Innovative Inc.

Innovative in the News

Recent Press Releases

Innovative Launches New Tools To Grow Retailers’ Church Relationships and Profits
Signature Websites Announces e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook Solution
Signature Websites Showcases Digital Marketing at ICRS Driving Store Sales & Profits
Signature Websites Introduces Powerful New Tools To Drive In-Store Traffic & Sales
Innovative Expands Online Network with Purchase of Parable Online Stores
Innovative Participates in Church Rebuild on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Season Finale
Berean Christian Stores Announces New Website and E-commerce Capabilities
Berean Christian Stores and Innovative Announce Strategic Partnership
New Music First Promotions Launch on Innovative's Signature Websites
Major Signature Website Enhancements Poised to Impact Fall Sales
Anchor and Innovative Partner to Help Christian Retailers Reach the Church

Innovative Launches New Tools To Grow Retailers’ Church Relationships and Profits

November 15, 2011

Innovative Church Marketing (www.thinkinnovative.com), the leading provider of Church marketing solutions for over 500 Christian retailers, announces the launch of new tools enabling Christian retailers to add value to their relationships with local church leadership as well as earn up to $5,000 for each Church renovation referral. This new Innovative partnership with Church Interiors, Inc., one of America’s premier Church renovation specialists for over 30 years, provides retailers an unprecedented opportunity to grow relationships with church leadership and increase store profits.

Retailers are cultivating their relationships with Church leadership, growing both church and consumer sales, which is resulting in increased store profits. Retailers are promoting premier Church renovation services, along with the best Christian educational resources, Church supplies and Church furnishings, utilizing Innovative’s comprehensive 2012 Church Supplies Catalog, Seasonal Church Catalogs and complete Online Church Promotions, along with In-store promotions of renovations and resources.

“We recognize the importance of retailers establishing solid and profitable Church relationships, that is why we launched the Church Renovation Program,” said Larry E. Haege, President of Innovative, Inc. “After more than 25 years of service to over 650 Christian retailers, we remain committed to providing retailers the most innovative tools and strategies possible to reach the Church and the people inside.”

“With our experience of over 10,000 renovations, our architects, designers, and construction teams understand the unique needs of the church. It is why we are excited to partner with local Christian retailers who share this heart for the Church,” said Charles Wicker, Sr. President of Church Interiors, Inc. “At Church Interiors our goal is the same as the church renovation committee; make the church as beautiful as possible, at the lowest possible cost with little or no disruption to the church services.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing online and Church marketing solutions for over 650 Christian retailers. For over 25 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers like Tree of Life (www.christianoutlet.com), CLC Christian Bookcenter (www.clcbookcenter.com) and Christian Book & Gift (www.christbk.com), as well as leading Christian Church Bookstores, Ministries and Broadcasters.

Church Interiors, Inc. (www.churchinteriors.com) provides everything from cosmetic to complete turn-key Church renovations. Included are flexible seating, pews, pew refinishing, cushions and onsite pew upholstering, as well as floor covering, stained glass, audio / video / lighting and more. With over 30 years of serving churches large and small, they are the experts in making the church its very best.

For more information, contact Daniel Dutilly, Innovative Church Marketing Director Sales & Marketing at (888) 747-4264 ext.3204, daniel.dutilly@thinkinnovative.com or visit www.thinkinnovative.com.

Signature Websites Announces e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook Solution

April 25, 2011

Signature Websites (www.signaturewebsites.com), the leading provider of digital marketing solutions for Christian retailers and ministries, and a CBA-Endorsed Service Provider, announced the expansion of their digital marketing and website services to include private branded Christian e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook solutions through a partnership with eChristian.

This e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook solution is a best in class digital delivery system which expands Signature Websites’ digital marketing services already proven effective in driving in-store traffic and sales for Christian retailers. Currently, Sale, New Release and Seasonal Promotions, along with over 200,000 Christian products are featured on retailers’ store branded websites, in their e-mail marketing, and their matching in-store endcaps, supported by top CBA vendors and supporting retailers’ marketing group promotions. Promotions featured on the Signature Websites Network in 2010 included 300 retail stores with over 5.8 million unique visitors viewing over 92 million products.

Download products will be added to current promotions, as well as being offered though new services to the industry. The Association of American Publishers reported earlier this month that e-Books and Downloaded Audiobook sales grew 200% for February 2011. Signature Websites is committed to help leverage download sales to drive in-store sales and downloads for the Christian Products Industry.

