Retailers Choice Awards Sees Stars

Christian Retailing magazine's Retailers Choice Awards were handed out last night at a gala event in Atlanta, with many special guests, great music and laughter.

Host Pat Williams, author and Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, kept the two-hour show moving between music from Katie Giguere, Myrrh, Martha Munizzi and headliner Kelly Minter. Music ranged from inspirational to worshipful to acoustic pop.

Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy, a presenter, asked the crowd, "What do cows say?" to which the crowd promptly yelled back the fast food chain's popular advertising campaign, "Eat more chicken!" Cathy gave away a copy of his book It's Better to Build Boys than Mend Men (Cumberland House) to all attendees.

Stephen Strang presented a VIP (Visionary Industry Pioneer) Award to Robert Walker, who launched Christian Bookseller 49 years ago. The magazine, since renamed Christian Retailing, is now owned by Strang Communications.

Award presenter Smokey Robinson, who has a gospel album releasing titled Food for the Spirit, affirmed his Christian faith to the supplier and retail crowd, noting he is excited to share his faith through his new music.

Winners were:

Health/Fitness 10 Essentials of Highly Healthy People (Zondervan), Walt Larimore, M.D. Evangelism What's So Amazing About Grace? (Zondervan), Philip Yancey Series "Women of Faith Study Guide Series" (Thomas Nelson) Wall Décor Names of Jesus cross (Inspirio) Devotionals His Passion (Integrity Publishers) Nonfiction The Faith of George W. Bush (Charisma House), Stephen Mansfield Relationships The Power of a Positive Wife (Howard Publishing), Karol Ladd General Gifts You Are Loved voice message photo frame (Lighthouse Christian Co.) Bibles Revolve (Thomas Nelson) Music Adoration (Sparrow), Newsboys Gift Books Daily Inspiration for the Purpose-Driven Life (Inspirio), Rick Warren

Charismatic Knowing God Intimately (Warner Faith), Joyce Meyer Christian Living Next Door Savior (W Publishing), Max Lucado Decorative Accessories Family silver flip photo frame (Lighthouse Christian Co.) Spiritual Growth Experiencing the Heart of Jesus (Thomas Nelson), Max Lucado Spanish Una vida con propósito (Vida Publishers), Rick Warren Jewelry Fashion Jewelry Collection (Bob Siemon Designs) Self-Improvement Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them (Zondervan), John Ortberg Children 20 Bible Verses Every Child Should Know (Standard Publishing) Fiction And the Shofar Blew (Tyndale House), Francine Rivers