MINNETONKA, Minn.- Rassat Outdoor Group of Maple Lake, MN was named "Agency of the Year" by Rapala USA at its May sales meeting at the IGFA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"The team at Rassat Outdoor Group has a passion for the outdoors and excels in creative selling strategies. In their short time representing Rapala, the group's outstanding sales efforts have exceeded our expectations of growth within their territory," says Tom Mackin, President of Rapala USA.

A Rapala rep agency since 2010, Rassat Outdoor Group oversees sales in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Founded in 2009, Rassat Outdoor Group, with over 150 years of combined experience, has quickly established itself as one of the premier rep agencies of the Midwest.

Rapala USA honored Gerry Trainor as "Rep of the Year." Gerry is a field representative with Minnesota based Rassat Outdoor Group and has been with Rapala since 2000. With a loyal customer following, Gerry is responsible for select retailers, dealers and distributors in the Midwest.

"Gerry's selection as 'Rep of the Year' was very deserving. He continues to build and maintain strong relationships with his customers and with his aggressive creativity, Gerry truly represents the ultimate team player" says Zack Swanson, Vice President of Sales for Rapala USA.

About Rapala
Rapala was unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala fishing lure. Rapala has grown from humble beginnings to a market leader in the fishing tackle industry. The Rapala brand's functionality and high quality are known by fishermen around the world. Rapala maintains its strict standards of craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more than 130 countries.

For more information on Rapala, please visit www.rapala.com