DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Do it Dollars help spread the wealth
Indianapolis -- In addition to merchandise and networking, the Do it Best Market included opportunities for the co-op to promote some of its key programs to its member base.

Chief among them is the co-op’s consumer-friendly rewards program called “Best Rewards. “If there's one program for you to embrace in 2014, I hope that Best Rewards is at the top of your list,” said CEO Bob Taylor during his shareholders meeting address. “It’s that powerful.”
True Value hosts Reunion in Chicago
Chicago -- True Value Company kicked off its annual fall market here in Chicago with the promise of a "new market experience."

The Sept. 20-22 event is branded as the co-op's "Reunion," with adjustments to the schedule and show floor layout -- and most notably, new leadership. The event will be the first market for new CEO John Hartmann, and dealers will also get to mingle with chairman of the board Brent Burger.

Ace Hardware plans Re-Distribution Center in Virginia

Ace Hardware Corp. is planning a 336,000-sq.-ft. Import Re-Distribution Center (RDC) in Suffolk, Va.

Ace will be the first tenant to occupy space in the 900-acre CenterPoint Intermodal Center, located at 1006 CenterPoint Dr., which can accommodate up to 5.8 million sq. ft. of industrial facilities. The new Import RDC will receive international goods arriving at the Port of Virginia.
True value’s digital differentiation

Ten months after the launch of True Value’s new-and-improved e-commerce program, the statistics are beginning to pile up. Most importantly, perhaps, almost 2,000 stores have signed up for the program, allowing customers to shop online and pick up purchases in their local hardware store.  

There are some things still unknown in the e-commerce world, such as the correlation between Web browsing and in-store buying. But True Value believes it’s getting closer to an understanding. And it likes what the data are showing.  
RDI brings on a new distributor

The Titan Pro and Avalon Aluminum Railing lines are coming to the Midwest.
CNRG acquires McLendon Hardware

Under new ownership, a seven-store hardware business plans ‘aggressive growth.’
Independent garden centers win with co-op alliance

Home & Garden Showplace and Master Nursery Garden Centers have announced an alliance to benefit independently owned and operated garden centers.

Home & Garden Showplace, a business unit of True Value, will align its understanding of product assortments, growth opportunities and merchandising power along with Master Nursery Garden Centers, a national cooperative of about 700 independent garden centers.
Boral expands to additional BlueLinx DCs

TruExterior Siding and Trim products are gearing up in the Midwest.
Ace's Motorcycle Mission rides again

For the fourth year in a row, the Ace Foundation's "Motorcycle Miracle Mission" is hitting the road to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

The event generated $100,000 for the cause in the last three years. Riders will travel the 600-mile route from Oak Brook, Ill. -- headquarters of Ace Hardware -- to Marshfield, Wis., and back July 22-24.
Boral inks new distribution deal

Boral TruExterior Siding & Trim and Boral Versetta Stone are being distributed through BlueLinx and Boise Cascade.