True Value business partners honored

True Value recently honored 10 Suppliers of the Year for 2008 and one Service Partner of the Year, a service award for a non-product supplier. The Chicago-based co-op honored the recipients at its annual merchandise partners meeting and awards dinner on June 3.

In this year’s event, judges reviewed more than 2,200 suppliers with service levels in excess of 95% and more than 5% in sales growth with the co-op.

Rust-Oleum, a global manufacturer of protective paints and coatings for home and industry, was recognized as Partner of the Year, True Value’s marquee award. The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based company also took home the Supplier of the Year award within the paint category.

“Rust-Oleum and the other 2008 Supplier of the Year award winners consistently go the extra mile to deliver the best product lines, helping our retailers drive sales and maximize profits,” said Mike Clark, True Value’s chief merchandising officer.

In addition to Rust-Oleum, the following business partners were named True Value’s 2008 Suppliers of the Year within their respective product categories:

• Hangzhou Great Star Industrial -- Tools; • Reliance Water Heater -- Plumbing; • Lutron Electronics -- Electrical; • Thermwell Products -- Hardware; • Dimplex North America -- Seasonal Products; • Barenbrug USA -- Lawn & Garden; • S.C. Johnson & Son -- Home; • Gardner-Gibson -- Lumber & Building Materials; and • Shanghai Worth Garden Products -- Global Sourcing.

The co-op also recognized Nippon Yusen Kaisha -- known as NYK Line -- as Service Partner of the Year. NYK Line, a leading shipping company that offers premium transport services, helped establish a sustainable international supply chain.

On June 4 and 5, True Value hosted hundreds of vendors for its 13th annual Charity Golf Classic. All proceeds from the two-day event provide the primary funding for the True Value Foundation.