Connie Wilson named the 2014 recipient of the prestigious annual

Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award

(Greenwich, CT—November 13, 2013)— The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are pleased to announce the Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of international successes Modern Dog and Modern Cat magazines, Connie Wilson is the 2014 recipient of Global Pet Expo’s annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award”.

Wilson will personally accept the award Thursday, March 13, 2014 in Orlando, Florida at The Purina® Media Reception at Global Pet Expo. This media-exclusive event is held in conjunction with Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest annual tradeshow, taking place March 12 – 14, 2014 at the Orange County Convention Center. Global Pet Expo attendees include independent pet product retailers, distributors and mass market buyers, media and other qualified individuals from the pet industry.

Wilson launched Modern Dog magazine in 2002 as a regional publication. She had no previous publishing experience, but a deep love for dogs, particularly her Weimaraner-Pointer cross, Kaya, that connected her with her audience. The magazine gained immediate traction and found itself embraced by an audience hungry for a new breed of dog magazine, one that focused on the interests of the modern dog guardian, embraced mutts and pure breeds alike, and championed rescue. Now in its eleventh year, Modern Dog has achieved rare cross-border success, developed faithful and enthusiastic North American-wide readership both in the print and digital realms and has been critically acclaimed by outlets ranging from NPR and CBC to The Ellen DeGeneres Show and OMG Insider for providing modern, relevant content for pet owners. 

Wilson’s journalistic work in the industry led to moderndogmagazine.com being named one of the top three sites for pet lovers by technology company, Intel Corporation. Wilson extended her passion inspiring feel-good features with a positive message to the cat-owning population with the 2012 launch of Modern Cat magazine, named one of the 15 hottest magazine launches of 2012 (fielded from 800 new titles by Samir Husni, founder-director of the magazine innovation centre at University of Mississippi’s Meek school of journalism). 

“Connie’s true passion for pets and their well being comes through in all that she’s accomplished,” said Bob Vetere, President and CEO of APPA. “Her magazines and websites are just another way for her to share in the love we have for our pets to an active and enthusiastic group of people, which is the true essence of this award.  We congratulate her on her contribution to the industry and the pet-loving population.”

The annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award” recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership. Whether via print, broadcast or internet mediums, these distinguished members of the press produce stories that highlight responsible pet ownership and all the exciting services, products and activities that make spending time with our pets even more enjoyable. Past recipients include Sandy Robins (Today.com, MSNBC.com, Dog/Cat Fancy), Jill Rappaport, Victoria Stilwell, Rachael Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Marty Becker (Good Morning America/Vetstreet/Dr. Oz Show), Steve Dale (My Pet World/The Pet Minute), Gina Spadafori (author/Pet Connection) and Janice Brown (The Tails Pet Media Group).