Mid-Western Christian Book Fair (MCBF)

Hi,

My name is Shanita and, on behalf of the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair team, I happily welcome you to this site.

The September 2005 book fair is unique in many respects and promises an impressive parade of Christian authors, publishers, distributors and booksellers, all to the glory of Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

So, I look forward to seeing you at the two-day Iowa event as an exhibitor, gospel artist or buyer of Christian books.

Remain blessed and feel free to contact me with your questions and comments, using the email address at Promoting Christian Book Trade or by simply calling 1-3193519695 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Shanita Michelle




Article on MCBF by The Hawk Eye newspaper, Iowa, May 8, 2004, page 7c.



Nominations sought for book fair award

Nominations have opened for the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair Awards, a major highlight of the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair coming up in Iowa City on Oct. 1 and 2

The MCBF Awards nominations are free of charge and should be sent to the chairperson of the three-person MCBF Awards Jury by e-mail or post on or before Aug. 1.

Recipients of the eight MCBF Awards will include a news media organization, three Christian authors, a publisher, a bookseller, a notable buyer of Christian books and an MCBF exhibitor.

For more information on how to make nominations for the MCBF Awards, please visit the event Web site, www.christian-book-fair.com




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The 2004 Mid-Western Christian Book Fair held in Iowa City, Iowa on October 1 and 2, had as guest speaker real estate businessman and former Delta Airlines flight captain, Ron Knott.


Anointed singer Jennifer Sergeant of Jennifer Sergeant Band performed. So also did Joseph Brewer of Time2GetBusy Productions.

From Hollywood came famous Christian comedian and actress, Kerri Pomarolli with a bang of humor.

What a line-up!



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UNIQUE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT THE BOOK FAIR

It's very easy to be a sponsor/partner of the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair (MCBF) or the MCBF Awards.

Simply email Shanita at paashanbooks@mail.com with "Budget-Friendly Opportunities at MCBF" as subject line or call her at 1-3193519695, and she will work with you in determining the best and most BUDGET-FRIENDLY way to promote your Christian organization, projects, business, books, music, goods and services, etc at this Christian book fair.

We believe the PROMOTION you need is not a one-size-fits-all or cut-and-paste affair. And it should not be expensive. That's why we place a lot of emphasis on personal touch.Each individual or organization's case is unique. So, call or email her now and you will be glad you did.


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Ron Knott

Ron Knott, a Bible teacher, businessman and retired flight captain, has authored four Christian books.

Ron graduated from NorthWestern University Louisiana in 1960 with a B.S. degree. From there he entered the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida for flight training. Upon successful completion of flight training he was assigned to a jet fighter squadron in Jacksonville, Florida. For the next 7 years he flew Navy fighters from the deck of many Aircraft Carriers around the world.

In January 1967, he was hired by Delta Airlines as an airline pilot. He flew for Delta for 30 years and retired as 767 Captain from that company in 1997. He also continued to fly for the Naval Reserves after joining Delta. He accumulated more than 20,000 accident free flying hours with Delta, the Navy and civilian flying. He says, “The Lord guided me through many perils without a scratch.”

During the time that he was flying for Delta and the Navy, he and his brother developed over 20 resort subdivisions. He also owned and operated Ron Knott & Associates, Inc. an Oil & Gas production company. And from 1975 through 1986 he owned and operated World Wide Imports which sold Mercedes Benz Automobiles. Ron has formed several land development and custom home building corporations in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Jabez Land Corp is his latest land venture.

Ron considers all the above secondary to his responsibility as a witness for Jesus Christ. His first priority is to tell the lost world about our loving Savior. He is president of the North Texas chapter of International Fellowship of Christian Businessmen. He has written four books and many Bible Studies. His book, "Trophies of Heaven" was written to encourage Christian laymen to be more involved in their church activities. “Inform to Transform” is a book, or tool, that makes the plan of salvation so simple that a new convert can teach a productive Bible Study in a very short time. “Battered Believers” warns of legalism that is taking priority in some groups. His latest book, “God’s Guarantees for Giving” was published in April 2002. He challenges traditional giving methods used by some Christian Organizations, especially the Law of Tithing. This Bible truth was revealed to him after he questioned God about the poor financial condition of many tithe payers.

Ron and his wife Sharon have been blessed with 2 boys and 2 girls, 5 grand children, plus a host of other children they support around the world. His motto is, “If you want to increase your standard of living, simply increase your standard of giving, and the Lord will increase your standard of living.” He said, “It works, just let me show you how from God’s Word.”

