SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is pleased to announce that the organization has been selected as the National Rifle Association's "Association of the Year."  The award is conferred annually by the NRA board of directors on the state affiliate that best serves the lawful firearm owners in its respective state.

"On behalf of the officers, directors and members of the Illinois State Rifle Association, I would like to thank the NRA board for this important recognition," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson.  "All of the credit for this award certainly goes to our fantastic cadre of volunteers.  Whether it is hosting training classes, coaching young shooters, or writing letters to politicians in support of gun rights, our volunteers are the foundation upon which the ISRA is built.  Without the help of our many hundreds of faithful volunteers, we'd hardly be able to conduct day-to-day operations, let alone win a national award.  As we move through these turbulent times, the ISRA will continue to uphold the ideals set for us by the National Rifle Association of America."

The ISRA is the state's leading authority on safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership.  For more than a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

WEB SITE: http://www.isra.org

SOURCE Illinois State Rifle Association