“Providing customers with a complete selection of Christian e-Books and Downloadable Audiobooks is critical to the Christian Products Industry at this time,” said Larry E. Haege President of Signature Websites parent company Innovative, Inc. “Now is the time we must come together to develop business models successfully embracing e-Books and Downloadable Audiobooks for growth within our industry.”

“We at eChristian are excited to partner with Innovative’s Signature Websites in their providing e-Books and Downloadable Audiobook services to the Christian Products Industry.” said Cory Verner, President eChristian, Inc. “Our experience and relationships built with ChristianAudio.com have been invaluable in creating the eChristian commerce platform which is a best in class digital delivery system.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers. For over 20 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers like Cedar Springs Christian (www.cschristian.com), CLC Christian Bookcenter (www.clcbookcenter.com) and Christian Book & Gift (www.christbk.com), as well as leading Christian ministries and broadcasters.

For more information, contact Richard Hauhuth, Signature Websites Director Online Sales & Marketing at (888) 747-4264 ext.2024, richard.hauhuth@thinkinnovative.com or visit www.signaturewebsites.com.

Signature Websites Showcases Digital Marketing at ICRS Driving Store Sales & Profits

Greensboro, NC - June 21, 2010

Signature Websites is showcasing the power of digital marketing for Christian retailers at the 2010 International Christian Retail Show. They are showing retailers how to increase sales and profits with digital marketing of in-store Sale and New Release Promotions. During the show Signature Websites is conducting workshops in the CBA Town Center, filming bestselling author interviews for retailer websites and demonstrating digital marketing in Innovative booth #1118.

Retailers’ fall digital New Release promotions include bestselling author interviews of Philip Yancy, Phil Vischer, Wanda Brunstetter and others. Sale Promotions include vendor supported customer savings of 30% - 50% on recent bestsellers. Customers receive promotions via e-mail marketing, retailer website promotions and in-store endcap promotions. All promotions drive sales, e-mail sign-ups and profits, giving retailers a critical competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.

“Today, retailers can give customers reasons to come into their store every day through powerful, cost effective digital marketing with the Signature Websites Network. Retailer websites and e-mail marketing promote in-store Sale and New Releases, along with store stock levels and in-store order pick-up” says Larry Haege of Innovative’s Signature Websites. “Retailers are now promoting in-store events, sale and new release products, with marketing which is almost free, increasing store sales and profits.”

“Innovative is absolutely on target with their in-store promotions and store stock features on my Signature Website. These tools are critical for every Christian retailer serious about succeeding today,” says Bill Jones, owner Jacob’s Ladder Christian Bookstore, Margate, FL (www.jacobsladdercbs.com).
“The Signature Websites Network continues to help Christian retailers thrive in today’s marketplace.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) continues to be a leader in online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers. Signature Websites includes 170,000 product e-commerce, a dynamic online store presentation and e-mail marketing. Innovative’s print, online and in-store Church Marketing tools are integrated with Signature Websites, as the premier Church Marketing solution. Innovative has served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years and is a CBA Endorsed Service Provider. For more information visit Innovative booth #1118 next to Town Center at the International Christian Retail Show or contact:

Phil Stringer
(336) 854-5570 x2009
eMail: Phil.Stringer@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com

Richard Hauhuth
(336) 854-5570 x2024
eMail: richard.hauhuth@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com

Signature Websites Introduces Powerful New Tools To Drive In-Store Traffic & Sales

Greensboro, NC - July 7, 2009

Signature Websites is introducing powerful new tools at the International Christian Retail Show to help retailers drive increased in-store traffic and sales. These new tools enable retailers to provide their customers with access to their store stock levels on their website and give customers in-store order pick-up options online, as well as promoting bestselling vendor-supported sale products online which are available in the store. Sale promotions are sent to customers via e-mail marketing, promoted online and showcased on in-store endcaps, driving sales and encouraging new e-mail list sign-ups. All of these tools provide competitive advantages which are critical to retailers in the marketplace today.

“Signature Websites give customers reasons to come into Christian retailers’ stores more often and buy more. Retailer websites which feature store stock levels, in-store order pick-up, and in-store sale promotions are proven to bring customers into the store ready to buy,” says Larry Haege of Innovative’s Signature Websites. “Now retailers can promote customer savings of 30% - 50% with these vendor-supported in-store sale promotions, while maintaining their standard sales margins. These savings motivate customers to come into the store, while the sales margin helps retailers succeed.”

