[Mickey]

(Nashville, Tenn.) December 20, 2002 – Word Distribution’s sales representatives are currently providing nearly 1,000 hours of help to over 200 stores nationally this holiday season. During the company’s “The Word Music Man Is Comin’ To Town” promotion, running from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, representatives are volunteering up to four hours of their time per store, each working a minimum of 15 independent and chain stores.

“‘Word Music Man’ is helping both distribution and retail understand and appreciate the roles they each play, especially during the holiday season,” says Dusty Wells, senior director of field and telesales. “Working closely beside the store’s staff allows us to obtain some key input into not only the retailer’s needs, but also the customer’s.”

In addition to the standard duties of setting up displays, restocking and presenting product, Word Distribution representatives are spending their time on the sales floor, helping music department staff, assisting customers with questions and even running the registers during busy shopping times. Customers are also receiving “Word Play Money” from the representatives that provide discounts on eight highly-applauded titles until Jan. 31, including Nicole C. Mullen’s Christmas in Black and White, Sixpence None the Richer’s Divine Discontent, Rachael Lampa’s Blur, Randy Travis’ Rise & Shine, Point of Grace’s Girls of Grace, Souljahz’ The Fault is History, Kirk Whalum’s The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter II and various-artist compilation project, Pure Pop.

“We’re receiving a lot of great feedback from retailers on the ‘Word Music Man’ promotion,” says VP of marketing, Greg Fritz. “Some store managers are even placing the representatives’ volunteer time on their store schedule.”

Carl Miller, owner of Majesty Christian Store in Greensburg, PA says, “I was excited to see the number of customers that bought additional music selections while Word sales rep Keith Harrold was in our store. I even asked him if he could come back everyday between now and Christmas!”

“During our visits, we’ve been able to provide a very positive presence in the music departments that produced immediate response from and for the stores,” continues Harrold. “Sometimes customers really don’t know what they’re looking for in their gift buying. We were there to ask questions and then pin-point exactly which artists matched their recipient.”

Dustin Davis, music department manager for Mardel in Mesquite TX, adds about representative Pate Neal, “We appreciate Word Distribution allowing their reps to come in and work alongside our employees. Last Saturday (Dec. 14) was a high-volume sales day and Pate was a real asset helping customers with their needs.”

Following the holidays, Word Distribution will kick off the new year with two catalog promotions offering special pricing on many critically acclaimed projects. Beginning Jan. 2 and running through the end of February, Word’s “CD Spectacular!” offers $4.00 off twelve selected titles, including Divine Discontent, Girls of Grace, Mercy Me’s Spoken For, Amy Grant’s Legacy, Wayne Watson’s Living Room, Sara Groves’ All Right Here, Rise & Shine, Ray Boltz’ Songs From the Potter’s Field, Jim Witter’s Forgiveness, Hillsongs’ Blessed and various-artist compilation projects iworship and Songs 4 Worship: Shout to the Lord.

Further, welcoming Spring Hill Music under its distribution arm, Word Distribution/Spring Hill’s “Music for the Entire Family” features an aggressive $11.99 price point on 14 CD titles, including Gersh’s Awakening, Babbie Mason’s Timeless, Scott Krippayne’s All of Me, Oak Ridge Boys’ From the Heart, Sam Levine’s Jazz From the Heart, The Ruppes’ Free, The Hoppers’ Steppin’ Out, Karen Peck & The River’s Triumph, The Martins’ Glorify Edify Testify, David Phelps’ self-titled debut, Christ Church Choir’s Sweet Aroma of Praise, Jeff & Sheri Easter’s My, Oh My!, Janet Pashcal’s This is Janet and various-artist compilation project, The God Chasers: Pursuing His Presence.

Word Distribution, a division of Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, represents some of Christian music's top performers, including Platinum-selling, Award-winning artists Amy Grant, Rachael Lampa, Nicole C. Mullen, Sandi Patty, Point Of Grace, Mercy Me, Sixpence None The Richer and Jaci Velasquez. Word is also the home to Big Idea's successful VeggieTales video and audio series. The company provides sales, marketing and distribution services for several leading labels, including Word Records, Squint, Integrity Music, M2.0 Communications, INO, Big Idea Productions, Spring Hill Music, Daywind Music, Ray Boltz Music, Garden City, Curb Records, Elektra and others.

Photo Caption: Word representative Keith Harrold worked several hours on the sales floor helping customers at Majesty Christian Store in Greensburg, PA. Pictured is Harrold explaining Word’s “Play Money” to youth pastor Dave Dickson. The youth pastor left with a handful of coupons to share with his student ministry.