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 »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that six of their products have been chosen to be finalists for the 2008 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Awards are presented annually, since 1978, to the highest quality in Christian publishing in six categories – Bibles, Bible Reference & Study, Christian Life, Fiction, Children & Youth, and Inspiration & Gift. The awards are selected by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and significance of contribution.

The winner in each category will be announced at the CBA & ECPA Awards Celebration to be held opening night, Sunday, July 13th during the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. In addition, one title will be selected from the finalist to receive the top honor, Christian Book of the Year. This award is based on editorial excellence and sales achievement.

The Thomas Nelson finalists are:

• Dad’s Bible: The Father’s Plan, NCV Edited by Robert Wolgemuth- Bibles
• The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible, NKJV - Bibles
• Read and Share Bible by Gwen Ellis - Children’s and Youth
• Who Stole My Church? by Gordon MacDonald - Christian Life
• Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin - Fiction
• Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson - Fiction READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. President and CEO Michael S. Hyatt announced today that Joe Powers will retire from his post later this month. Powers, who announced his retirement in July of 2007, served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer until last November when he transitioned into the role of Executive Vice President of Strategic Development. Powers will continue to act as a financial and tax consultant for Thomas Nelson through July of 2009.

“Joe has been a valued member of the Thomas Nelson leadership team for almost forty years,” said Hyatt. “He was instrumental in helping Sam Moore build Thomas Nelson into the world’s largest Christian publishing company. He is an astute businessman, a wise mentor, and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed.” READ MORE »

(Nashville, TN) Thomas Nelson announced today that it will not be participating in Book Expo America (BEA) 2008 and the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) 2008. “We have been discussing this move for some time,” said President & CEO, Michael S. Hyatt. “But the current economic downturn is forcing us to re-evaluate the expenditure of every marketing dollar. We are committed to doing our best to support our products and distributors with marketing expenditures that result in greater sales. And we have determined that, for Thomas Nelson, these trade shows provide very little return on a very significant investment.”

Last weekend, Thomas Nelson hosted its inaugural “Open House” at the Music City Sheraton in Nashville, Tennessee. The publisher’s top 100 Christian retail accounts attended the two-day, two-night conference designed to arm participants with a better understanding of industry trends and merchandising strategies, while inspiring their relationships with God. The event also allowed for renewing friendships with other retailers and the Thomas Nelson family. READ MORE »

World-Class Speakers & Bestselling Authors To Coach Attendees On ReThinking Business

(Nashville, Tenn.) Preparations are underway as Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world’s largest Christian publisher, counts down the days until their Inaugural Open House. On April 10th – 12th, a delegation of about two hundred Christian retailers from across the United States will visit the publisher’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, and experience a revolutionary event that will allow them to re-think their business.

“Open House will be a unique time for Christian retailers to re-think, re-fresh, re-connect, and re-commit,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales. “Throughout the two-day event, an extraordinary line-up of presenters and entertainment will offer instruction, encouragement, and fellowship. Never before has a single publisher made such a significant investment of time and resources to educate and support this important but challenging sales channel.”
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