Roots co-founders Michael Budman and Don Green to receive Distinguished Retail Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement from Retail Council of Canada

TORONTO, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced today that Michael Budman and Don Green, co-founders of Canada's leading lifestyle brand Roots Canada Ltd., will be the recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Retail Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement.

"RCC is delighted and honoured to recognize Michael Budman and Don Green for their vision and contributions to the retail industry in Canada," says Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, RCC. "Michael and Don are extremely proud of Roots' Canadian heritage, and that pride and passion have helped establish the company as one of the most iconic brands in Canada and a widely recognized brand around the world. They are a source of inspiration to both the company and the nearly 1,500 people who work for Roots. "

Known for its great design and workmanship, Roots has grown from a small store to over 225 locations in Canada, the United States and Asia, including a state-of-the-art leather goods factory in Toronto. Following its 40th anniversary year in 2013, Roots is now moving forward with various new innovations in its designing, manufacturing, marketing and retail development. "Under Michael and Don's leadership Roots continues to support a variety of projects, organizations, and individuals in local communities and on a global level," adds Brisebois. "The company's great tradition of community support has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for numerous causes such as Right To Play, Build A School, the Red Cross, and Stop Global Warming."

The Distinguished Retail Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement is a special award given to founders with a minimum of 25 consecutive years of retail service who have demonstrated outstanding business success and community service throughout his/her career. Winners are visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the industry through their innovations and commitment to customers and employees. The recipients are recognized as retail role models and as icons in the industry who have dedicated his/her business life to retail.

The Distinguished Retail Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement will be presented to Michael Budman and Don Green at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.  The Gala, part of STORE 2014 - Canada's Retail Conference, will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

About Michael Budman and Don Green

Michael Budman and Don Green, both Detroit natives, first met while attending Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park. In 1973, they founded Roots Canada. They first thought of the idea and did the initial planning for Roots in Algonquin Park in 1972.

For decades, Roots has been a leader in the retail industry in Canada with its commitment to environmental matters, literacy campaigns and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Roots has worked with environmental groups such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defense, Friends of the Earth, the Evergreen Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund and the Toronto Green Awards. Over the years, Don and Michael have received numerous awards and accolades for their work in creating and directing such a highly respected brand. Roots has sponsored various arts-related activities in Canada and the United States including the Toronto International Film Festival, Luminato Arts Festival (Toronto), Idea City (Toronto) and the Comedy Festival in Aspen.

Through both Roots and personally, Michael and Don have long supported many community-related causes, charities and organizations, especially those involved in helping the environment and and other community-related initiatives.

About Retail Council of Canada
Retail Council of Canada is the Voice of Retail in Canada. Founded in 1963, RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants. We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country — by providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in communities.

For more information about STORE 2014, Canada's Retail Conference, visit www.storeconference.ca.

Media are invited to attend STORE 2014.

SOURCE: Retail Council of Canada

Devon Pool
Retail Council of Canada
416 467-3759
[email protected]