Retailers have reason to be optimistic about the coming year, CBA President Bill Anderson told them at the opening celebration.

While some had reported income dropping 6%-8% last year, others had recorded growth as much as 15%, he said. "We have some encouragement, no doubt. I believe that the year 2005 is a great year on which we can build."

There was even good news in the increasing availability of Christian products outside of CBA-channel stores, he went on, as it meant that more people "are finding that Christian books, music and products have answers for their questions."

CBA chairman Chris Childers said the general economy was poised for growth, which was "exciting for our industry." At his own store in Macon, Ga., after dealing with other business issues, he was going to "focus on sales this year."

He told attendees: "There's a wave coming; there's a momentum coming, and it's time to get on board."

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