EMERY-WATERHOUSE ANNOUNCES RESULTS FROM MARKETPLACE

PORTLAND, ME, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Emery-Waterhouse, a Portland, ME based Pro Lumber and Hardware distributor, attributes a 13% increase in sales at Marketplace 2008 to innovative customers and growth-oriented programs. Despite winter weather on Friday, Steve Frawley, President & CEO of Emery, stated, “We had a strong turn out for the event. Customers were very engaged as they sought out opportunities that will translate into growth. Our results were strong as we exceeded our expectations for the event as well as sales figures from last year’s show. We have a resilient and innovative group of independent retail customers that are growing despite the economic challenges in the housing industry.”

The 2008 Emery-Waterhouse Marketplace took place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI on January 18th-20th. The event was highlighted by the introduction of Emery’s Retail Concept Center showcasing some of Emery’s unique and customized programs and solutions to capture prevalent trends in the industry including Green Building Trends, Organic Gardening, and Category Solutions, which is Emery’s Shopper (contractor) based retail solution in Power Tools and Accessories. Industry experts including John D. Wagner, LBM Journal’s green editor, Paul Tukey from Safelawns.org, and Mike Guertin, contributing editor at Fine Home Building were on hand to conduct training sessions and speak with customers.

According to Tim Mathis, VP of Marketing at Emery, “It’s our vision to provide our customers with unique and customizable solutions and tools to help them profitably grow their business. It’s not enough to just offer good buying opportunities; dealers should expect more from their partners.”

For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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DISTRIBUTOR, VENDOR EXECS CONVENE FOR ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING Planning for 2008 Underlying Theme of Conference

Marco Island, Fl. November 7th-9th, 2007

Marco Island, Fla., November 9, 2007… Distributors representing the Charlotte-based Distribution America and Denver-based PRO Group, Inc. gathered with manufacturers November 7-9 at the Executive Planning Conference (EPC) for nearly 3,500 separate one-on-one meetings.

New products and promotional programs were common themes at the joint event at the Marco Island Marriott in Marco Island, Fla., which drew approximately 500 home improvement industry executives. Thirty-two independent distributor companies were represented at the event, along with 150 key manufacturers.

Roger Hackman is vice president sales & marketing for Seymour Manufacturing of Seymour, Ind. The long-handled tool manufacturer just added a line of forged solid shanked tools and made packaging enhancements. He said he was looking forward to previewing these products with attending distributors, “We continue to add some specialized, niched products for the industrial contractor and nursery retailer.”

Distribution America and PRO Group host the conference jointly in an effort to increase efficiencies and reduce costs for attending manufacturers, who have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with distributor management teams.

Steve Synnott, president and chief operating officer for PRO Group, Inc. said the conference provides an ideal forum for addressing strategic planning, major marketing initiatives, financial performance and new product launches. “PRO Group’s goal at each EPC is to forge long-term partnerships that position the distributors’ retailers to more effectively compete with big box stores,” Synnott said.

Distribution America President, Dave Christmas said of the conference, “Once again this is proving to be one of the premier industry events. Our members have been offered more promotional buying opportunities than ever before.” Christmas added that business is picking up for Distribution America’s members. “October was a great month for us,” he said.

Prior to the conference, Doug Miller, president of the Spokane, Wash-based Jensen Distribution Services, said his company puts together business plans to help both Jensen Distribution Services and the vendor increase sales and profitability. “Our merchandise managers have specific goals in mind that differ for each vendor,” Miller said. “Two global issues we are working on with all of our vendors are increased co-op advertising funds and support of our company’s 125th anniversary in 2008.”

Doug Laird, director hardware sales, for the Apex, N.C.-based Cooper Hand Tools, said his goal going into the conference was to review mutual performance in the current year, uncover challenges or opportunities and establish a growth plan for the coming year. “This event allows us to meet key wholesaler and buying group personnel in one location and to plan future business activity,” Laird said.

Stanley Snowden, CEO of the Morristown, Tenn.-based Wallace Hardware Co., Inc. said, “Our goal is to come up with as many ideas as possible to generate profitable business for us and our vendors as well as any last minute promotional opportunities that may be available for our upcoming show at the end of November.”