“Innovative is absolutely on target with their in-store specials and store stock features on my Signature Website. Based on our experience, I feel these tools are critical for every Christian retailer who is serious about succeeding in today’s marketplace,” says Bill Jones, owner of Jacob’s Ladder Christian Bookstore, Margate, Florida (www.jacobsladdercbs.com).

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) continues to be a leader in online and church marketing solutions, providing effective tools and services, helping over 700 independent Christian retailers succeed. Signature Websites includes 170,000 product e-commerce, a dynamic online store presentation and e-mail marketing. It’s the online marketing solution of choice for leading Christian retailers. Innovative’s in-print, online and in-store Church Marketing tools are integrated with Signature Websites, as the premier Church Marketing solution for leading Christian retailers as well. Innovative has served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years. For more information visit Innovative at booth #932 next to Town Center at the International Christian Retail Show or contact:

Richard Hauhuth
(336) 854-5570 x2024
eMail: richard.hauhuth@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com

Innovative Expands Online Network with Purchase of Parable Online Stores

Greensboro, NC - January 5, 2009

Innovative, Inc. has expanded its online network to over 700 Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministry outlets, with the purchase of Ministry Web Stores, the Parable Group subsidiary providing online commerce for an array of Christian retailers and ministries.

“Now, the powerful message of our products and services can be communicated effectively to the customers of over 700 leading Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministries, through one network” says Larry E. Haege, Innovative founder and CEO. “Innovative has created this successful interactive, multimedia, online network as the vehicle necessary for publishers, producers and retailers to bring the sights, sounds and passion of their products directly to the heart of customers—right where they are.”

Ministry Web Stores serves a range of Christian organizations, from leading Christian retailers to multi-national broadcast ministries such as Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The Cove and Homeword. It provides Christian e-commerce with full customer support, shopper security and 24-hour availability.

Innovative will take over the day-to-day operations for most Ministry Web Stores clients, serving them through their Signature Websites online marketing services, including comprehensive e-commerce, online promotions and e-mail marketing services. This platform is ideal for showcasing extensive interactive, multi-media product, promotions, and seller information so critical to success today, through a single online network including leading Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministries.

“The sale of Ministry Web Stores will allow us to focus our resources on franchising and quality services for our valued member stores” explains Parable CEO Steve Potratz, “including a strong commitment to grow our online franchise site Parable.com.”

Innovative, Inc. continues to be a leader in online and church marketing tools. Parable provides effective tools and services to help independent Christian retailers succeed. Both companies have served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years.

For more information contact:
Innovative, Inc.
Larry E. Haege
(336) 854-5570 x2921
eMail: Larry.Haege@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.ThinkInnovative.com

Parable
Melanie Strouss
(805) 543-2644 x596
eMail: Melanie.Strouss@Parable.com
Website: www.Parable.com

Innovative Participates in Church Rebuild on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Season Finale

Greensboro, NC - May 2008

Innovative, Inc. contributed Church Furnishing and Supplies for the 2008 season finale of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, airing Sunday, May 18 at 7/6c, when Ty Pennington and the show's designers rebuild the Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA, in just seven days.

Innovative participated with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition when their designers discovered the Church Furnishings and Supplies they wanted for the Noah's Ark Church rebuild on www.Church-Supplies.com, Innovative's premiere church supplies retailer store locater and e-commerce. "We have served churches through the member stores of our Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Website programs since 1984", said Larry E. Haege, CEO of Innovative, Inc. "Our heart went out to this body of believers in need and we were honored to have been asked to participate in this church rebuild on behalf of our numerous retail partners."

For over 60 years Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church has served the needy in New Orleans. When Katrina hit, Pastor Willie Walker risked his life by going back to the devastation time and time again to help rescue hundreds and saved countless lives. When he finally returned to the church, he found it totally destroyed by the flood waters. Now, the crew of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will rebuild this church, providing a place of worship for this congregation and a refuge for the entire community.

Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and church marketing solutions, serving over 600 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Their Signature Websites, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers. Innovative's Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annual and seasonal church catalogs and online church supplies, including www.church-supplies.com and private branded websites.

About ABC-TVs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its 5th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.

Berean Christian Stores Announces New Website and E-commerce Capabilities

Cincinnati, OH - November 2007

Berean Christian Stores has unveiled a new website as well as enhanced e-commerce capabilities allowing users a more convenient and consistent shopping experience to that found in Berean's retail locations.

