Murfreesboro TN—Three retailers won books from Christian Authors Network (CAN) at the Munce Christian Product Expo (CPE) with a total value of $3,300.
The event began Sunday, September 21, with training and a personality party where authors signed copies of their books.
Winners of the book bundles were: Ellen Meece, owner, Handfuls on Purpose, Marion, Illinois; Deb Woodard, owner, Bethany Book and Gift, Baxter, Minnesota; Kris Jodon, manager, The Bookstore at Chapelwood, Houston, Texas.
Retailers who attended the event received gift bags containing bookmarks featuring books by CAN members and their 2015 releases.
Ellen Meece said, “I never win anything.” She then shared, “It’s almost Pastor Appreciation Month. I plan to give copies of books won to local pastors.
CAN authors who signed complimentary book copies at CPE were Cec Murphey, Stolen; Cynthia Ruchti,As Waters Gone By; Dianne Barker, I Don’t Chase the Garbage Truck Down the Street in My Bathrobe Anymore; Karen Whiting, Nature Girl and The One Year Devotions for Active Boys; Katrina Cassel,Promises for God’s Princesses.
CAN also honored two retailers whose stores celebrated significant anniversaries this year. Dennis and Andrea Lovvern of New Covenant Christian Bookstore marked their twentieth year in business. Deb Woodard, owner of Bethany Book and Gift, worked at the store for eighteen years before she and her husband Mike purchased it eight years ago. They recently celebrated the store’s seventy-fifth year in business.
Deb said, “I was shocked! Thrilled!” The unexpected gift was, “a tremendous honor and a privilege. It was a blessing and a great boost to us. It will be fun to share some books with others.”
On Monday morning CAN gave a presentation that included new retailer resources accessible on the CAN website (www.christianauthorsnetwork.com). CAN members use a personalized approach to offer services and resources to unite authors and independent retailers. That’s a stark contrast to the ongoing online-retailer conflict with publishers where brick-and-mortar owners, as well as authors, are often overlooked.
CAN continues to reach out to retailers to provide tools that will help retailers engage their customers. CAN is blessed to partner with Munce at such events and throughout the year with programs that Munce offers. “I love hearing from the heart of authors and the behind-the-scene stories. It’s great to connect with CAN authors at CPE,” said Deb Woodard.
“Connecting with authors is a critical element for the success of Christian retailers. Christian Authors Network has provided so much value to the efforts of the Munce Group at CPE Murfreesboro 2014 as well as throughout the year such as Kid’s Day and Summer Reading Program. Special thanks to Karen Whiting for organizing the CAN Author Breakfast. We look forward to an on-going relationship with CAN.” ~ Kirk Blank, Munce Group President