William Bollin, CEO of The Bostwick-Braun Company, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, said his company’s strategy is to bring several teams to the conference in order to allow ample time to meet with both current vendors and prospective vendors. “We are able to step back from the day-to-day routine and explore broader issues that affect our business with executives from the vendor community.”

Allen Winn, vice president of merchandising of Knoxville, Tenn.-based House-Hasson said the House-Hasson buying team met prior to the conference to establish an agenda for the meetings and develop a business plan for the conference. “We would love to see more vendors participate,” Winn said. “The vendors at the EPC show they care about the success of our business and will remain in the forefront of our business.”

For distributor Lon Stephens, general manager of the Conklin, N.Y.-based Co-operative Feed Dealers, the EPC provides exposure to “products that we might not look at if we didn’t have appointments scheduled. We hope to come away with one or two opportunities to sell products that will exceed sales expectations and contribute significantly to the bottom line.”

Special conference events included the Wallace Prayer Breakfast with guest speaker Jim Lange, who authored Bleedership, Biblical First Aid for Leaders, a book that tells real stories of leadership from a business perspective, and a golf tournament pairing distributors with manufacturers.

Mike Braun and Tom Chasteen of The Hardware Industry Inc., presented information to attending distributors about a new program that provides product samples to retailers to preview, including the Library Card Program, the Market Test Program and the Request Show Specials Program. According to Chasteen, these initiatives are designed to help move product through the two-step hardware channel in an efficient, cost effective and timely manner.

Dennis McDonald with the National Hardware Show also addressed attendees to promote the National Hardware Show’s return to Las Vegas.

The conference also features a popular new product display area. Distributor attendees selected the best new products and presented awards to the manufacturers for the Overall Best New Product and the Best New Product by major hardline categories.

The Overall Best New Product was awarded to Shop-Vac Corp. for the 18 Volt Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Category winners included: Coleman Cable’s smart strip 7 Outlet Surge Protector (electrical); the Rechargeable 1 Watt LED Flashlight from Great Neck Saw Mfg. (tools); Custom LeatherCraft’s Mossy Oak 16-inch BigMouth Bag (hardware); Ames True Temper’s Sync-it Outdoor Water Station (lawn and garden); Rust-Oleum Corporation’s Porch and Floor Coating Dove Gray (paint); Plumb Pak Corporation’s Chrome and Porcelain Faucet Styled Tank Leather (plumbing), and the JacPac Regulator Kit from Supplierpipeline Inc. (power tools).

Synnott said the new product display gives suppliers an opportunity to test new products and packaging on a distributor audience. “While it is not a primary focus of the event, the Best New Product awards are coveted by DA and PRO Group suppliers,” Synnott said.

Kenny Beauvais, president and CEO of the Shreveport, La.-based HDW, Inc., said he was particularly impressed with the improved new product area. “This format allows us as distributors an opportunity to see many new items for the first time prior to their introduction for the new year,” Beauvais said. “This year more than 95 items were evaluated by distributors, which provided a great showcase for those participating manufacturers. This is a very cost effective way for manufacturers to show and tell us about their new offerings. This conference is the best value for our time to get business done.”

During separate membership meetings, both Distribution America and PRO Group, Inc. presented honors to distributors and manufacturers for achievements.

Distribution America Vendor Awards
2007 Vendor of the Year Award: Cooper Hand Tools
Automotive: Keeper Corporation
Hand & Power Tools: Cooper Hand Tools
Electrical: Feit Electric Company
Lawn & Garden: Boss Manufacturing Co.
Hardware: Midwest Fastener Corporation
Paint & Paint Sundries: Hyde Tools, Inc.
Plumbing: Genova Products, Inc.

Distribution America Member Achievement Awards
Outstanding Sales Growth: Jensen Distribution Services
Outstanding Asset Management: House-Hasson Hardware
Outstanding Service Performance: Emery-Waterhouse Company
Outstanding Inventory Management: Jensen Distribution Services
Soaring Eagle Award: Blish-Mize

PRO Group, Inc. Key Supplier of the Year Awards
Tools: Magna Industries, Inc.
Plumbing: LDR Industries
Hardware: Thermwell Products Co.
Paint Sundries: Aearo Company
Seasonal: Chapin International Inc.
Electrical: The Designers Edge
Overall Key Supplier (all categories): Genova Products, Inc.

