"Christian Tools of Affirmation (CTA) has been marketing directly to churches for more than 18 years, supplying congregational gifts and classroom activities. Though we have had a presence in the Christian gift market, it has not been via retail channels. Recently, CTA expanded into the bookstore market with a trade line.

"The church bookstore market is a whole new genre that we wanted to explore, so The Gathering 2009 was a great place for us to meet church bookstore buyers. Those we met seemed to be focused on not only providing resources for their church programs and congregants, but for nonchurch members as well. What a great place for CTA to be-our core line is a great fit for the bookstore's church ministries/programs, and our trade line is a great fit for the bookstore's individual gift purchasers.

"Each bookstore that ordered from us at The Gathering was mailed an acrylic sign to place near its CTA products, reading 'Christian Tools of Affirmation is able to offer special Church/Ministry Group pricing through this store. If you are interested in purchasing Christian Tools of Affirmation on behalf of your church or ministry, please see a sales associate for details.'

"We've been amazed at the way church bookstores have been able to market our products to their own churches in addition to selling stock items to individual gift purchasers. We've seen exponential sales growth through our church bookstore accounts."

Meagan Bowman

Trade Marketing

CTA Trade Sales Division

St. Louis, Mo.

www.ctainc.com