Four companies honored for excellence in partnership with leading Christian retail chain

Family Christian Stores presented its 2013 Vendor Awards last month at its annual company update in Grand Rapids, Mich. Family recognized four vendors in the categories of Partnership, Business Innovation, Ministry Impact and Supplier of the Year.

“Family Christian is blessed to work with a large number of exceptional supplier partners,” said Olivia Marx, the chain’s senior vice president of merchandising. “Our annual Family Christian Vendor Awards are intended to recognize and honor the very best of those vendors in key categories each year.”

“The special partnerships we’ve built with each of these organizations, and the unique ways we’ve been able to work together, are what help Family Christian accomplish its purpose of spreading God’s Word and serving the widow and the orphan,” Marx added. “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.”

Capitol Christian Distribution was the recipient of this year’s Partnership Award for its “strong support of Family Christian’s marketing and promotional efforts, driving solid business results for both companies,” Family Christian said. “Capitol is dedicated to getting on board with Family Christian’s direction and educating their artists and record labels about the heart of Family Christian’s ministry.”

New Day Christian Distributors received the Business Innovation Award. While New Day’s roots are in music—still a solid part of its business—its distribution categories have broadened to include fast-growing product lines, including Melissa & Doug toys and Duck Commander gifts. “Their creativity and responsiveness have driven strong results for Family Christian,” Family Christian said.

Family presented the Ministry Impact Award to Fair Trade Services, “a vendor partner whose heart for ministry aligns closely with Family Christian’s calling to follow the James 1:27 mandate,” Family Christian said. Last Christmas, Fair Trade created the second Family Christian-exclusive record to raise funds to put an end to sex trafficking worldwide. The albums have raised more than $1 million for International Justice Mission.

Dicksons took home the Supplier of the Year Award for its “exceptional service and genuine and intentional efforts to understand and meet our consumers’ ever-changing needs,” Family said. “Dicksons collaborates with Family Christian’s buyers to develop innovative products and then follows through on the product delivery to ensure advantageous margins and superior in-stock positions, fueling strong sales growth.”

Vendors also attended Family’s “Giving and Growing” gala, which  featured auctions; a panel discussion with ministry partners; and worship with Nicole C. Mullen. Vendor representatives and Family partners also engaged in work projects in the homes of area widows.