He has appeared on many Christian Television programs and Radio talk shows giving his testimony. He teaches home Bible Studies and is very active in his local church. His web pages are www.godsguarantees.com & www.ronknottrealestate.com.



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REPRESENTATION AT THE BOOK FAIR

It is very important for Christian authors, publishers, booksellers, book distributors and others to be physically present at the fair to showcase and sell their books.

However, those who, for one reason or another, would like the organizers to represent them at the fair should email Shanita at paashanbooks@mail.com with "Representation At MCBF" as subject line.



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Tim Wirth

Tim is an internationally renowned musician who has put his talent to the service of God. His ministry is to the US military through his Simply Agape Project and he honors invitations to speak anywhere in the country on Christianity and the military.

Raised in a Roman Catholic family in Phoenix, Arizona, Tim is the oldest of seven children. From his earliest memories, Tim was drawn to Christianity, even considering the priesthood. As a young man, his other great love was music, and he soon became an accomplished drummer.

Never realizing he could both be a Christian and a musician, Tim opted for a career in rock and roll. He lived what many young men might call a dream, touring with rock bands for a decade.

As the drummer for the popular sixties band, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Tim even appeared briefly in a film with Lewis¹ father, comedian Jerry Lewis. Tim has played with greats like Chuck Berry, the Coasters, Dennis Yost of the Classics Four, and a host of others.

Retiring from life on the road, Tim eventually got into the Christian music industry as a studio musician, also playing concerts with Christian luminaries as Darlene Zhech, Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster and Jeff Fenholt. Tim is a frequent guest on Clear Channel¹s KFIV Morning Talk with veteran radio host Rob Johnson.

As founder of the Simply Agape Project, Tim produces recordings, providing encouraging, inspiring music to American troops around the world, at no cost to them. Simply Agape's recordings have featured noted musicians Alex Acuna, Abe Laboriel, and Ramon Stagnaro. A portion of the royalties from this labor of love will go to help provide free music for the military.

Tim has four children, Alex, Steven, Brittany and Bethany. He resides in Modesto, California with his wife, Donna.



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Below is a May 10, 2003 article on Tim Wirth by The Modesto Bee, California.
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CD'S MUSIC PACKS PURPOSE, PUNCH
by Amy White, Bee Staff Writer


For Tim Wirth of Modesto, good music crosses all barriers.

And when combined with a Christian message, it's a groove to reckon with, according to the 45-year-old Calvary Temple Worship Center percussionist.

Wirth recently worked with internationally known musicians and the Calvary Temple band and choir to produce an eclectic CD charged with both qualities.

The 15-track CD, "Heroes" -- to be released June 7 -- has a range of styles, from Latin, jazz and country to contemporary Christian, gospel and techno.

Though it has a Christ-centered message, "we didn't want it to be like a Christian praise and worship album," Wirth said. "You can dance to this stuff."

More than 50 Calvary Temple singers and musicians appear on the album, including Calvary Temple worship leader Jared Ming, who contributes keyboards, vocals and original songs.

The CD also features an array of international musicians, such as Alex Acuña, a Peruvian drummer and percussionist who was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000 for best traditional tropical Latin album.

Abraham Laboriel Sr., a Mexican-born bassist who's played with Henry Mancini, Al Jarreau, Elton John, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, appears on the album.

Peruvian guitarist Ramon Stagnaro also contributes tracks. Stagnaro has performed with Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Celine Dion, Diana Ross and Placido Domingo.

"It is done by artists who are inspired by Jesus," Wirth said. They also, he said, happen to be "some of the best players on the planet."

The title of the CD represents its purpose, Wirth said. Each CD purchased also comes with a free disc, "For the Heroes." This CD has two additional tracks -- one of Peruvian jazz and the other a rendition of "Amazing Grace" featuring Irish whistles and flutes.

The free CD is for someone's hero, such as a parent, a sibling in the military, a firefighter, police officer or a Red Cross worker, Wirth said. The Red Cross and the Missouri-based Assemblies of God Chaplaincy Service have agreed to send copies of the bonus CD to military personnel overseas, Wirth said.

"Music is a tremendous medium for boosting morale," Wirth said. "My hope is that this album will boost morale for everyone who receives it."

He also hopes the CD helps people center their thoughts on Jesus.

"I want them to see the love we have for Jesus through music," said Wirth, who founded his own label, Simply Agape Project, to make the CD, which features both English and Spanish lyrics.

"I want to provide them with free music, no matter if in wartime or peacetime," he said of soldiers overseas. "They are often separated from their families. I want the music to help fill that gap of loneliness in their hearts. It allows Jesus to fill that lonely gap that they feel."

