Hello and welcome to the Catholic Marketing Network CMN. For those of you who are not familiar with the CMN, our organization was founded over 15 years ago to improve the distribution of Catholic books, music, art, jewelry, gifts and a host of other Catholic items.

Operationally, the CMN serves as a liaison between manufacturers of these items and distributors which include hundreds of Catholic Book and Gift stores located all over the country. We like to say that the CMN is where the Catholic Marketplace comes together. By organizing trade shows, producing product catalogs and providing support through events, our office is dedicated to supporting the thousands of businesses and ministries that are involved in the manufacturing and distribution of Catholic materials.

If you operate a Catholic Book and Gift Store, you are keenly aware of the many challenges and difficulties you face in making sure your enterprise is both a good ministry and a good business. It's easy sometimes to feel isolated in your work and often times you may not have access to the support that you need. It is our goal to help you with these challenges by providing product information, educational tools, connectivity with Catholic manufacturers, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other store operators. All of this can be done in "real-time" through the internet and with the launch of our new website these tools will become a reality.

Features on our website are scheduled to roll-out in phases and beginning in September, store operators will be able to access educational resources that include video presentations on a number of relevant topics. In November, retailers will be able to access an on-line "Suppliers Directory" that promises to be the most complete listing of Catholic publishers and manufacturers found anywhere and it is our goal to offer on-line webinars on a host of relevant topics by years end.

If you are a manufacturer of Catholic materials you also know that developing an effective marketing and distribution strategy is a challenge. Through CMN connectivity, suppliers are provided an opportunity to gain access to distributors providing them an effective "entry point" to the market here in the United States.

Distribution of Catholic materials is not easy and unfortunately we Catholics have not been terribly effective in creating the kinds of distribution and marketing channels that exist in both the general market and those developed by our non-Catholic Christian brothers and sisters. Fortunately, many positive developments have occurred in recent years and we are beginning to see some real improvements in reaching the Catholic market. The rapid growth of Catholic radio, TV and new media along with a virtual explosion of Catholic lay initiatives are all elements that will aid in the distribution of Catholic materials and I'm confident that these improvements will continue.

The Catholic Church was established by Christ himself to spread the Gospel message of hope and salvation. Entities that are making Catholic materials more accessible play an important role in this mission. It is my hope and prayer that the Catholic Marketing Network can provide effective support for this very important work of the Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Alan Napleton

Founder and President