True Value Company’s rental team recently recognized its top suppliers at the American Rental Association’s The Rental Show in New Orleans. During The Rental Show, True Value honored three suppliers in the categories of lawn and garden, tools and equipment, and party and event.
“Every supplier — small and large — is critical to our success, and it is important to recognize these three companies for demonstrating outstanding contributions, dedication to quality and positive financial impact on our rental business,” said Eric Lane, True Value’s vice president, Specialty Businesses. "This is something our suppliers take very seriously, so it's a tremendous achievement for the winners. I'd like to congratulate all of our Suppliers of the Year — and also thank them for partnering with us to help our retailers and rental operators succeed.”
For more than ten years, True Value has recognized its outstanding suppliers. The co-op looks at several criteria in determining who qualifies as an outstanding supplier, including sales, marketing, website and training support. The judging committee looks at the top ten suppliers by sales or, in the case of new vendors, by overall impact on the business. The list is then narrowed down to three finalists for each category, and the committee then chooses one supplier for each award. The winners of the 2011 awards demonstrated strong sales growth, ranging from 82 percent to 380 percent increases, in each category and provided True Value member companies with competitive programs.
True Value chose the Toro Company, a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems, as its 2011 Lawn and Garden Supplier of the Year. With company sales of nearly $1.7 billion in fiscal 2010, Toro's global presence extends to more than 80 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise.
Hilti, a manufacturer and supplier of specialized tools and fastening systems for the professional user, was selected as True Value’s 2011 Tools and Equipment Supplier of the Year. Based in Tulsa, Okla., Hilti North America employs approximately 2,800 highly employees in the United States and Canada.
Warner Shelter Systems Limited (WSSL) was recognized as the 2011 Party and Event Supplier of the Year. Based in Calgary, Alberta, WSSL has designed and manufactured quality, award-winning tents and fabric-clad portable and semi-permanent structures for more than 40 years. WSSL tents and structures are constructed of simple but durable frames with smooth, graceful fire-retardant covers.
True Value is a retailer-owned hardware cooperative with sales of $1.8 billion in 2010. The co-op’s Grand Rental Station and Taylor Rental Centers are full-line general rental stores offering tools, party and event supplies and equipment, and contractor equipment to the homeowner and/or professional contractor. The co-op’s Just Ask Rental members are rental locations within the True Value Hardware Stores. In total, the Rental team at True Value provides support and resources to more than 900 rental locations nationwide.
