October Baby. Provident "demonstrates great creativity in promoting key releases in ways that drive sales," as well as raising almost $75,000 for The James Fund, the primary philanthropy of Family, Family Christian added.

The Ministry Impact award went to Tyndale House Publishers. Tyndale recently partnered with Family Christian on three separate ministry Bible initiatives in which customers could donate a Bible to a woman seeking help at a crisis pregnancy center, a high school student in Ghana, Africa, and a Spanish-speaking child in Latin America. Through the programs, Family Christian's customers have donated more than a million Bibles in the past three years.

For the second year in a row, the Business Innovation Award was given to gift company Lighthouse Christian Products (LCP). "This year, they created a new company to serve Family Christian's expanding direct import needs, offering up excellent product development and effective sourcing practices," Family Christian said.

The Partnership Award was presented to Bridgestone Multimedia Group for "partnering with Family Christian to achieve solid business metrics, strong marketing and co-op participation and exceptional support of many promotional initiatives," Family Christian said.

The Service and Distribution Award went to Evergreen Enterprises, a designer and manufacturer of home and garden décor, for "maintaining a strong in-stock position, providing cost savings and profitability with margin improvement, and partnering on freight efficiency," Family Christian said.

"The awards are a small token of our appreciation, but we are so grateful to be working collaboratively with suppliers who share a common vision with us towards achieving our calling," said Family Christian Senior Vice President of Merchandising Craig Klamer.

The vendors recognized each received an LCP bronze statue designed by artist Max Greiner and entitled The Divine Servant, depicting the account of Jesus kneeling to wash the apostle Peter's feet.

In addition to the awards ceremony, vendors attended Family Christian's annual James Fund event, A Day of Serving, A Night of Giving, featuring performances by Matthew West, Sanctus Real and Karyn Williams, as well as an inspirational message from author and motivational speaker Pat Williams.