Bill Simmons, president of Berean Christian Stores says, "The new site is the next step in our plan to provide enhanced levels of shopping to the marketplace. Berean has been an innovator with our in-store experience, providing customers with one of the best store models in the industry. This development extends this top-notch experience to the online arena," said Simmons.

Partnering with Innovative, a leader in providing e-commerce solutions to the Christian retail industry, Berean is able to offer an integrated solution across both print and e-commerce media, to ensure a seamless experience of excellent customer service to its customers. "We are particularly delighted that this solution is integrated across the web and in our print media," said Bill Schinkal, Director of Marketing. "Today, customers expect a seamless shopping experience from in-store to online, and this solution makes this possible for Berean's customers for the first time," continued Schinkal.

Larry Haege, president of Innovative, stated, "We are delighted to be partnering with Berean to provide an extraordinary customer experience. We're excited to be integrating the Berean message and promotions in consumer and church catalogs, Berean.com and e-marketing, maximizing their in-store experience-giving Christian consumers what they're looking for today," added Haege.

Berean Christian Stores is a privately held company based in West Chester, OH. There are currently 25 Berean locations in seven states across the country, with an average store size of 12,000 sq. ft. With over seventy-years of success in the Christian retailing industry, Berean Christian Stores strives to provide excellent customer service, outstanding value and an extensive product selection serving both consumers and churches. For more information on Berean Christian Stores, visit the newly enhanced website at www.berean.com.

Innovative, Inc. is a leader in cross-channel business tools and strategies for those in the Christian community, utilizing technology solutions, extensive Christian products experience and advanced business strategies on behalf of Christian Retailers, Broadcasters and Church Bookstores. Innovative is a CBA Endorsed Service Provider and has been providing retailers with church and other marketing solutions within the CBA industry for over 20 years.

Berean Christian Stores and Innovative Announce Strategic Partnership

Cincinnati, OH - September 13, 2007

At Berean Christian Store's Annual Managers' Conference earlier this week, Berean Christian Stores and Innovative, Inc. announced a comprehensive Strategic Partnership to leverage cross-channel marketing and retailing on behalf of Berean Christian Stores, driving Berean's retail sales and ministry impact in the marketplace.

Innovative will position Berean's marketing and mission message strategically across all marketing channels-consumer and church catalogs, Berean.com, e-mail marketing, in-store promotions and internal communication channels. The result will be greater opportunities for Berean's customers to understand Berean distinctives and enhance their access to Berean's consumer and church resource products and information.

"This partnership is a critical component of our commitment to communicate Berean's mission, products and value to customers and prospective customers in extraordinary ways at every touch-point-whether in-store or outside the store. Berean is confident that Innovative is the best partner to help us make this happen." said Bill Simmons, President of Berean

"We're pleased that our partnership gives us the opportunity to more effectively communicate the life-changing resources available at Berean, utilizing our technology solutions, extensive Christian products experience and cross-channel business strategies," said Larry E. Haege, president of Innovative. "Berean customers will experience a much greater connection to Berean and its products as we converge Berean's message in their stores, on Berean.com, in their catalogs and in e-mail marketing, by implementing digital, interactive and conventional tools. This means more effectively acquiring, engaging and retaining Berean customers, as we do for our other industry partners."

New Music First Promotions Launch on Innovative's Signature Websites

Greensboro, NC — 11.27.2006

Innovative (www.signaturewebsites.com) announced their launch of the New Music First campaign and major enhancements for all Signature Websites, with the November 21st campaign promoted in over 200,000 e-mail marketing pieces and on over 425 Christian Retailers' Signature Websites (www.nwbooks.com/e/newmusicfirst.asp) as a part of the Christian Retail Channel's New Music First promotions.

Innovative's strategy includes store-branded e-mails driving consumers back to the retailer's own website to sample new songs and watch music videos—key products in the retailers' comprehensive e-commerce including over 157,000 products. New Music First featured products are also merchandised online to provide greater exposure for these key new releases.

"New Music First will have an ongoing presence both online and in our bi-weekly e-mail marketing promotions", said Larry Haege, President/CEO of Innovative. "We believe strongly in the power of the Internet to communicate new product information and are currently providing consumers access to over 175,000 music samples online. We fully support this CBA channel-wide initiative and have committed resources to insure our retailers are leading the charge and enjoying higher music sales in their stores."

