http://www.stl-distribution.com Advancing the Christian Faith Copyright (C) 2008 STL Distribution Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:59:34 -0400 The month of July at STL Distribution North America was an exciting one as we began putting together our “Christmas in July” special. Our goal was to thank our customers by offering deferred payment on qualifying orders and generate more business opportunities for the company. To tie in our “Christmas in July” special to the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), we planned our entire “model bookstore” to be Christmas-themed to get all of our booth attendees in the spirit. Each day of the show, we gave away dozens of Christmas presents, with two big drawings for product including an iPod Nano, GPS, and digital camera. Not surprisingly, one of the most sought-after giveaways was a $200 gas card. Many retailers eagerly waited for their store name to be called in hopes that they would be able to use the card during their travels home from the show. STL Distribution North America was honored to receive the ICRS Large Booth Total Exhibitor Award on July 15. The award was based on all aspects of the show experience. The judges reviewed all marketing material sent out before and during the show, reviewed the training plan for STL Distribution staff, and compared our booth visuals to others on the floor. The comparison included staff friendliness, booth appearance, cleanliness, overall theme and message. As a result STL-Distribution North America will receive two free booth spaces at ICRS 2009 in Denver, CO. On Thursday we completed our afternoon at the show by giving three stores the chance to take home sponsored product (valued at more than $10,000) from several of our vendors. Although we could not send each store home with a big prize, we let everyone present at the final drawings grab a consolation gift from under the Christmas tree. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/88/ICRS+2008 Partnership Launches High-Engagement Scripture at the Cost of a Greeting Card Authentic Publishing, a division of IBS-STL Global and Zondervan, a leading Christian communications company, have partnered to produce the first NIV Scriptures available through Christian retail that are designed specifically to help Christians reach out to friends and family with the life-changing Word of God. The partnership will launch Finding God, a one-of-a-kind line of high-engagement, feature-rich but low-cost New Testaments, based on the best selling, most trusted New International Version (NIV) translation. The New Testaments will offer quality paper, attractive covers, easy-to-read text, and be available exclusively in Christian retail stores for the first 12 months. “Scripture is the most important resource believers have, so this isn’t just about introducing a product line—it’s about equipping a movement,” said IBS-STL Global Publisher Steve Johnson. “By providing Christian retailers with a high-engagement, high-impact Scripture resources, we can help them help the believers in their communities reach out and share God’s Word.” Zondervan and Authentic Outreach, an imprint of Authentic Publishing, will release four editions in the new line that will retail for $4.99 each: Finding God; Finding God for Men; Finding God for Women; and Finding God for Young Adults. The New Testaments feature an extensive in-text note system designed specifically for each targeted audience. Three individual tracks support the New Testament, including sections titled “The God Who Seeks You,” “The God You Seek,” and “True Encounters.” For more than 30 years, IBS-STL and Zondervan have collaborated to resource Christians with NIV Bible products. The Finding God New Testaments represent the first time IBS-STL has been able to provide this kind of resource to Zondervan for the retail market. Zondervan is the exclusive distributor of Finding God New Testaments, and every copy sold supports IBS-STL’s Bible translation and distribution efforts around the world to put Scripture into the hands of people who need it. “We have been blessed to share a tremendous partnership with IBS-STL for decades and are thrilled to expand our partnership with a line of Bibles that are designed to help transform lives,” said Paul Caminiti, Senior Vice President of Bibles for Zondervan. “For the cost of a greeting card, Finding God New Testaments are the perfect gift to share with family, friends and neighbors. We are confident that retailers will get behind this product line in a major way, as they are truly one-of-a-kind and are perfect for engaging the hearts of those who seek direction from God.” Finding God New Testaments (ISBN 1-934-06874-8) will release in February 2008 at a suggested retail price of $4.99. They feature the NIV translation, the most popular modern English translation of the Bible in the world. With more than 300 million copies in print worldwide, the NIV celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2008. About Authentic Publishing/IBS-STL Global Authentic Publishing is the publishing arm of IBS-STL Global, the merged organization of International Bible Society and Send The Light. The combined organization delivers more Bibles into the hands of more people, in more countries, more efficiently than either could individually. IBS-STL holds the copyrights to the New International Version® (NIV), the Today’s New International Version® (TNIV), and New International Reader’s Version® (NIRV) Bibles. Visit IBS-STL online at www.ibs.org and www.stl.org . About Zondervan Bibles Zondervan is the world’s leading Bible publisher. With a vision to see more people engaging the Bible more, Zondervan offers bestselling study, devotional, reference, text, audio, software, and digital Bibles designed to inspire readers at every age and