PRO Group, Inc. Distributor Awards
FARM?MART Distributor of the Year: Wallace Hardware Company, Inc.
Best Increase in FARM?MART Group Sales: Co-operative Feed Dealers, Inc.
PRO Merchandising Distributor of the Year: Blackstone Supply Company
Best Target Vendor Support: Horizon Distribution, Inc.
PRO Hardware Distributor of the Year: The Bostwick-Braun Company

PRO Group Top Gun Awards
Chris Feather, Aearo Company
Elliot Piltzer, Great American Marketing, Inc.
Tommy Drinkard, Barker-Jennings Corporation

The Des Plaines, Illinois-based Distribution America www.daonline.com is a $2 billion plus buying and marketing organization, covering all 50 states with over 20,000 retail customers.

PRO Group, Inc.(www.pro-group.com) is a multi-divisional, international merchandising and marketing organization with corporate headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Its operating units include PRO Hardware, GardenMaster, FARM¨MART and GOLDEN-LINK. The Company’s purchasing power exceeds $3 billion through its 8 Member Distributors.

Note to media:

Event photos and photos of award winners available from Jody Schulz-Maude Jody.Schulz-Maude@daonline.com or Shari Kalbach at PRO Group, Inc. shari.kalbach@pro-group.com









For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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RPM WORKSHOP: BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR OUR MEMBERS!

Charlotte, NC. May 30th-31st, 2007

An RPM Workshop was held in Charlotte, NC on May 30 – 31, 2007 at the Distribution America corporate offices. With 8 of our 13 members represented at the meeting, a total of 18 attendees were present to learn the various aspects of the Retail Profit Management (RPM) program.

The first day of the workshop entailed a more specialized and technical training session for the attendees who wished to learn more about RPM basics, presented by Dale Hall, Chairman of the DA Sales & Marketing Committee. The second day of the workshop was a full day of best practices giving various presenters opportunities to share ideas and thoughts on what works best for their company.

Some of the topics discussed were Product and Assortment Planning presented by Keith Kock, VP of Retail Operations - United Hardware as well as Store Design and Presentation by Dave Holliman, RPM Specialist – House Hasson. Dave Holliman and Taylor Hasson, RPM, Marketing Department shared House Hasson’s best practices on Business Plans and Management Reports and Dale Hall, Sr. VP Marketing – Jensen, spoke on Pricing Strategy, MIS Sophistication and Monitoring. Jody Maude from Distribution America updated the group on current trends in Advertising and the importance of a customer database while Cindy Finney from Distribution America spoke about utilizing the NRHA website to improve Customer Service through employee training and customer satisfaction surveys. The RPM workshop was a great way for members to network and learn new ways to help retailers create a profitable business.

For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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DISTRIBUTION AMERICA MEMBER/OWNERS CONVENE AT HARDWARE SHOW

Orlando, FL. May 7-10th, 2007

An assemblage of Distribution America member/owners and staff recently converged upon the 62nd Annual National Hardware Show. The show, held in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, is considered to be the premier event in the world for the home improvement industry. Over 30,000 attendees had the opportunity to examine 3,500 exhibits. In addition to walking the 50 acre show floor, the DA group used the opportunity to conduct scheduled vendor meetings and review current business plans and new products, as well as meet with several new prospective DA vendors.

In conjunction with the show, the DA organization used the gathering as a venue to host the Distribution America Board of Directors meeting, chaired by Steve Frawley, president and CEO of The Emery Waterhouse Company, Portland ME.

The Merchandise Committee meeting, held offsite, prior to the opening of the hardware show, centered on several key DA manufacturers and changes within their organizations. The senior management team from Stanley / National Hardware were on hand to update all DA Members on the National Hardware brand and the Stanley Hardware brand strategies. The senior management team from the Harvey and Oatey companies stepped in to discuss the plans for each brand after the acquisition of the Harvey Co. by Oatey. Each company fielded questions from the committee regarding the integration of the two brands and the marketing and sales plan for each brand moving forward. The President of Werner Ladder presented the DA group with an update of the Werner business after the filing for bankruptcy in 2006, and representatives from Cooper Tool and Custom Leathercraft presented the DA members with a special group buying opportunity for the 2007 Holiday Season .