Signature Websites is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, providing online solutions for over 425 retailers, and is a part of Innovative, Inc. Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and Church Marketing solutions, serving over 750 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Innovative's Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog, the Church Resources catalog, and online church supplies.

MAJOR SIGNATURE WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS POISED TO IMPACT FALL SALES

Greensboro, NC — 08.10.2006

Significant enhancements to Signature Websites (www.signaturewebsites.com) poise retailers for additional increased impact in the second half of 2006, following results for the first half of 2006 where website visitors doubled and online sales increased 149% over the same period last year. Visitors experience a more user-friendly online shopping experience and advanced product searches with recent enhancements. Retailers have new store online promotion tools and custom e-mail promotions to better promote their store events and services. Consumers can find answers to life-needs with proven Christian resources in the new Answers for Life resource guide. Traffic projections for Fall 2006 include 2.5 million unique visitors to Signature Websites each month.

The dynamic new user interface and expanded product features improve customer satisfaction with the online shopping experience. Enhanced online shopping features included the addition of new keyword searches, the ability to browse results by product category plus an updated look-and-feel to each Signature Website with new icons and buttons, product presentation pages and an enlarged home page presentation.

New local store online promotional tools and custom e-mail promotions allow retailers to promote their in-store events with ease, helping drive traffic into their store to maximize the impact of these events on their business. Store promotions are included right on the home page with options to link to additional details within the retailer’s custom website pages. The new Signature e-Blast program gives retailers a fast and economical way to promote their in-store events with a custom e-mail blast to their customer base.

The Answers for Life resource guide is a ministry-oriented feature with recommended resources in over 30 life-need categories such as Grief, Abortion, and Pornography. Each life-need category has it’s own featured resources across multiple product categories (books, Bibles, DVDs, etc.) as well as encouraging scriptures specific to that life-need.

The all-new www.ThinkInnovative.com website, including the Signature Websites virtual tour, was recently completed with detailed information about Innovative’s online and church marketing solutions for Christian retailers and ministries world-wide.

Signature Websites is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, providing online solutions for over 420 retailers, and is a part of Innovative, Inc. Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and Church Marketing solutions, serving over 750 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Innovative’s Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog, the Church Resources catalog, and online church supplies.

ANCHOR AND INNOVATIVE PARTNER TO HELP CHRISTIAN RETAILERS REACH THE CHURCH

New Kensington, PA — Greensboro, NC — 03.28.2006

Anchor Distributors http://www.anchordistributors.com/ and Innovative, Inc. http://www.thinkinnovative.com/ believe that God has strategically positioned Christian retailers to work alongside the church in “equipping the saints.” Also, believing that effective church marketing tools and product fulfillment are critical to this mission, Anchor and Innovative have partnered to provide Christian retailers with effective print, online and in-store church promotional tools, as well as fast, convenient fulfillment of these promoted church products.

Every Christian retailer has the privilege of equipping the church with life-changing Christian resources, but retailers need effective print, online and in-store tools to accomplish this mission. “Innovative is committed to providing the tools Christian retailers need to successfully serve the church and the people inside — this has been Innovative’s mission for over 20 years,” said Troy Hurst, Church Sales and Marketing Director at Innovative. “We’re so pleased to now be partnering with Anchor Distributors in this mission.”

“At Anchor, we know that it’s critical for retailers to be able to provide their churches with the resources they need immediately. That’s why we’re committed to fulfillment of the best church resources as promoted in Innovative’s Church Supplies and Church Resource Catalogs, fast and simply,” stated John Whitaker, Vice President of Anchor Distributors. Now Christian retailers can fulfill church orders for candles, flags, bulletins and hundreds of other church resources fast and easy with Anchor’s no-hassle ordering, convenient free freight and same-day shipping.

About Anchor Distributors. Anchor has served Christian bookstores throughout the world since 1970. As a Christian-owned and operated business, Anchor’s mission is to flood the world with the gospel message by providing products and resources that glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ. They strive to bring Christian booksellers elite quality in all that they provide, constantly improving and updating their services to meet bookseller needs even more effectively.

About Innovative, Inc. Innovative is a leader in Church Marketing and eBusiness solutions, serving over 700 Christian retailers through Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites. Innovative Church Marketing is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog and the Church Resources Catalog, and providing a web presence through Online Church Supplies. Signature Websites is the leading Online Solution for Christian retailers, providing store promotion and product promotion for over 150,000 Christian products online.