Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has announced that Cameron Baty and Karina Birch, co-owners of Rocky Mountain Soap Company, will be the recipients of the 2016 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award. They will be presented the award at this year's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 31, as part of RCC's STORE Conference being held on May 31 and June 1 of this year in Toronto.

The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Chase Paymentech, recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local independent retailer to his/her community. The recipient is seen as a visionary, an innovator, and an integral part of the community that his/her business serves. Mr. Baty and Ms. Birch were selected this year among a number of outstanding independent retailers across Canada and will be recognized for Rocky Mountain Soap’s unique toxin-free product offering, community engagement and business expansion in Western Canada.

“Retail Council of Canada is delighted to present the 2016 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award to Cameron Baty and Karina Birch, two retail entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to making a difference in many communities across Western Canada through sustainable product development, job creation, and outstanding customer service.” said Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada. Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is involved in several local food banks, shelters and organizations such as Cause Canada, Project Shine, donating both time and tonnes of soap. “Cameron and Karina believe there is an innovation renaissance taking place and that entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to take advantage. They are true ambassadors for their fellow independent retailers and their customers,” said Ms. Brisebois. Rocky Mountain Soap Co. joins a long line of outstanding Independent retailers across Canada, including Reckless Bikes, Amos Pewter, That Pro Look, and Cuckoo’s Nest.

About Cameron Baty, Karina Birch and the Rocky Mountain Soap Company: Mr. Baty and Ms. Birch are co-owners of Rocky Mountain Soap Company. They nurtured the company from its days as a 300 square foot shop in Canmore to the now 11 retail stores, over 700 wholesale accounts and 16,000 square foot workshop. It is a company with a strong culture and eclectic, passionate group of individuals. Believing ‘what goes on the body, goes in the body,’ Rocky is on a mission to create small-batch products using simple, natural and fresh ingredients. Rocky Mountain Soap has been included in the Profit 100 and Alberta Ventures ‘Fastest Growing Companies.’

The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award will be presented to Cameron Baty and Karina Birchy at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 31, 2016. The Gala, part of STORE Conference 2016, will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET on May 31. For further information and to purchase tickets: STOREConference.ca.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: May 20, 2016