Convenience Store News Canada is introducing a new national award program in support of Small Operators (1-20).
The Outstanding Independents Awards Canada will recognize and celebrate the value, innovation and contributions of SMEs as a driving force behind the c-store channel in Canada.

The goal is to shine a light and recognize single store operators (SSO) and small operators who are making a big impact, rising above adversity and finding ways to stand out and persevere in the c-store industry.
Small Operators represent a huge scale in the industry and their voices are underrepresented and we know there is a desire to be recognized.

The Outstanding Independent Awards Canada will be the first of its kind in Canada to champion, celebrate and reward operators who are trailblazers for the industry and the Awards will serve as a conduit for peer-to-peer learning across the c-store community.

While CSNC has the largest reach of independents across Canada, we are doing outreach to distributors and regional associations to help drive awareness and entries. 

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) is the national voice of the convenience industry, representing retailers, distributors, and suppliers from coast to coast. CICC advocates on behalf of members, builds strategic partnerships, and promotes policies that strengthen the businesses serving Canadian communities every day. Whether it’s through government relations, training resources, or industry insights, CICC is committed to supporting the success and sustainability of the convenience channel.

Members will help drive nominations across Canada and to receive the reciprocal recognition as the national association supporting independents through this program.

JTI-Macdonald Corp. (JTI-Canada) is one of the oldest companies in Canada. Founded in 1858, JTI-Canada employs a team of talented professionals, who drive success with passion and purpose, partnering with chain and independent convenience retailers across Canada to drive results and strengthen the channel. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., with manufacturing facilities in Montreal, Quebec and administrative offices across Canada, JTI-Canada is a community where innovation meets tradition and has a strong legacy of championing convenience retailers. 

1. Founding Partner 
2. Awards Sponsor

For details, contact Sandra Parente: [email protected]