DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

HCN congratulates the 50 hardware store, home center and farm & ranch retailers who made the annual HCN Hardware Store All-Star list.

Now in its third year, HCN's annual list of high performers recognizes hardware stores -- one from each state -- that are outstanding in their field. The complete list and analysis can be found in the September issue of HCN. Meanwhile, HCN Daily will work its way across the country with mini profiles, continuing this week with New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

Do it Best Corp. promoted two new regional managers who will focus on building and strengthening member relationships in the eastern and southern United States.

The company named David Enmark regional sales and business development manager for a large portion of the southern United States. Also, Do it Best Corp. named Rob Schmiedel regional sales and business development manager for the northeastern United States.

Workers have been clearing land for what might be a large Ace Hardware distribution center in Suffolk, Va., according to an article in the Virginia Pilot.  

The Suffolk site is part of a planned 5.8 million-sq.-ft. complex under development on 900 acres by CenterPoint Properties Trust, which is based in Oak Brook, Ill., where Ace is also headquartered.

In a second-quarter earnings season characterized by weather-depressed sales figures, Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. managed to show a gain in revenues.

For the three months ended July 2, Ace saw revenues increase 0.5% to $1.021 billion. For the six-month period, sales increased 1.6% over the same two quarters in 2010.

The building products distributor celebrates 60 years of service this week.

The Hillman Group took home the title of 2016 Supplier of the Year -- but there were other honorees too.

Do it Best Corp. has promoted Marty Bailey to a new position in charge of the co-op's World Class Commerce Center initiative. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op also promoted Gary Hoffmann to the position of national advantage program manager.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Home Improvement Retailer Store Satisfaction Study ranked Ace Hardware highest in customer satisfaction among home improvement retail stores. It's the fifth straight year for the recognition.