Premier Studios joins Nazarene Publishing House

Friday, January 11, 2013

Kansas City, Missouri

In a personal demonstration of their commitment to God’s work, Gerald Smith, newly elected president of Nazarene Publishing House and his wife, Dianna, donated Premier Studios, the creative communications firm they founded in 1988, to NPH. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the publishing house.

Prior to his election as NPH president, Smith divested himself as owner of Premier Studios to avert any perceived conflict of interest. Rather than sell the company, the Smiths donated it to NPH. In communicating their decision to John Bowling, chairman of the NPH Board of Directors, the couple indicated plans were already in place for such a donation in the future. Gerald’s election simply accelerated the timeline.

The substantial assets of Premier Studios and all future business profits will go entirely into the mission of NPH. The Smiths received no compensation for this gift. They will receive the allowable tax benefits resulting from any charitable donation of assets to the Church of the Nazarene but no further benefit.

"We’re all in," said Gerald, when asked about his family’s decision-making process. "Dianna and I have complete faith in God’s provision, and we believe strongly in the role of NPH as a global communications leader for the Church and the denomination. Exciting times are ahead."

Premier Studios has a successful history of serving both the Church and the secular world through advertising, production, publishing, and creative communication of all kinds. It has received a wide variety of awards, including Telly, AAF-ADDY (American Advertising Federation), Aurora and BMA (Business Marketing Association), as well as recognition as a top 10 regional provider for website design by Goldline Research and Forbes Magazine. In the current environment for denominational publishers, this addition of resources is expected to enhance the existing work of NPH and benefit the mission of both NPH and the Church of the Nazarene.

The Board of General Superintendents expressed delight and appreciation for the generosity of the Smiths. The Board members believe that this generous and sacrificial gift to the church will enable a far greater collaboration between the Church of the Nazarene’s Global Ministry Center and NPH in all arenas related to effective communication of the denomination’s holiness message.

With the capabilities that Premier Studios brings to the publishing house, the Board sees a new opportunity to better communicate with the Church of the Nazarene around the world and enhance its mission "To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations."
--Board of General Superintendents

 

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