ARLINGTON, VA - The 27^th Annual APEX Awards for Publication Excellence have been announced, and the USA Rice Federation's quarterly tabloid Whole Grain has been named a winner.

The APEX awards are a highly competitive business communications contest sponsored by the editors of Writer's Web Watch and the Writing that Works Archives.

"APEX 2015 awards were 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," the contest sponsors said in a release. "Each year, the quality of entries increases. Overall, this year's entries displayed an extraordinary level of quality. The APEX judges saw only the most promising publications that professional communicators could enter. From them, they had the truly difficult task of selecting the award-winning entries."

This year's contest saw more than 1,850 entries across 11 major categories and 100 subcategories. There were 390 entries in the magazines, journals, and tabloids category and nonprofit grand award winners included the Civil War Trust's fall edition of Hallowed Ground and Ruffed Grouse Society Magazine.

"Being recognized by writing and design professionals from amongst so many high level entrants is very gratifying," said Michael Klein, USA Rice's vice president of marketing and communication.

Klein said Whole Grain was conceived last year as a replacement for USA Rice's annual report, but has quickly grown in scope and reach.

"In addition to covering USA Rice programs and activities, we're pursuing original reporting and developing feature content," he said. "We also grow our subscriber base with each issue. We sent out more than 22,000 copies of the May Whole Grain to rice farmers, landowners, mills, and others in all six rice-producing states."

If you would like to receive hard copies of Whole Grain, or to learn about advertising opportunities, email USA Rice's communications team.

Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

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