each stage of life. Zondervan holds exclusive North American publishing rights to the New International Version (NIV) which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008. The most popular modern English translation of the Bible, the NIV has more than 300 million copies in print worldwide. Zondervan also publishes Bibles in the TNIV (Today’s New International Version), NIrV (New International Readers Version), KJV (King James Version), NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), NASB (New American Standard Bible), the Amplified Bible, and parallel Bibles featuring The Message. During the past 75 years, Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, has grown to be a global leader in Christian communications through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, children’s, and new media products. Visit Zondervan Bibles on the Internet at www.zondervan.com/Bibles. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/87/Authentic+Publishing+and+Zondervan+Support+Christian+Outreach+with+First-Ever,+Low-Cost,+High-Quality+Bibles COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (January 9, 2008)—A young girl’s persistence led her all the way from Surinam’s flood-prone jungle interior to a visit with Suriname President Ronald Venetiaan in the capital city of Paramaribo. On Nov. 23, 2007, Roseline Pansa presented Venetiaan the first copy of the IBS-STL Suri Bible (Suri Bijbel). Devastated by severe flooding in May 2006, Suriname’s interior is still struggling to rebuild. Along with other valuables lost in the floods were family Bibles. The region is home to a growing Pentecostal community, as well as sizable Muslim and Hindu populations. Pansa, who travels by canoe to attend Bible studies, searched without success for an affordable Bible. In response to the region’s need, IBS-STL produced the Suri Bible and is distributing it with the support of the Suriname Bible Society, Give Pasture to My Lambs ministry, and donors. The Dutch Living Bible-style paraphrase (Dutch is Suriname’s official language) includes a map of the interior and photo of Pansa on the cover, plus material on the history of Suriname and various Christian organizations. IBS-STL packaged 6,000-plus copies with Sunday school materials, children’s Bibles, and other Christian resources. Approximately 1,000 Bibles will go to Surinamese communities in the Netherlands. On Nov. 24, 2007, about 200 church leaders attended a thanksgiving event for the new Bible. Also in attendance was a representative from the Ministry of Interior. On Nov. 25, Suriname’s Independence Day, church leaders distributed New Testaments to many of the 60,000 visitors enjoying festivities. “This Bible is designed for nonbelievers and new converts,” IBS-STL Netherlands Director Jan Otter said. “We intend to evangelize with the help of this New Testament.” Dutch speakers will find more information on the Suri Bible at http://www.eurobible.net/nl/home. IBS-STL Global is one of the largest Bible and Christian literature ministries in the world, translating the Bible into languages of 1 million or more speakers and distributing Christian resources to people worldwide. It is the translation sponsor of the English-language New International Version (NIV) Bible, today’s most widely read contemporary English translation. The organization’s mission is to engage people with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ by translating, publishing, and distributing the Bible and other Christian resources throughout the world. IBS-STL holds the copyrights to the English New International Version® (NIV) and Today’s New International Version® (TNIV), as well as 42 international Bible translations. For more information on IBS-STL Global, visit www.ibs.org. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/86/IBS-STL+Distributes+Bibles+in+Flood-Prone+Suriname+Region COLORADO SPRINGS, CO —More than 300 Philippine church leaders, government dignitaries, and IBS-STL translation partners celebrated the Ang Pulong sang Dios Hiligaynon Bible launch November 17, 2007, at Central Philippine University, in Iloilo, Panay, the Philippines. Dedications were also held November 19 in Bacolod City on Negros Island, and December 11 in Mindanao. The dedications were covered live on TV and radio. “Long ago the Bible was only open to the clergy, and ordinary people were prohibited to have a Bible … But today we not only celebrate the liberty to read the Bible but to dedicate the Bible in the language of the people—a Bible they can read and understand,” Iloilo Provincial Governor Niel Tupas Sr. said. Seven translators and 20 reviewers from various Christian denominations worked on the new Hiligaynon Bible, with SIL as a primary translation partner. Sixteen years in the making, it is an accurate, contemporary translation for 7 million Hiligaynon-speaking Filipinos. An additional 4 million people speak Hiligaynon as a second or third language. Two older Hiligaynon Bible translations exist, but archaic language, unnatural grammatical constructions, and exegetical errors make them difficult to use. IBS-STL speakers at the Iloilo and Bacolod dedications included EURASIA Executive Vice President Graham Sopp, East Asia Executive Area Director Bishop Leo Alconga, and East Asia Director of Translations Kermit Titrud. IBS-STL officials presented pastors and government dignitaries with complimentary copies of the new Ang Pulong sang Dios Bible. Translator Ramon Torres quit his job as a Bible school director to work full time on the translation. “I was very excited to help with the project,” he said. “I am very happy that the Bible is being received positively by churches. Every time I hold my Bible in my hands it stirs me to thank the Lord for giving us this wonderful and precious gift—His Word we can now clearly understand.” The IBS-STL translation project began with the popular Hiligaynon New Testament, published a decade ago. Reprinted almost annually, more than 215,000 copies have been distributed to date. International Bible Society and Send The Light merged as IBS-STL Global on March 1, 2007. The combined organization delivers more Bibles into the hands of more people, in more countries, more efficiently than either could individually. The organization holds the copyrights to the English New International Version® (NIV) and Today’s New International Version® (TNIV), as well as 42 international Bible translations. For more information on IBS-STL Global, visit www.ibs.org. