DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Frattallone's Ace Hardware of Minnesota was recognized by Ace Hardware Corp. as the co-op's All-Star Retailer of the Year for its contributions to the Children's Miracle Network.

Mike Frattallone accepted the award during a presentation at the Ace Hardware General Session in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony included an appearance on stage alongside Aiden Morales, the 10-year-old ambassador of Ace's fundraising programs across the country. 

Melissa Mautz of Hartland, Wis., turned in the winning entry for True Value's "DIY Drama...

Chicago-based True Value announced it is hosting a new design contest with "Design SOS: Friends...

True Value CEO John Hartmann had a lot of diplomatic, official-sounding things to say about his upcoming role on CBS series "Undercover Boss." But, if the show's established formula is any indication, things are bound to get emotional for the co-op and its leader.

ECi Software Solutions announced that ECi RockSolid POS has entered into a new three-year agreement with Chicago-based True Value Company. 

The software solutions provider said that the deal will allow more True Value retailers to benefit from RockSolid POS.

“We are very excited about this new partnership with True Value,” says Scott Stanford, President of the ECi LBMH division. “This is a great opportunity to reach out to more True Value retailers with a software solution that is affordable and a team to support their needs.”

Pointing to sales gains in virtually every department, Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. reported second-quarter revenue growth of 9.7% -- to $1.74 billion from $1.07 billion. Net income increased to $42.3 million, compared with net income of $14.9 million in the same quarter last year.

CEO John Venhuizen said the co-op is pleased with the results so far in 2013. "Sales increased in virtually every department with significant growth at both wholesale and retail from our Discovery Edge, Level 3 merchandising re-sets and branding inititatives," he said. 

Lenexa, Kansas-based Westlake Ace Hardware’s summer fan drive to benefit the elderly generated some $30,000 worth of cooling equipment. 

The retailer partnered with The Salvation Army for the drive July 17 to Aug. 3. More than $30,000 was donated, equating to more than 2,000 fans donated -- at cost -- to The Salvation Army.

Lumber and building material buying cooperatives PAL and ENAP announced they have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to merge. The companies enjoy strong dealer support in the Midwest and East markets, respectively.