Ten cents from the sale of each album will go to the local American Red Cross chapter, Wirth said. Some proceeds also will go to the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation and to pay royalties to the musicians -- uncommon in a charitable effort, Wirth said.

Though the album won't be available until next month, it already is getting local buzz. Rob Johnson, morning host on News-Talk 1316 KFIV-AM, recently played a portion of the album's first single, "Breathe."

The single features the ethereal voice of Acuña's daughter, Regina Acuña, set against a backdrop of gentle guitar accompaniment.

"It's very nicely produced," Johnson said of the portions of the album he has heard. "This is a production that has local origination but at the same time has some of the best people in music on it."

Wirth said he was inspired to make the album after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, to give encouragement and faith to American troops -- and also to add something new to the Christian music genre.

"A lot of music these days lacks the passion of what I feel we should feel toward Jesus," said Wirth, who became a Christian in 1993 after years of working as a professional secular musician. "Hopefully, this will break down the barriers we've created as brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as between (Christians) and the rest of the world."

Pre-ordered copies of "Heroes" sell for $17.99 plus $1 shipping. CDs bought after June 7 will sell for $19.99. Order at www.simplyagape.com or through Wirth at 529-7495. ***


Bee staff writer Amy White can be reached at 578-2318 or awhite@modbee.com.

Note: This article is reproduced here with the permission of Tim Wirth.

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Mid-Western Christian Book Fair Update

July 27, 2004


Dear Exhibitor,


You are receiving this newsletter because you registered for the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair coming up in Iowa City Iowa on October 1-2, 2004.


In this edition:
(1) You amazed us!
(2) Have you sent in your MCBF Awards nominations?
(3) Comedy incorporated!
(4) Bigger, Better Venue
(5) Panel Discussions you can't afford to miss
(6) Some Useful Book Exhibition Tips

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(1) You amazed us!
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You have really amazed us, not only by registering in large numbers for the book fair but also by sending us your questions and comments.

Can you imagine how it feels to have many people call, send emails and mails and register to take part in a maiden event? Fulfilling, of course. Your feedback has indeed been very helpful and we are most grateful. So, please keep them coming.

Looking at the authors, publishers and booksellers who have registered for the event, we found out that most of them are from outside Iowa and many of them are from outside the mid-west.

What an ample evidence that a Christ-focused, author-friendly, cost-effective book fair like this is a blazing necessity! It also shows that the event is not just for Christian authors, publishers and booksellers in the mid-west but also for those from other parts of the country.

You know what? The Mid-Western Christian Book Fair has become a national Christian book industry event.
Many organizations in the book industry have reflected it on their websites' calendar of events. A number of publishers have included it in their newsletters, and the media has been, to say the least, very helpful. Our website, www.christian-book-fair.com, has remained on Google's number one spot for months, under the keyword, Christian book fair, for months. So, we all can be sure that the new born baby is born to fly.

NB: There is a promotion going on for those who register before August 1st. They could simply win a $500 worth 30-day personal book marketing coaching from Steve Lanning, Creator and Co-Founder of the National Association of Business Coaches, and Chief Executive Motivator, Executive Productivity Forum.

Also up for grabs are a state-of-the-art corded ADSI speakerphone, and a half page inside front cover advert space in Books For Life, our souvenir journal cum 2005 calendar that would be given to vendors and visitors free-of-charge.

So, spread the news to friends and colleagues who have not yet registered.

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(2) Have you sent in your MCBF Awards nominations?
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Nominations are still open for the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair Awards for which we have received appreciable number of prize donations from sponsors and partners. The award categoties are:

MCBF Christian Fiction Award

MCBF Christian Children's Book Award

MCBF Young Christian Author Award

MCBF Christian Author-Friendly Media Award

MCBF Innovative Christian Book Publishing Award

MCBF Christian Bookseller Award

MCBF Christian Non-Fiction Award

The last category, the MCBF Best Exhibitor Award, would be based on what happens at the event, and so there are no nominations for it.

Please, send all your nominations and accompanying materials today to Tim Wirth, Chairperson, Mid-Western Christian Book Fair Awards, c/o The Simply Agape Project, 1309 Boulder Ave Modesto, CA 95351 Tel: 1-209-529-7495. Email: timwirth@earthlink.net or mcbfawards@mail.com.