Speaking for the Distribution America staff, Merchandise Manager, Paul McNally, stated the gathering was a great way to meet face to face with both our member/owners and the vendor community. "We came away with a positive experience and have some great opportunities as a result of the show".

For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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HOUSE-HASSON HARDWARE EXPANDS REACH THROUGH ACQUISITION

Knoxville, Tenn., April 3, 2007

The Knoxville, Tenn.-based House-Hasson Hardware Company, w hich distributes to hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards domestically and internationally, has acquired the consumer products division of the Prichard, W.Va.-based Persinger Supply Company.

Don Hasson, president of House-Hasson, said the acquisition will help House-Hasson further expand its services to home improvement retailers in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“Persinger Supply’s key employees will remain and will operate through House-Hasson Hardware’s new Persinger Division,” Hasson said, adding that House-Hasson will mirror the company’s inventory and services in the West Virginia distribution center, which will serve as a satellite distribution center for House-Hasson through the new division. House-Hasson also maintains a 350,000-square-foot warehouse at its company headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.

“The best part of the new division is the excellent staff of people,” Hasson said. “Vernice Deskins and Beverly Perry, who have both been with Persinger Supply for many years and are well-respected in the industry, will continue to manage day-to-day operations of the Persinger division.”

With a customer base of more than 1,200, House-Hasson Hardware (www.househasson.com) services independent hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards in a 14-state region. The 101-year-old, family-owned company also services overseas customers in such areas as the US Virgin Islands, Curacao, Bermuda, Aruba, Antigua, Cayman Islands, Venezuela and Granada.

House-Hasson is a Member Owner of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Distribution America (www.daonline.com) a $1.2 billion plus buying and marketing organization, covering all 50 states with more than 15,000 retail customers.

For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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JENSEN PURCHASES ASSETS OF  DF MARKS COMPANY

Spokane, WA. February 1, 2007

Doug Miller, President of Jensen Distribution Services, today announced the purchase of certain assets of the Woodinville, WA. based DF Marks Company.   "We are very excited about the addition of nearly 3,000 new products to our current listing of 52,000 items" according to Miller.  "The addition of an expanded Lawn & Garden offering will increase our presence in the specialty nursery retail market, a target of future growth for our organization".  Miller went on to say "the DF Marks Company has been a well respected supplier of specialty products in the western Washington and western Oregon markets for over 20 years". Andrew Walsh, President of DF Marks Company explained "It is our expectation that the acquisition of DF Marks Company by Jensen Distribution Services will leverage the strengths of both organizations, ultimately improving the level of service to lawn and garden retailers in the Pacific Northwest."  Current DF Marks customers will benefit from the broad product mix offered by Jensen Distribution Services located in Spokane, WA

In a related announcement, Jensen Distribution Services has announced the e xpansion of their Distribution Center with the addition of a third building on their 48 acre complex. “The new building is 120,000 square feet, bringing the total square footage of our facility to over 570,000 square feet of high cube, modern distribution space” according to Jim Hart, Senior Vice President of Operations. Hart also added “this expansion was designed to allow our rapid business growth to continue well into the future. As our item count and number of customers throughout the west increase each year, this additional space gives us the room to be flexible and adapt to our market with the quality of shipments our customers have grown to expect.” The new building will be fully operational by March 1st of this year. Jensen Distribution Services completed a similar expansion of 130,000 square feet in 2004 by adding a second building to the original Distribution Center built in 1987.

Jensen Distribution Services is an family owned, full-line wholesale hardlines and housewares distributor located in Spokane, WA. Founded in 1883, Jensen Distribution Services has expanded service to hardware, lumber and building materials, homecenter, drug store, grocery, and nursery retailers in 10 western states including Alaska and Hawaii.

For More Information Contact: David Christmas, Distribution America
(704) 940-4801 email: dave.christmas@daonline.com

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