Retail's future leaders to be awarded 2015 Retail as a Career Scholarships

Retail Council of Canada to present 21 scholarships at annual retail conference, STORE 2015

TORONTO, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Nineteen post-secondary students from across the country will each receive $1,000 as part of Retail Council of Canada's (RCC) 2015 Retail as a Career Scholarship program in an ongoing commitment to recognize the importance of the retail industry; as both a vibrant and professional career choice, and as the largest employer supporting the Canadian economy.

The scholarships are awarded to students working in retail who are entering or currently enrolled in a retail-related program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.  The top scholarship applicant will receive a $5,000 award sponsored by Interac Association. An additional $3,000 scholarship will be awarded by Retail Council of Canada to a Retail as a Career Scholarship applicant in honour of all those who have been inducted into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame.

"It is inspiring to see so many talented students pursuing careers in retail and showing such passion for our dynamic industry," says Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada.  "We need enthusiastic and skilled young aspiring retail professionals to continue to drive the industry forward; the submissions we received showed keen understanding of retail relationships and the value of good customer service."

Now in its twelfth year, the Retail as a Career Scholarship program has awarded almost $700,000 in scholarships and award benefits to students who demonstrate their commitment to the future of retail. Applicants are judged by retail industry experts in three categories: academic performance, professional references and a personal essay highlighting their experiences and educational pursuits in the retail industry. "This scholarship program helps students across Canada realize their career goals and pursue exciting opportunities in our industry," adds Brisebois. "Retail Council of Canada is proud to partner with industry sponsors to support the next generation of retail leaders."

The 2015 Retail as a Career Scholarship winners are:

Recipient	Employer	School	Program
Amber Spring	Home Hardware Stores Ltd.	North Island College	Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
Bailey Cameron	Worldlynx Wireless	University of New Brunswick	Bachelor of Business Administration
Brittany Lange	Sport Chek	Mount Royal University	Bachelor of Business Administration
Ellen Williams	Micabella Cosmetics	Queen`s University	Bachelor of Commerce
Hilary de Waard	Groupe Dynamite Inc.	Fanshawe College	Fashion Merchandising
Jade Suranyi	Shoppers Drug Mart	MacEwan University	Bachelor of Commerce
Jérémie Bédard	Staples Canada Inc.	Champlain Regional College	PW Sims Business Administration Program
Katerina Yannakidis	Lisa's Cosmetics/Fragrances Inc.	Ryerson University	Bachelor of Commerce, Retail Management
Madisson Montgomery	Save-On-Foods	Thompson Rivers University	Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Meghan Moore	American Eagle Outfitters	McMaster University	Bachelor of Commerce
Michael Dragan	Adidas Group	Ryerson University	Bachelor of Commerce, Retail Management
Monica Segura	Best Buy Canada Ltd.	Mount Royal University	Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Natasha Ross	Lux Beauty Boutique	Northern Alberta Institute of Technology	Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Nathan Comartin	Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd.	University of Windsor	Bachelor of Business Administration
Nathan Froese	Community Natural Foods	Ryerson University	Retail Management Certificate Program
Nickolas King	Loblaw Companies Limited	Conestoga College	Business Administration, Marketing CO-OP
Nicole McLean	Toys 'R' Us (Canada) Ltd.	Camosun College	Business Administration, Marketing
Philippe Verreault	Home Hardware Stores Ltd.	Université du Québec à Chicoutimi	Maîtrise en gestion de projet
Teila Becker	Mill Creek Chocolates	Fanshawe College	Fashion Merchandising

2015 Generous Donors to the Retail as a Career Scholarship Fund:
Best Buy Canada Ltd., Canadian Retail Institute, Canadian Retailer Magazine, Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd., Comark Inc., Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd., Home Hardware Stores Ltd., IKEA Canada Ltd., Interac Association, JRoss Retail Recruiters, Lowe's Canada, MySTORE, PetSmart Canada Inc., Pier 1 Imports, Inc., Red Apple Stores Inc., Retail Council of Canada, Sears Canada Inc., Staples Canada Inc., The Home Depot Canada, TJX Canada, Toys 'R' Us (Canada) Ltd., Walmart Canada

In addition to monetary prizes, recipients will receive an all-access pass, including travel and accommodation, to attend Retail Council of Canada's STORE 2015 Conference, Canada's premier retail industry event. Recipients will have the opportunity to meet with some of Canada's most prominent retail industry professionals at the conference. 

Recipients will be honoured at the 2015 Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, presented as part of STORE 2015, where RCC will recognize the most respected leaders and innovative companies in Canadian retail. For more information on STORE 2015 and the 2015 Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala visit STOREconference.ca.

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants in general merchandise, grocery and drugs.  Its membership represents over 75% of all retail sales in Canada.  RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information. RetailCouncil.org  @RetailCouncil  @RCCMySTORE

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

Colin Asuncion, Retail Council of Canada, [email protected], 416.467.3782