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ACHIEVER’S CLUB SOAKS UP SUN IN MEXICO
PRO Hardware retailers from across the country mixed, mingled and relaxed with distributor personnel and manufacturers at the PRO Hardware Achievers Club trip April 18-22, 2010 in Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico. The Achievers Club is PRO Hardware’s national recognition and awards program for PRO Hardware retailers.  PRO Hardware retailers qualify for the Achievers Club trip based upon their purchases through manufacturer partners and participation in PRO programs. Read the full story here.

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BOSTWICK PURCHASES SOUTHERN HARDWARE

The Bostwick-Braun Company announced that they have signed a stock purchase agreement that completes the merger with Southern Hardware Company, Inc (SHC). SHC, a wholesale distributor located in West Helena, Arkansas, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bostwick-Braun, while remaining in its current distribution center. The wholesale distributor serves hardware/lumber retailers in Arkansas and parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri and Oklahoma. The two organizations will share best practices creating a tremendous growth opportunity. Click here for more information on the merger.

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MERGER ALERT: COOPER AND DANAHER JOIN FORCES

Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corp. and Dublin, Ireland-based Cooper Industries have combined their respective tool businesses, Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools. Cooper and Danaher will each hold a 50 percent ownership stake in the new joint venture, and Danaher Tool Group’s Steve Breitzka will lead the new company as its president and CEO. The merged company has yet to announce its new name, but it will control several familiar brands, including Allen, Apex, Armstrong Tools, Campbell, Cleco, Crescent, Erem, GearWrench, H.K. Porter, Nicholson, Weller and Wiss. Read the full story here.

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CONSTRUCTION COUNTS: NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION STATISTICS RELEASED BY HUD

The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have announced the new residential construction statistics for March 2010. Building permits rose about 7.5 percent above the February rate, and 34 percent above March 2009. Privately owned housing starts rose 1.5 percent above the previous month and 20.2 percent above the previous year. Housing completions dropped 3.1 percent below February and 21.2 percent below the previous March. Find more information about March 2010 here

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MARCH AHMA CONFIDENCE INDEX

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index rose in March to 183.3 from 162.5 in February, while the Future Expectations Index declined slightly to 220.7 from 229.3 a month earlier. In comparing current sales levels to year-ago levels, 44 percent of respondents said sales were higher in March versus year-ago levels, up from 39 percent in February. Looking forward six months, 56 percent of March respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, down from 57 percent in February. Looking forward one year, 72 percent of respondents project sales will be higher, down from 76 percent who felt that way in February.  Read the full story here.

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GREENSPAN ON HOT SEAT FOR HOUSING BUBBLE

A federal commission charged with investigating the subprime mortgage meltdown grilled former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan for more than two hours April 7 for his role in creating the housing market bust, according to an article in the Los Angles Times. Members of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Committee, which convened on Capitol Hill, questioned whether Greenspan had done enough to regulate some of the nation’s largest banks and pass rules to protect consumers from unscrupulous lenders during his 18-year tenure. Source: Home Channel News. Read the full story here.

 

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HOW TO:

HAVE TOMATOES, FRESH FROM THE VINE

No garden is really complete without a tasty assortment of tomatoes. These mouthwatering delights are the highlight of the summer garden, producing armloads of produce that can be savored fresh from the garden or processed for later use. All varieties are easy to grow, requiring only a sunny garden spot, fertilizer and regular watering.  Learn how to grow tomatoes here.

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PROfiles: Joy Smith

Joy has been with PRO Group, Inc. since 1995, serving as merchandise manager over housewares, lawn & garden and farm & agricultural supply.  Prior to joining PRO Group, Joy worked as a senior buyer for Whites Auto in her hometown, Wichita Falls, Texas. In addition, Joy was a buyer/merchandise manager for Half Price Stores, Fred's Dollar Stores, Pace Membership Warehouse, Coast to Coast and ServiStar.