DR. CHARLES SWINDOLL Charles R. Swindoll is senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary, and pastor-teacher of the internationally syndicated radio program, Insight for Living. His books have sold 11 million copies and he has written more than 30 best-selling books, such as Strengthening Your Grip and Laugh Again. Dr. Swindoll resides in Dallas, TX.

MAX LUCADO Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. Max is America’s leading inspirational author. He has authored multiple bestsellers and his books have sold nearly 60 million copies. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course. He usually settles for the first two.

KEN BLANCHARD is the chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, a worldwide human resource development company. He is also cofounder of the Center for Faithwalk Leadership, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to inspiring and equipping people to Lead Like Jesus at work, home and the community.

Few people have made a more positive and lasting impact on the Day-to-day management of people and companies as Ken Blanchard. He is the author of several best-selling books, including the blockbuster international bestseller The One Minute Manager and the giant business best sellers Raving Fans, Gung Ho! And Whale Done! His coauthored books about Jesus as the ultimate leadership role model (Leadership by the Book and The servant Leader) have ignited a Lead like Jesus movement.

LINDA ELLIS started writing poems as a child, a talent inherited from her Irish grandmother. She grew up in Florida and then lived in New York for several years. However, her southern roots kept calling her home so she settled in Georgia where she now lives with her family and a menagerie of pets. She spent years working in the corporate world, but after her first poem was shared on a syndicated radio program in 1994, an alternative career began to emerge and she soon came to the realization that her true passion was in writing poetry.

Linda is the author of well known poem The Dash, as well as her most recent publication entitled Simple Truths of Life.

PAULA FOX describes herself as a lifetime student whose passion is to continue learning and applying Godly wisdom in her life so that she can share it with others. Her desire is to inspire and motivate others to live a life of purpose and significance. She is a teacher at heart with a degree in special education and 35 years experience teaching and leading all ages from preschool through adult.

She and her husband, Larry, have three grown children and she is now able to devote more of her time to writing. Besides being a teacher and leader in her own church, she is founder and leader of L’dor (Ladies’ day of renewal), a home-based Bible study for women, which has been active now for 25 years. Paula loves researching and writing her own Bible study lessons as well as writing poetry and prose. She also enjoys speaking to women’s groups and retreats.

BJ GALLAGHER is an inspirational author and speaker. She writes business books that educate and empower, women’s books that enlighten and entertain, gift booksv that inspire and inform, and kids’ books that charm and delight. Whether her audience is corporate executives, working women, or a group of giggling youngsters, her message is powerful, positive and practical. She motivates and teaches with empathy, understanding, and more than a little humor.

BJ’s international best-seller, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins , has sold over 300,000 copies in 22 languages. Her other books include: Learning to Dance in the Rain, and The Best Way Out is Always Through which have been featured on many television and radio programs. In addition to writing books, BJ also conducts seminars and delivers keynotes at conferences across the country.

DAVID MCNALLY is an internationally acclaimed business speaker, and is among an elite group of recipients elected into the Speaker Hall of Fame by the National Speakers Association (NSA). His knowledge of what inspires people has been commended by people such as NBA coach, Pat Riley, golf superstar, Greg Norman, CNN host, Larry King, as well as hundreds of executives from many of the world’s most successful companies. He is the author of two best selling books, Even Eagles Need A Push and The Eagle’s Secret.

David McNally’s mission is straightforward and clear: To provide people with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to perform at their best.

VICKI HITZGES delivers high-voltage, fun presentations with immediately useful content to a wide variety of audiences. Her clients range from Microsoft to New York Life Insurance to Nokia Siemens to Chase Bank to the C.I.A.. Southwest Airlines employees got so charged up, they carried her around the room on their shoulders! Literally!

Vicki teaches audiences to build relationships, zap stress and conquer change. She speaks from experience. She learned how to relate quickly as a Dallas TV reporter and talk show host. She can deal with the stress of speaking to a crowd of ten or 10,000, and she’s conquered lots of changes along the way. In fact, the first year she was eligible, Vicki received the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional designation. CSP is the highest earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers to recognize proven expertise and experience. Fewer than seven percent of the speakers worldwide hold this title. Attitude is Everything — 10 Rules for Staying Positive is her first book.

Contact Vicki at Vhitzges@aol.com.

BARRY GOTTLIEB wears many hats. He is a successful founder, life and business coach, author, radio host, speaker/trainer, sales expert, newsletter publisher, and webisode host. Barry's "Coaching the Winner's Edge" organization and coaching program has inspired and coached both small audiences and corporations alike.

