(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the One Million People Prayer Challenge in hopes of encouraging over one million believers to commit to pray during the 40 days leading up to the 2008 Presidential election. This unprecedented initiative orchestrates bookstores, ministries, churches, and individual believers together to create the greatest concert of prayer that America has ever seen — all for the purpose of petitioning God on behalf of the nation.

The company is offering a prayer booklet entitled If My People, A 40-Day Prayer Guide for the Nation to help lead believers in prayer for the country. In addition to 40 prayers, one for each day leading up to the election, the booklet includes prayers from past presidents that guided America through some of its most challenging days. Regardless of political leaning, believers will find If My People inspiring and effective as they pray for the country. READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that twenty-two of their products have been chosen to be finalists for Christian Retailing’s 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards. Products nominated for the 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards must have been published or released in 2007 and include clear Christian content, message or worldview. Retailers judge nominations on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion, open people’s minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christlike living.

The winner in each category will be announced on Monday, July 14, during the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. The Thomas Nelson finalists are:
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Christian Retail and Nelson Ministry Direct Sales Teams Integrated
Under the Leadership of Gary Davidson

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that they are joining their two Christian sales divisions under the leadership of Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales/Ministry Development Group. This move will join the Christian Retail Sales team and the Nelson Ministry and Direct Sales team, the group responsible for selling direct to churches and ministries.

“Over the past few years, we have struggled with how to maximize our impact with churches, ministries, and our Christian retail partners. Although these groups have a common mission and vision they were competing instead of collaborating,” said Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO. “By aligning their efforts under Gary’s leadership, we hope to increase their productivity and profitability.”

With this move, the name of the ministry arm of the sales division will be change from Nelson Ministry and Nelson Direct to the Ministry Development Group. The new name of the group emphasizes their shift in focus from direct sales to aiding in the development of these ministries as they seek to impact the world with the word of God.
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(Dallas, TX) Thomas Nelson Live Events will host 29 Women of Faith conferences throughout the United States in 2008. Thousands of women will gather for the events filled with inspiration, laughter and time to relate to other women.“It’s such a great time for women to get away for a weekend and be with our girlfriends,” says Nancy Persinger, from Medinah, IL.”We all need to do that at least once a year – if not more.”2008 marks the 13th year for Women of Faith conferences. As the nation’s largest women’s event, nearly 4 million women have attended the conferences since the organization began, and more than 350,000 women are expected to attend this year’s events. READ MORE »

Rick Shear Promoted To Vice President of Christian Retail Key Account Sales

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Rick Shear to the position of Vice President, Christian Retail Key Account Sales. In his new role, Shear will lead the Christian Retail Key Account team and will be responsible for the cultivation and continued growth of this integral sales channel.

Shear began his career at Thomas Nelson over 20 years ago, working as a Field Sales Representative in Kansas. For the last eight years, he has worked in Key Accounts of the Christian Retail Sales division, most recently working as a Key Account Director.

“Over the last several years our Christian retail key accounts have grown significantly. In order to keep the momentum building in these accounts, we need a strong leader who knows their business and can focus solely on their needs,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Nelson Ministries. “Rick’s extensive experience in publishing and retail has given him a wonderful background for this role. His servant leadership style has made him a favorite with customers and colleagues alike.” READ MORE »