Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has been recognized as "1997 Mass Retailer of the Year" by the Lee-Rowan Co.

In making the announcement last week, Lee-Rowan officials cited Wal-Mart as a solid supporter of Lee-Rowan products and many other U.S. manufacturers.

Lee-Rowan, a national manufacturer and marketer of wire and wood storage and organization products, employs almost 1,000 people at its largest manufacturing facility in Jackson. The company, headquartered at Fenton, has manufacturing facilities in Memphis, Tenn.; Vista, Calif.; and Watford, Ontario.