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/85/IBS-STL+Launches+Hiligaynon+Bible+for+Philippines After just three years in the U.S. market, STL Distribution North America was honored at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) with a Vendor of the Year nomination. The award is given to the vendor who exemplifies quick, accurate service; innovative marketing programs; and excellent customer service. More than 380 exhibitors participated in this year’s ICRS event, and a dozen were nominated for Vendor of the Year. STL Distribution’s heritage is much longer than just three years, however. The organization celebrates its two-year anniversary with the former Appalachian Distributors as its wholesale division, which it purchased in July 2005. With more than 32 years in business, Appalachian was a well-established company when it joined the STL Distribution family. STL Distribution carries on many of the fine traditions of Appalachian, and with recent added improvements in technology and programs, it is now being recognized for excellence. Senior Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer, Robbie Edgar, says, “STL continues to excel in the areas of product selection, technology, and people. We have built upon the core that Tom Torbett, founder and president of Appalachian Distributors, established and thank the stores that have allowed us to serve them.” Two of the hallmarks of STL Distribution and the IBS STL family, as stated by Global President and CEO Keith Danby, are that STL Distribution will be truly “missional” and truly “Christian.” As a missional organization, profits from STL’s trade business are funneled directly into multiple missions projects and ministry organizations around the world. In addition, STL Distribution, as a non-profit organization, does not have any individual owners. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/84/STL+Distribution+is+Honored+with+Vendor+of+the+Year+Nomination International Bible Society (IBS), founded in 1809 with a successive history as a provider of millions of Bibles globally, merged with Send The Light (STL), the largest Christian distributor of Christian resources in the world, on March 1, 2007. The combined organization operates as IBS-STL Global. This powerful and compelling alliance links the Bible translation capabilities and outreach initiatives of IBS with the distribution capacity of STL. The mission of IBS-STL Global is to advance the Kingdom of God through translating, producing, and distributing Bibles, Scripture materials, and other Christian resources. In nearly 200 years of ministry, IBS has distributed some 600 million Scriptures. STL, established in 1957, has built a reputation as a provider of low-cost Christian literature into both the Global North (U.S., UK, and Europe) and the Global South (Asia and Africa), with extensive distribution networks in these areas. The combined organization operates on five continents, is currently translating Scripture in more than 40 languages, and is involved in more than 50 major Scripture outreach projects spanning 65 countries. Why Merge? The global demand for Scripture is far greater than any individual organization can meet. The IBS-STL merger is an example of Christian ministries combining strengths to work together, rather than competing or overlapping, to benefit Kingdom work. The Scripture translation, publishing, and outreach ministry of IBS will continue and be enhanced by STL’s distribution scope and efficiency. STL’s mission of helping spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups around the world through distributing Christian resources will continue and be expanded. STL now has access to Bible translations in 50 languages, including IBS’ New International Version®, New International Reader’s Version®, and Today’s New International Version®. Our Vision: To get God’s Word into the hands of more people, in more countries, more efficiently, so they may become disciples of Jesus Christ. IBS-STL Global is a non-profit organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Visit us online at www.ibs.org, www.stl-distribution.com, www.stldistribution.co.uk. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/83/IBS-STL+Fact+Sheet STL Distribution is pleased to announce the addition of David Dykhouse as Vice President of Marketing. He comes to STL with extensive retail and marketing experience in the publishing industry from respected organizations including Walden Book Company of Stamford, Connecticut, Spring Arbor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Borders Group Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan. David has excelled in publication development, website design, video production, and special event implementation and has received various awards for his efforts throughout an impressive career. David Sheets, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, comments, “STL Distribution is becoming a leader in the CBA by providing services to our retailer customers. David Dykhouse’s extensive experience, particularly with Spring Arbor, will enable STL to develop innovative programs to help retailers be successful in their business. I couldn't be more pleased to add him to our team." STL Distribution’s desire is to become the leading service provider in the industry to retailers. David’s first efforts will be to further develop STL’s ultimate One Source supply program for retailers where they can enjoy “one stop shopping” from over 120,000 Christian products from over 600 publishers. David will be part of the STL Distribution team for the upcoming ICRS in Atlanta and will be available for appointments in Booth 1904. He can be reached at david.dykhouse@stl-distribution.com. