True Value Company Recognizes Outstanding Business Partners

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Co-op honors leading suppliers’ dedication to excellent service and support

CHICAGO, June 24, 2010 – True Value recently recognized its top suppliers at the hardware cooperative’s annual merchandise partners meeting and awards dinner on June 2. At the event, True Value honored its 2009 Supplier of the Year winners and Service Partner of the Year, which distinguishes a non-product supplier who has provided the company with superior service in the past year.

Since 2003, True Value has honored select merchandise business partners through its Supplier of the Year awards program. In this year’s competition, the judging committee reviewed more than 1,800 suppliers who met a sales volume requirement, had service levels in excess of 95 percent and helped True Value retailers distinguish themselves as the best hardware store in town.

“True Value’s business partners are dedicated to helping our retailers succeed,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Lyle Heidemann. “This year’s winners represent an exceptional group, and we’re pleased to honor these partners for their outstanding contributions, dedication to quality and positive financial impact on the co-op and our retailers’ businesses."

Jiawei Technology (HK) Limited, a leading photovoltaic solar products manufacturer, was recognized as Partner of the Year, True Value’s most coveted honor. The Shenzhen, Guangdong, China-based company also took home the Supplier of the Year award within the electrical category. In addition to delivering innovative products, terrific service and a commitment to retail success to True Value retailers, Jiawei also consistently exceeds expectations with expedited production and shipment of inventory for increased orders.

“Jiawei Technology (HK) Limited and the other 2009 Supplier of the Year award winners consistently go above and beyond to deliver the best product lines, helping our retailers drive sales and maximize profits,” said Mike Clark, True Value’s chief merchandising officer. “True Value appreciates everything our suppliers do to keep our retailers competitive in the marketplace."

The following business partners were recognized as True Value’s 2009 Supplier of the Year within their respective product categories:

Jiawei Technology (HK) Limited – Electrical and Partner of the Year
The Mibro Group – Tools
Genova Products – Plumbing
Krylon Products Group – Paint
The Valvoline Company – Hardware
Generac Power Systems, Inc. – Seasonal Products
Panacea Products – Lawn & Garden
Pactiv Corporation – Home
Shinerich Industrial Limited – Global Sourcing
Custom Building Products – Lumber & Building Materials

The co-op also recognized USI Insurance Services Corporation as Service Partner of the Year. The Service Partner award winner is selected by True Value Company’s senior leadership team and acknowledges non-product suppliers who provide exemplary service and value to the co-op and its retailers. USI Insurance Services Corporation, a leading diversified insurance and financial services firm, has helped True Value dramatically reduce accidents, associate injuries, workers’ compensation costs and claim handling fees over the past five years. Its superior loss-control service touches and improves every operation in the co-op’s regional distribution center (RDC) network.

The day following the supplier awards ceremony, True Value Company welcomed hundreds of vendors for its 14th annual Charity Golf Classic. All proceeds from the two-day event provide funding for the True Value Foundation.

Back to Listing