Distributors look ahead, with an eye on products

Distribution America and PRO Group presented awards during the groups' combined Executive Planning Conference, held in Tucson, Ariz.

Best New Product Awards

• Hand & Power Tools – CLC Custom Leathercraft - DeWALT Pocket Lighted USB Charging Tool Backpack

• Hardware – Master Lock Co. - Bluetooth Padlock

• Paint Sundries - DAP DynaGrip Heavy Duty Max Construction Adhesive

• Plumbing – Delta Faucet - Elongated Night Light Toilet Seat

• Electrical – Promier Products - Wireless Light Switch

• Lawn & Garden/Pet – The Ames Companies - Multi-Purpose Garden Rake

• Housewares/Seasonal – World & Main (HBC) 8-In. Utility Blower

• Automotive- Cequent Consumer Products - REESE Ball Mount Boot Brush

• Overall Winner: Swan Products, LLC – Hose Swiver

Distribution America Vendors of the Year

• Specialty Products - Gardner Gibson

• Tools- Apex Tool Group

• Hardware- Midwest Fastener Corp.

• Paint and Paint Sundries - Rustoleum Brands

• Plumbing- Genova Products Inc.

• Electrical- Leviton Manufacturing Co.

• Lawn & Garden- Boss Manufacturing Co.

• Soaring Eagle Vendor Partnership Award- Rustoleum Brands

PRO Group, Inc. Key Suppliers of the Year:

• Plumbing – Genova Products, Inc.

• Electrical – Southwire

• Hardware – Master Lock Company

• Seasonal – Seymour Midwest

• Tools – Custom LeatherCraft Mfg. Co.

• Paint Sundries – Rust-Oleum

• Overall – Chapin International

The 3-day EPC event ended Nov. 16, and included more than 2,000 face-to-face meetings, a scramble golf tournament and a reception themed “What’s in Store for You?” sponsored by the National Hardware Show with raffle drawings and giveaways. The conference also featured a popular feature item display area. Distributor attendees selected the best new products and presented awards to the manufacturers in the major hardline categories.