Big Rock Sports, LLC announced today that the company’s Sportsman magazine has received national recognition for publishing excellence. The magazine, produced by Big Rock Sports exclusively for its US dealers, won a 2014 APEX Award for Most Improved Magazines, Journals and Tabloids.

“It was an honor to receive an APEX Award,” said Mitch Mitchell, Director of Marketing at Big Rock Sports. “We work hard to offer our dealers a variety of business-building resources to help them thrive in today’s marketplace and our Sportsman magazine is the cornerstone of that effort.”

In continuous publication for nearly two decades, Big Rock’s Sportsmanreceived a major overhaul in 2013. Today, the magazine provides tips and recommendations for independent retail store owners and operators on business topics, including merchandising, point-of-sale technology, marketing and social media.

“Our dealers have been enthusiastic about the new format and content,” said Shannon Farlow, Sportsman Editor and Content Marketing Manager at Big Rock Sports. “Our goal is to pack as much helpful retail advice as possible into each issue. We plan to continue expanding the magazine with additional content and even some special editions, which we’re currently working on.”

Now in its 26th year, the APEX Awards for Publication Excellence competition is open to corporate, nonprofit and independent publications. APEX Awards are based on “excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry—in the opinion of the judges—in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence.”

Other 2014 APEX Award winners include Ford Motor Company, The Walt Disney Company, AARP, Toyota, MARS Advertising, American Airlines,The Washington Post, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Ruffed Grouse Society.

Logo courtesy Big Rock Sports