For more information, visit Barry's website.

DAN GREEN is an entrepreneur with a passion for finishing strong in everything he does. Over the past twenty years, he as excelled in a wide variety of endeavors including his role as salesman, sales leader, sales trainer, patented inventor, race car driver, author, speaker, husband and father. The personal adoption of the finish strong attitude has been a driving force in Dan’s life and a key catalyst for helping him to achieve his goals in business, sports and in life. In addition to his active role as Executive Vice President of Simple Truths, Dan is the founder of Finish Strong, LLC; the holder of various trademarks on the name “Finish Strong.” In 2008, his first book Finish Strong, Amazing Stories of Courage and Inspiration was published and has since sold more than 100,000 copies world-wide.

Dan lives outside of Chicago where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, golfing, boxing and playing guitar. To inquire about speaking engagements or to learn more about Dan Green visit www.finishstrong.com or send him an email at DanGreen@FinishStrong.com.

ZIG ZIGLAR is an internationally known speaker and the best-selling author of 26 books including the legendary classics See You at the Top and Secrets of Closing the Sale. His works have been translated into 40 different languages and dialects. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and 20/20. Sixty Minutes says, "He is a legend in the industry — the Bill Gates, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison of enthusiasm."

From humble beginnings in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to being presented with the National Speakers Association’s highest award, “The Cavett,” Zig Ziglar is recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times. His unique delivery style and powerful messages have earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Having shared the stage with Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and Secretary of State Colin Powell, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Paul Harvey, Zig Ziglar is one of the most sought after personal development trainers in the world.

Zig Ziglar and his wife of 61 years, Jean (“the Redhead”), reside in Plano, Texas, where they attend Prestonwood Baptist Church. He is the father of four children, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of eleven.

BOB KELLY has authored or co-authored 19 books, including The Best of Success: A Treasury of Inspiration, published by Simple Truths in 2009. His personal library of quotations numbers 430 published volumes, encompassing more than 1.5 million selections. He has compiled several volumes of quotations, including Worth Repeating: More than 5,000 Classic and Contemporary Quotes; The Tremendous Power of Prayer; and Kids Are Tremendous.

V.J. SMITH has been a professional speaker for more than a decade, giving presentations to businesses, organizations and schools throughout the United States. As for his speaking ability, he credits that to growing up with three brothers and four sisters. “You had to learn to talk loud and fast or you didn’t get much to eat,” he muses. Smith peppers his talks with anecdotes as he feels that storytelling is the best way for him to connect with his audiences.

V.J. grew up in the small town of Eureka, SD. He graduated from South Dakota State University and considers himself fortunate to have served as Executive Director of the SDSU Alumni Association.He currently resides in Brookings, SD. Visit his website at: www.lifesgreatmoments.com. You can contact V. J. via e-mail: thankyou@brookings.net

MATTHEW EMERZIAN and KELLY BOZZA, co-authors and co-founders, wrote Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference to communicate that it is the plain, simple, ordinary individual, either acting alone or together with others, who can change the world. Every Monday Matters promotes the fact that people have the power. People matter. Like voting in an election, every vote counts. Eat healthy, choose canvas bags, thank a firefighter, exercise, pray, support a global cause, donate clothes – every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them.

No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, we will make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time. There is nothing more fulfilling.

Andy Andrews, hailed by a New York Times writer as someone who has quietly become “one of the most influential people in America,” is a best-selling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker for the world’s largest organizations. He has spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents and at military bases worldwide. Andy is The New York Times Bestselling author of The Traveler’s Gift, The Lost Choice, Island of Saints, The Noticer, and Return to Sawyerton Springs.

Andy lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons. To book Andy for corporate events, call (800) 726-ANDY (2639) or visit andyandrews.com.

AMY JONES, is a dynamic and engaging corporate speaker who motivates and inspires, sharing from her expertise in the areas of sales, communication, leadership, and time management. Amy, was a speaker/trainer for Ziglar, Inc. and is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the "Journey of Sisters" ministry. Amy holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Development with a concentration in Leadership Studies.

While many would agree that Amy has proven her skills in the business world, her real motivation is the "busy-ness" of making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is truly a gift … to herself and to all whose lives she touches.

In March of 2009, Amy was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive Stage 4 kidney cancer. Amy lost her battle to cancer on June 19, 2009. The title of her book, "Twice as Much in Half the Time", could not be more prophetic. She truly accomplished more and made a difference in more people's lives than most of us do in twice the time.

