Technology

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s Cos., announced today the appointment of Michael Brown to EVP and chief information officer.

Brown replaces Steven Stone, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

Orlando, Fla. -- The annual Housing and Economic Outlook at the 2011 International Builders' Show had some relatively good news for attendees.

Langula Hardware, a 96-year-old dealer in St. Paul. Minn., shut its doors on Dec. 3, according to an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The store succumbed to repeated offers from the county redevelopment agency, the newspaper said, and finally agreed to sell the property.

Arlington, Va. -- Key housing metrics are in for a slow ride in 2011, and a quick upturn in 2012, according to the forecast from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Delivering the MBA's forecast here at the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI's) Spring Conference, Michael Fratantoni, the MBA's VP single-family research and policy development, said that along with pent-up demand for housing, "there's a lot of pent-up supply out there."

Medina, Minn.-based Rockler Woodworking and Hardware introduced a Protective Bench Mat made from 100% recycled rubber tires. The three-millimeter thick mat measures 24 in. by 60 in.; protects the tops of work benches; and saves tools and projects from the scratches, dings and dents associated with general labor tasks in a shop. 

Ace Hardware Corp. reported total revenues of $859.3 million for the fourth quarter, a 7.4% increase over revenues of $800.3 million for the same quarter in 2009. Net income was $20.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with $12.4 million in 2009, a 65.1% increase.

For the full year, total revenues were $3.5 billion, a 2.1% increase over fiscal 2009. Net income was $75.1 million for fiscal 2010, compared with $95.7 million in fiscal 2009, a 21.5% decrease.  

Development of the 2012 edition of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), ICC 700, is now under way, with members of the consensus committee and the seven task groups officially appointed on Feb. 25.

Doron Broadfoot, president of The Rent-It Store in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, took over as chair for the board of trustees of the American Rental Association Foundation.

The Moline, Ill.-based ARA Foundation also named a new vice chair. Catherine DeBusk, VP of Party People Rentals in Phoenix will fill that post. Two new trustees joined the Foundation board: Andy Cooke, VP Cooke Rentals in North Carolina, and Dave Garton, sales and marketing manager for John Deere, Moline, Ill.