In Michigan, a hardware store is honored

The owner of Ace Hardware of Grand Ledge, near Lansing, Mich., received a "Businessperson of the Year" award from the Grand Ledge Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Roberts, whose family also owns Ace stores in Mason and Holt, Mich., told Home Channel News that the store's focus on service is what sets it apart 

The 10,000-sq.-ft. store has been open since 1997 and co-exists across the street from a big-box Meijer store on Saginaw Highway. 

"The Meijer store is actually more of a help than a hindrance," he said. "We don't overlap, and we offer the kind of service that customers appreciate."

During the Jan. 15 award ceremony, Roberts and Ace Hardware of Grand Ledge were recognized for "service, personal attention, helping people and being community minded" by the chamber of commerce.