To read more about Amy's life and ministries please read what her friend Tom Ziglar wrote about Amy's inspiring life, click here, or visit www.twiceasmuchinhalfthetime.com

JOHN C. MAXWELL is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 18 million books. His organizations have trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and INJOY Stewardship services. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and audiences as diverse as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League, and ambassadors at the United Nations.

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell was named the World's Top Leadership Guru by Leadershipgurus.net. He was also one of only 25 authors and artisits named to Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Three of his books, the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indespensable Qualities of a leader have each sold over a million copies.

AL RITTER is a management consultant and professional speaker, in addition to being an author. He is founder and president of The Ritter Consulting Group, and has consulted for the past 20 years to thousands of people across many industries in both the U.S. and overseas. Al is a leadership coach who works with CEOs, other leaders and teams committed to achieving breakthrough results in their own and their organization’s performance.

Before starting his own firm, Al worked for the consulting firm Accenture, where he was recognized as that firm’s resident expert in leadership, team development, culture and large scale change. Earlier, he had a noteworthy corporate career, including senior vice president for Citigroup, chief financial officer for Swift & Company, and marketing and operations positions with PepsiCo.

ERIC HARVEY president and founder of The WALK THE TALK® Company – walkthetalk.com – is a leading expert on Ethics and Values-Based Practices. He is a renowned business consultant, and the author of twenty-eight highly-acclaimed books – including the best-selling WALK THE TALK ... And Get The Results You Want, Ethics4Everyone, and The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus.

He and his team of professionals have helped thousands of individuals and organizations turn their values into value-added results.

STEVE VENTURA is a recognized and respected author, book producer, and award-winning training program designer. His work reflects over 30 years of human resource development experience – both as a practitioner and a business consultant. His prior books include Start Right … Stay Right, Walk A while In My Shoes, Five Star Teamwork, Conflict Happens, and Yes Lives in the Land of No.

WALK The TALK is the fourth work he has co-authored with Eric Harvey.

JOHN MURPHY is a highly recognized author, speaker and management consultant. Drawing on a diverse collection of team experiences as a corporate manager, consultant and collegiate quarterback, John has appeared on over 400 radio and television stations and his work has been featured in over 50 newspapers nationwide.

As founder and president of Venture Management Consultants (www.venturemanagementconsultants.com), John specializes in creating high performance team environments, teaching leadership and team development, and leading team events. He has trained thousands of "change agents" from over 50 countries and helped some of the world's leading organizations design and implement positive change.

John's books include: Beyond Doubt: Four Steps to Inner Peace; Reinvent Yourself: A Lesson in Personal Leadership; Agent of Change: Leading a Cultural Revolution; Pulling Together: The Power of Teamwork; Get a Real Life: A Lesson in Personal Empowerment; and The Eight Disciplines: An Enticing Look Into Your Personality.

BOBI SEREDICH enjoys connecting others and building relationships. She is the President and founder of Equanimity, Inc. (EQspeakers), a speakers bureau and training company. She is also the co-founder of the Southwest Institute for Emotional Intelligence. She has over 18 years of experience in the event planning, corporate training and the speaking industries. The speakers that her company represents are incredibly talented leaders positively changing our world. Bobi is passionate about teaching and inspiring others. She has worked in the U.S. and all over the world with Fortune 500 clients as well as smaller companies wanting to create high performing leaders and teams.

Bobi lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she has been involved in the community with many charity groups including Multi-Cultural Arts Foundation, Tom Crawford Leadership Children's Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Sister to Sister Heart Awareness Foundation, and currently teaches classes for the Fresh Start Women's Foundation. She enjoys hiking, biking, yoga and Pilates. She loves to travel and has been to twenty-six countries. One of her favorite morning rituals is walking her two dogs, Boofalena and Louis. Bobi can be reached at bobi@EQspeakers.com.

MARY ANNE RADMACHER loves to craft words and understand, in the silences between them, the way to create meaning in art and in life. Her words and works have been available commercially for decades in the form of books, greeting cards, posters, and assorted gift products. She is included in the Oxford dictionary of American Quotations. Her words and stories of inspiration taken from her words circle the globe.

Mary Anne enjoys offering inspiration through speaking and teaching. She leads guided writing processes online and in person that help others pursue their own writing practice. Mary Anne has published several books with Conari Press, among them Courage Doesn't Always Roar, May Your Walls Know Joy, and Promises to Myself, all available at www.redwheelweiser.com or wherever books are sold.

