Alberta Venture's Mike Ganley has been recognized as Editor of the Year by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA).

"He has distinguished himself as a leader and collaborator, developing initiatives that have not only contributed to discussions in Alberta, but have launched them," reads a statement on the association's website.

Ganley took over as editor in 2011. In 2012, he oversaw a redesign of the mag's print and online properties and the development of a much-discussed series of long-form articles called "Transform Alberta: six game-changing ideas for our future". Building off the series' success, Ganley programmed the Transform Alberta Summit held in Banff later that year.

In other achievement awards, Impact Magazine founder Elaine Kupser will receive this year's Achievement in Publishing award. Kupser launched Impact, a wellness and active-lifestyle magazine, in 1991, and the AMPA notes that circ has swelled sevenfold over the last 22 years.

The association also announced the Showcase nominees for its 2013 awards, with Calgary weekly Swerve leading the pack with 17 nominations. Alberta Venture, Eighteen Bridges and Alberta Oil each garnered 10 nominations, and other multiple-nominees include Alberta Views, Avenue Calgary, Western Living and Up!

The awards will be handed out at the Alberta Magazine Awards Gala, on March 14 in Calgary. Visit Alberta Magazines for a full list of finalists.