Technology

Ronald L. Sargent and J. Frank Brown -- the CEO of Staples and the dean of an international business school, respectively -- have been nominated for election to The Home Depot's board of directors at the company’s upcoming annual meeting on June 2.

Separately, David H. Batchelder, 61, has informed the Company that he has decided not to stand for re-election at the annual meeting. Batchelder, founder and principal of Relational Investors LLC, has been a director since 2007.

San Diego-based WD-40 is giving away Now & Then Twin Packs to help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its WD-40 Fan Club.

Fans who share their top 10 uses for the lubricant receive the twin pack -- an 8-ounce collector's can from the 1950s and a modern 8-ounce smart straw can. 

Lehman’s Hardware, a 56-year-old store that closed after a Feb. 28 flood, will reopen on March 5, according to a notice on its website.

Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. promoted Eric Lane to the position of VP specialty businesses.

In his new post, Lane will oversee the co-op's Home & Garden Showplace, International, MRO - Maintenance, Repair and Operations, and the Rental Division including Grand Rental Station, Just Ask Rental and Taylor Rental.

Previously, Lane was business development director of retail growth. He replaces Fred Kirst, who retired Feb. 11. 

Kitson & Partners, a real estate development company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has announced the purchase of Tuscany Reserve, an unfinished golf course community located in southwest Florida. The company plans to quickly resume construction on the project’s clubhouse facilities and luxury homes,

Jensen Distribution Services has announced the appointment of Chris Jensen as its new executive VP and chief business development officer, effective March 1.  Jensen, who started with the company in 2001, represents the fifth generation of the Jensen family that has owned and operated the business since its inception in 1883.  

Orlando, Fla. -- The International Builders' Show has become an annual launching pad for housing forecasts, and this year’s numbers came with a healthy dose of guarded optimism. David Crowe, chief economist from event sponsor National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), predicted a 21% increase in single family housing starts in 2011, with 575,000 new units compared to 475,000 in 2010.

Wayne, N.J.-based GAF Materials Corp, the roofing and ventilation giant, is announcing improvements to its laminated shingle warranties.

Effective January 1, 2011, every GAF laminated shingle, including all Timberline shingles will be covered by a lifetime limited warranty when installed on single family residences. GAF will no longer offer any laminated shingles with just a 30-year or 40-year warranty, a first for any roofing manufacturer.

GAF pointed to its Advanced Protection technology as the basis for its lifetime warranties.