Remember, unlike most of the awards out there, nominations are absolutely free, and you can nominate yourself.
Details are at www.christian-book-fair.com
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(3) Comedy incorporated!
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Hollywood-based Christian comedian and movie star, Kerri Pomarolli, is leading the pack of talented Christian artists who would be performing at the book fair. In case you have not seen her in action before, please mind your ribs.

Jennifer Sergeant is among the Christian contemporary musicians whose songs ring bells on many Christian radio stations. But you will get the opportunity to see and hear her sing live at the book fair, and she would also be presenting one of the Mid-Western Christian Book Fair Awards.

Also on the line-up is Joseph Brewer, popularly known as Time2GetBusy. Joe is getting ready to thrill and inspire you with his songs.

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(4) Bigger, Better Venue
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Because of the number of those who have registered for the book fair, we have moved the venue to a nearby bigger and better venue - the Johnson County Fairgrounds.

A place that has hosted many trade shows in the past, Johnson County Fairgrounds has more exhibition and packing space.

To have an idea of what the new venue looks like, please, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pages/johnson/meetingrooms.htm.

To reach the Johnson County Fairgrounds, when traveling on Highway 218, take exit 89. The Riverside Drive & Airport Exit, & Fairgrounds Exit. The exit is located 8 miles south of the I-380 & I 80 interchange. Travel one mile north on Riverside Dr. and the fairgrounds is located on the west side of the highway.

If traveling from Iowa City, it is located 2 miles south of the intersection of Highway 1 and Riverside Drive. The fairgrounds will be on your right hand side.

The book fair still opens at 2pm on Friday, October 1.
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(5) Panel Discussions you can't afford to miss
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There will be two panel discussions starting at 9am on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at the event venue.

The first panel will be on "The ministry in Christian book writing" while the second one will be on "Christian book marketing." So, get ready to share and learn new ideas.

For more on these panel discussions, please call Paschal at 1-3193519695 or email him at paschal@priest.com.


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(6) Some Useful Book Exhibition Tips
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(1)Post information about your participation on your website.

(2) Send out a press release. Below are some relevant places:

www.prweb.com

www.pressbox.co.uk

www.click2newsites.com

www.free-press-release.com

www.onlinepressreleases.com


(3) Come with large quantities of your book(s), and have at least 20 neatly displayed on your table at all times. People like it when your table is filled with neatly arranged books.

(4) Always re-arrange your books when visitors leave.

(5) Print out your Bio or corporate profile with your picture on it, and if possible, laminate it and place on your table. Many people who visit your table will like to read it.

(6) If you have received testimonies about your book, publishing or bookselling business, print them out and place on your table. They help to sell books. People like to know what others, especially those who have read your book or used your service have said about it.

(7) If you've had book reviews, newspaper articles, print them out and place orderly on your table.

(8) Come with a tablecloth, preferably a bright colored one. It could be up to 8ft by 4ft.

(9) If you have a banner, that would be nice too.

(10) Do not forget things like your bookmarks and business cards, which you should not only place on your table (to make them look nice and attract people) but also give out to people who visit your stand.

(11) Balloons attract attention, and you can bring one or two and mount them in front of your table.

(12) How about wearing a t-shirt and face-cap that bear the title of your lovely book? If you have them, you will stand out.

(12) Crack some jokes if you can. People like humor a lot.

(13) If you can get some cheap mints/candies and place on your table, please do so. They can attract people as much as balloons and banners.

(14) Do not forget to present visitors with copies of your book to look at. Sometimes, you turn the back cover for them. They know the way to the bookstores.

(15) Be ready to answer questions about your book - when, why and how you wrote it.

(16) You should be able to initiate discussions with people. Do you know that many people have not seen authors before, and would really love to meet and chat with one? So, when people come to your stand, excite them with your warmth. They love it, and they show it by buying your books.

Simply put, come with promotional items that will attract attention, and do not forget to smile, give handshakes, engage those who visit your stand in discussions.

These things help a lot. A book fair is not a place to sit down and watch or wait. It is a place to interact with people and turn visitors into customers. Some authors who lack understanding of what a book fair
is, just sit and cross their arms thinking people will just come from the moon and buy their books in hundreds.

Again, people who are attracted to your book table should be convinced to buy with your smiles, gestures, kind words, humor, etc.

These are the secrets to a successful book fair participation, and we are happy to share them with you because they have worked for us and others and we want you to make the most of the event.

End>>>>>
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From :
Mid-Western Christian Book Fair team
www.christian-book-fair.com
815 Fairview Drive
Coralville Iowa 52241
Tel:1-3193519695
Fax:1-8016841562
bookfair@christian-book-fair.com



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