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/79/David+Dykhouse+Joins+STL+Distribution STL Distribution is pleased to announce a new gift product line available to retailers. Ellie Claire Gift and Paper Expressions offers beautifully packaged Scripture promise journals designed to inspire personal reflection and expression. Inspired by life, the uniquely themed books offer uplifting quotes and Scripture along with journaling space on each two-page spread. The premiere collection includes When God Thinks of You—He Smiles, God Loves You, God Comforts You, and God is Always with You. The books are individually boxed and are ideal as gifts for anyone in need of encouragement. Darren Henry, VP of Publisher Services, comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to represent Ellie Claire Gift and Paper to North America. The products are exceptionally well conceived and designed, and I’m confident Ellie Claire will become a leading supplier of inspirational products. This company represents the best we’ve seen in the marketplace, and it’s an honor to be working with them.” Carlton Garborg, President of Ellie Claire Gift and Paper Expressions, says, “I’m very excited about partnering with STL Distribution for fulfillment services. It’s an amazing privilege to be able to work on product that helps people connect with and encourage one another.” Garborg plans to attend ICRS in July and will have the journals available for viewing in STL’s Booths 1904 and 1905. The Ellie Claire line can be viewed at www.ellieclaire.com http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/80/STL+Distribution+inks+deal+with+Garborg+and+Ellie+Claire Colorado Springs, CO (May 18, 2007)—Some of the world’s top professional athletes and coaches, including Fabiola Molina, Albert Pujols, Tony Dungy, and Shaun Alexander, share what Christ means in their lives—both on and off the field—in a new Spanish-language sports New Testament, La Victoria Final. The resource was developed jointly by IBS-STL (formerly International Bible Society) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). “La Victoria Final is a great Scripture tool using interest in sports to build evangelistic bridges to Spanish-speaking youth in the United States and throughout Latin America,” IBS-STL Director of Outreach Rich Blanco said. FCA President Les Steckel concurred, adding, “We believe this is the first-ever Spanish sports New Testament, and we are excited to serve the Spanish-speaking community in this way.” The sports New Testament features testimonies and full-color action photos of 15 athletes and coaches from eight sports—football, baseball, soccer, basketball, swimming, skateboarding, track and field, and motocross. While not all the sports figures are of Hispanic heritage, each one excels in a sport popular with Spanish-speaking young people. The Spanish Sports New Testament is not the first time these two organizations have worked together. “Since 1992, the partnership between IBS and FCA has resulted in the distribution of more than a half-million New Testaments,” said Dan Britton, FCA Senior Vice President, Ministry Programs. La Victoria Final contains an introduction to the story of the Bible, the full text of IBS-STL’s contemporary Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI) New Testament, and “Power Points” pages that relate the athletes’ stories to biblical principles and specific Scripture passages. The New Testament’s single-column format and readable type size invite the reader to engage in the text as well as encounter the appealing four-color sections. For more information about La Victoria Final, please call IBS-STL at 1-800-524-1588 or go online to www.IBSDirect.com. About IBS-STL International Bible Society (IBS) and Send The Light (STL) merged on March 1, 2007. The combined organization is able to get more Bibles into the hands of more people, in more countries, more efficiently than either could individually. IBS-STL is the translation sponsor and copyright holder of the New International Version® and Nueva Versión Internacional® of the Bible and partners with organizations and individuals around the world to provide Scriptures for evangelism through grants and ministry pricing. About FCA The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the heart and soul in sports, is touching millions of lives ... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/78/Spanish+Sports+New+Testaments+Score+Big+with+Sports+Enthusiasts STL Distribution is pleased to announce it is contracting with World Vision for product distribution throughout North America. World Vision primarily sells direct to consumers through website and catalog phone orders. Consumers can continue to order directly, while trade customers may also buy through STL Distribution at its appropriate discount structures. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. With categories such as Church & Mission and Poverty & Advocacy, World Vision publishes materials to challenge the church to a commitment to serve the poor in the name of Christ. For product information, customers may visit www.worldvisionresources.com. Phone orders may be directed to 1-800-777-7752. http://www.stl-distribution.com/news/id/77/World+Vision+Signs+with+STL+Distribution