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For Immediate Release Contact: Jon B. Hurst, President RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS ANNOUNCES 2016 “RAMAE” WINNERS AT 19TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Six Outstanding Retailers Recognized NEWTON, MA – At a luncheon event to be held today at the Boston Newton Marriott, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) hosted its 19th annual Retailer’s Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence (RAMAEs) ceremony. “In this rapidly evolving marketplace with technology further empowering consumers, our Main Street businesses must work ever harder to deliver the unique and high quality products and service which set them apart,” said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “We created the RAMAE’s 19 years ago as a way to shine a light on the hidden jewels of the retail industry here in Massachusetts. It is vital to recognize those innovators that are doing it the right way for their customers, and to also use them as beacons for others to follow. Our 2016 winners are leading the way in our industry in these increasingly challenging times,” added Hurst. This year’s top award, Retailer of the Year, was awarded to Marathon Sports, headquartered in Boston with locations across the state. "We are incredibly honored to be named Massachusetts Retailer of the Year,” said Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports. “Marathon Sports is proud to remain locally owned and operated in a rapidly changing retail landscape, and our commitment to enriching the communities surrounding our stores is and always has been a top priority for us. We look forward to what the future holds for us and will continue to provide our unparalleled customer experience to runners, walkers, and active people across the Bay State." Awards were distributed in the following categories: Advertising and Promotion; Creative Concepts; Retail Innovator of the Year; Restaurant of the Year; Retailer of the Year and Retail Hall of Fame. 2016 RAMAE Winners: Retailer of the Year: Marathon Sports (Boston) Advertising and Promotion: Cape Cod Coffee (Mashpee) From the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, which nominated Cape Cod Coffee: “The Cape Cod-based company has doubled its accounts from last year to this year. From attending hundreds of events and meeting with so many businesses, their future has grown. For example they provided coffee to all of the state legislators at MA Tourism Day, provided coffee and donuts at the Boston Marathon, provided a free coffee pod to Cape Cod Chamber members and just recently provided free coffee to the state legislators Tourism, Arts and Cultural development committee at Highfield Hall.” Retail Innovator of the Year: Direct Tire and Auto Service (Watertown) The WOW factor has been amazing and it helps clients understand what repair is required and why..The trust factor is now not an issue and clients feel they are able to make an educated decision and be part of that process. The technology allows Direct Tire and Auto Service to communicate with clients either on the phone, by e-mail or texting and it saves everyone a great deal of time and money. Through its own experience, Direct Tire and Auto Service believes the Get Transparency product can make a great deal of difference for any number of different types of retail businesses. Creative Concepts: The Castle (Beverly) Restaurant of the Year: One Eleven Chop House (Worcester) At One Eleven, all cuts of meat are either certified prime grade or hand select choice. Guests can choose a traditional steak, cooked just right, such as a 12 ounce filet mignon, a 16 ounce boneless rib-eye steak, or a 20 ounce sirloin. For those feeling more adventurous, choices include "surf and turf," featuring a petite filet and scallop-stuffed super jumbo shrimp or the Wagyu flat-iron steak or the 40 ounce Waygu Ribeye for two, veal chop, lamb shank or lamb chops. Top-quality, locally-sourced seafood is also offered, including thick-cut swordfish steaks, native Atlantic salmon, scallops and haddock. Wine is an important part of the One Eleven dining experience. Its wine line is extensive and well-regarded, having earned Wine Spectator's prestigious "Award of Excellence" every year since 2001. Retail Hall of Fame: Pemberton Farms (Cambridge) Today, more than 86 years and soon to be four generations later, Pemberton Farms still maintains Granddad’s unmatched levels of product quality and customer service. Granddad’s fruit and vegetable shop has evolved into today’s Pemberton Marketplace – a unique combination of specialty grocery store, full liquor, prepared foods, garden center and premium gift business. Currently located just up the street from the original store, Pemberton Marketplace proudly serves the local community and maintains the standards of quality and service from generations past. Even though the business has old-fashioned values about quality and service, it embraces progress and is mindful of the future. Pemberton Farms is excited to offer natural, organic and locally sourced products as well as foods that help customers with special diets – gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free – and provides an array of products for people who are concerned about our planet – organic, sustainable, GMO-free, fair trade. Whether you stop in for some groceries, a bottle of wine or new plants for your garden, Pemberton Farms is there to help and is proud to be a friend and neighbor in the community. About RAM |