Rocky Mountain Soap Company co-owners honoured with Retail Council of Canada's Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award

TORONTO, May 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced today that Cameron Baty and Karina Birch, co-owners of Rocky Mountain Soap Company will be honoured with the 2016 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award.

The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Chase Paymentech, recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local independent retailer to his or her community. The recipient is seen as a visionary, an innovator, and an integral part of the community that his or her business serves. Cameron Baty and Karina 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. Learn more about Rocky Mountain Soap Company at www.rockymountainsoap.com.

"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 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

Cameron Baty and Karina 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 created 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.'

Cameron Baty and Karina Birch will be recognized by the industry at Retail Council of Canada's annual Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala held on May 31, 2016. For further information and to purchase tickets: http://www.storeconference.ca/excellence-in-retailing-awards/gala

The Gala, taking place at STORE 2016, Canada's largest and most important retail conference, will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET.  Media are invited to attend STORE 2016, May 31-June 1, 2016.  For further information: STOREConference.ca

Retail is Canada's largest employer with over 2 million Canadians working in our industry. In 2015, the sector generated payroll over $59 billion and $340 billion in sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline). Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members' represent more than two-thirds of retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit industry-funded association and represents small, medium and large retail business in every community across the country. As the Voice of Canadian retailers we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants.

RetailCouncil.org @RetailCouncil @RCC_MySTORE

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

For further information: Colin Asuncion, Retail Council of Canada, casuncion@retailcouncil.org, 416.467.3782

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