BARBARA GLANZ, one of fewer than 500 Certified Speaking Professionals worldwide, works with organizations that want to improve morale, retention, and service and with people who want to rediscover the joy in their work and in their lives. Known as the speaker who speaks to your heart as well as to your head, she lives and breathes her personal motto, "Spreading contagious Enthusiasm TM." She is the author of eleven books, including The Simple Truths of Service, co-authored with Ken Blanchard; What can I do? Ideas to help those Who Have Experienced loss; Balancing Acts, CARE Packages for the Workplace; CARE packages for the Home; and CARE Packages for your Customers.

She lives on the beach is Sarasota, Florida, and adores her three grandchildren, Gavin, Kinsey and Owen. For more information, visit www.barbaraglanz.com. Barbara can be reached by email at bglanz@barbaraglanz.com.

KEN JENKINS is a nationally known natural history photographer, writer, lecturer, and outdoor adventurer. For more than 30 years his photographs and articles have appeared in publications from National Geographic to Southern Living. Galleries across the country have exhibited his work including the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and the Sarasota Arts Center in Florida.

His books include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a coffee table book, Reflections of Wolves, Reflections of the Black Bear, Reflections of Grizzlies, and a series of children’s books titled Wilderness World of …Bears…Of River Otters…of White-tailed Deer, and of Raccoons. His most recent book, Expert Lifemanship, a partnership with Dr. Warren Wiersbe features his 20 years of work with eagles as an illustration of life from a biblical perspective.

After many years of teaching workshops and leading adventure travel trips in North and South America, Ken spends a majority of his time photographing for contract accounts and developing publishing projects. He is actively involved in speaking engagements around the country. In 1990 he developed the concept of Wilderness Wildlife Week in his Smoky Mountain homeland. Each year the event draws over 20,000 participants from around the country and many foreign countries to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It has received the Pinnacle Award for the country's best educational event.

LANCE WUBBELS is presently the vice president of literary development at Koechel Peterson & Associates, Inc., in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For the previous eighteen years, Wubbels worked as the managing editor of Bethany House Publishers as well as a teacher at Bethany College of Missions in Bloomington, Minnesota.

He is the author of Dance while you can and If Only I knew with Hallmark books and Bible Nobodies Who Became Somebodies with Destiny Image. He has published seven fiction books with Bethany House Publishers and won an Angel Award for his novel, One Small Miracle. He has also compiled and edited twenty-five Christian Living Classic books published by Emerald books. His daily devotional, In His Presence, won the 1999 Gold Medallion Award, and his gift book with Mac Anderson, To a Child LOVE is Spelled TIME, also won an award in 2005.

MARK GILROY is a veteran publishing executive who has created a wide array of books that have sold hundreds of thousands and even millions of copies. The father of six is naturally well acquainted with all the joys—and busyness—of Christmas. Mark resides with his wife in Brentwood, Tennessee.

MAC ANDERSON is the founder of Simple Truths, and Successories, Inc., the leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition. These companies, however, are not the first success stories for Mac. He was also the founder and CEO of McCord Travel, the largest travel company in the Midwest, and part owner/VP of sales for Orval Kent Food Company, the country’s largest manufacturer of prepared salads. Mac’s accomplishments in these unrelated industries provide some insight into his passion and leadership skills.

Mac brings the same passion to his speaking and writing. He speaks to many corporate audiences on a variety of topics, including leadership, motivation, and team building. He has authored or co-authored 12 books including: You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School, Customer Love, The Nature of Success, The Power of Attitude, Charging the Human Battery, Motivational Quotes, The Essence of Leadership, To a Child Love is Spelled T-I-M-E, The Dash, Change is Good…You Go First, 212° The Extra Degree and Learning to Dance in the Rain.

ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ is a noted speaker and author. Anne is the founder of AnGeL Ministries, whose aim is "to draw people into a life-changing relationship with God through His Word." The daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham, Anne has authored eleven books. In 2000, Anne began traveling and holding revival meetings called Just Give Me Jesus. She and her husband reside in North Carolina.

DR. HENRY BLACKABY and DR. RICHARD BLACKABY, co-authors and father and son, have written many influential books designed to draw people closer to God. Originally from Canada, Dr. Henry Blackaby is the founder of Blackaby Ministries International and has served as a music director, education director, and pastor in churches in California and Canada, as well as president of Canadian Baptist Theological College and president of the Canadian Southern Baptist Conference.

Dr. Richard Blackaby serves as the president of Blackaby Ministries International and speaks internationally on the Christian life, spiritual leadership and revival. Learn more about Blackaby Ministries International at http://www.blackaby.org.