Seaside Retailer and SGN win 2024 AZBEE Awards for editorial and design excellence

National and regional awards were bestowed in the company profile and magazine redesign categories.

Medina, Ohio-based Breakwall Publishing has announced its two publications, Seaside Retailer and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (SGN), have each been recognized by the American Society of Business Publication Editors with 2024 AZBEE Awards of Excellence. ASBPE is the professional association for full-time and freelance editors, writers, art directors and designers employed in business, trade and specialty press.

Seaside Retailer and Brook Bilyj, contributing editor, were awarded a National Silver Award and a Heartland Chapter regional Gold Award in the Company Profile editorial category. Entries for this category are judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of sources and source material, value to the reader and presentation.

SGN and Karen Carr, publisher and creative director, were awarded a National Bronze Award and a Heartland Chapter regional Silver Award in the Publication Redesign design category.

Winners of AZBEE awards represent the best of B2B publishing. Seaside Retailer and SGN were selected from hundreds of entries from publications in various industry sectors.

The winning editorial entry was for Seaside Retailer’s July/August 2023 Cover Profile, “Experiencing the Magic,” written by contributing editor Brooke Bilyj, featuring the Jupiter, Florida-based Ocean Magic Surf Shop and its new co-owner Felipe “Flip” Oliveira.

“As soon as I started talking to ‘Flip’ on the phone, I knew that the story about Ocean Magic Surf Shop was going to be a fun one — not only for me to write, but for other retailers to read — because his passion and excitement came through loud and clear,” says Bilyj. “The way he explained his vision for the store with specific examples made for a captivating story — and the Azbee judges agreed. I was honored to help Flip share his story, and even more stoked to see it win a national award!”

Kristin Ely, Breakwall Publishing editorial director says, “When we were deciding what profile to enter in the awards, this story stood out to me as it was both inspiring and insightful. Brooke’s approach to the article as well as Flip’s mold-breaking approach to retail made for an engaging article. We are thrilled that ASPBE also recognized the enterprising work that went into the feature.”

The online version of the article is available by clicking here.

Breakwall Publishing acquired SGN in January 2023. The publishing company debuted its first issue with a fresh look and feel in March/April 2023, including new editorial sections and several design updates. Judges for the Publication Redesign category look for a clear visual hierarchy and design that serves the content and presents it clearly, as well as how the design quickly conveys important news.

Carr says, “This honor from ASBPE is a testament to our commitment to excellence. From day one of owning SGN, we’ve placed an emphasis on enhancing all aspects of the publication, and this award is a culmination of those efforts.”

Seaside Retailer and SGN are published bimonthly by Breakwall Publishing, based in Medina, Ohio. For more information, visit www.breakwallpublishing.com.