The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced that independent retailer United Cycle, a family-owned and operated business serving Albertans for over 90 years, will be honored with the Visa Ambassador Award at the upcoming STORE Conference in Toronto June 2-3. The bicycle and sporting goods store is being recognized for its contributions to its community and to the retail industry in Alberta.



“The Brooks family embodies the true meaning of what the Ambassador Award represents,” says Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “Through their support of schools outfitting local teams and by promoting sports and recreation, United Cycle is an integral part of the community. We are thrilled to present this award to United Cycle in recognition of its important role as an ambassador in the community.”



“Inspired by the entrepreneurship and community service demonstrated by Canadian retailers, Visa is delighted to celebrate the achievements of United Cycle, this year's recipient of the Visa Ambassador Award,” said Brenda Woods, Head of Marketing for Visa Canada. “Through its community involvement, charitable support and customer loyalty initiatives, United Cycle has proven itself as an outstanding contributor to the Edmonton community.”



The Visa Ambassador Award will be presented to Jason Bots on behalf of the retail industry at the annual Excellence in Retailing Awards Dinner held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at STORE 2008 – Canada's Retail Conference.
   


“This tremendous honour is a tribute to the entire Brooks family and our United Cycle team,” says Jason Bots. “As a sporting goods retailer in a competitive and evolving market, we are proud to continue to meet our customers' needs and to be a part of Canada's dynamic retail industry. I would like to thank Retail Council of Canada and Visa Canada for recognizing United Cycle for our commitment to serve our community.”