Content about New Orleans

March 15, 2013
Ace applies its first coat of Valspar

NEW ORLEANS — The recent marriage of Valspar and Ace Hardware Corp. was by far the most colorful product story at Ace's Spring Convention and Exhibits held here.

Not only were dealers eager to see Ace's paint department vision of the future, they were hungry for details on the incentives in place to retrofit their stores.

One retailer suggested that the Valspar topic boosted attendance at the show. Others on the floor ran the gamut from dealers who embrace the change enthusiastically, to those who want to stay with their existing brands, notably Benjamin Moore.

March 15, 2013
Ace's Venhuizen takes over the reins

On March 31, John Venhuizen will step from behind the scenes into one of the most front-and-center posts in the hardware business — that of CEO of Ace Hardware Corp. After standing and delivering a motivational presentation to thousands of dealers at the co-op's Spring Convention & Exhibits in New Orleans, he sat down with HCN.

HCN: What worries you as you step into the CEO role?

February 24, 2013
Ace unveils vision for Valspar

One of the busiest booths in the Ace Hardware convention in New Orleans, not surprisingly, was the one showing off the new Valspar paint program.

New Orleans -- With the ink still wet on the Valspar-Ace Hardware deal, Ace retailers got their first look at Ace's vision for its Valspar paint departments. The vision includes a pair of endcaps and 8-ft. color displays featuring Clark & Kensington on one side and Valspar on the other. In between the rests a counter, mixing equipment and an overhead "Color comes home" message.

February 21, 2013
Ace show kicks off with a send-off for Griffith

New Orleans -- Ace Hardware CEO Ray Griffith, who will step down as CEO in late March, gave his last general session talk to the collected membership of the co-op.

New Orleans -- Ace Hardware CEO Ray Griffith, who will step down as CEO in late March, gave his last general session talk to the collected membership of the co-op.

"I've enjoyed the privilege of working with all of you and helping entrepreneurs achieve success and wealth," Griffith added. "How cool is that … to work for a meaningful company with an honorable purpose?" 

February 20, 2013
Ace Hardware honors its Vendors of the Year

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corporation will present “Vendors of the Year” awards at its upcoming 2013 Spring Convention & Exhibits in New Orleans.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. will present “Vendors of the Year” awards at its upcoming 2013 Spring Convention & Exhibits in New Orleans.

The seven vendors were selected based on superior commitment and service to the hardware cooperative, its retailers and customers, according to Ace.

The award winners are:

January 22, 2013
Stairway manufacturers see climbing membership

The Fall River, Mass.-based Stairway Manufacturers’ Association (SMA) says it expects a record high turnout for its Annual Conference and Business Meeting in New Orleans, April 10-14.

The Fall River, Mass.-based Stairway Manufacturers’ Association (SMA) says it expects a record high turnout for its Annual Conference and Business Meeting in New Orleans, April 10-14.

The event will be held at the Hyatt French Quarter Hotel and will mark the SMA’s 25th anniversary. The SMA has seen its membership increase 30% over the past 15 months. 

February 13, 2012
At rental event, True Value honors top suppliers

At The Rental Show in New Orleans, the Chicago-based hardware co- op True Value Co. recognized its partners that make rental successful.

Toro Company, Hilti and Warner Shelter Systems received special recognition.

December 15, 2011
Landmark drywall suit settled

A landmark settlement in toxic drywall cases was reached today, one that may  bring relief to thousands of homeowners and put an end to hundreds of state and federal cases filed against insulation manufacturers.  

July 22, 2011
Retired police lieutenant opening Ace store

Joining the ranks of new Ace Hardware dealers is Ralph Peperone, a retired police lieutenant from New Orleans who plans to open a 10,322-sq.-ft. store in the town of Oakland, Tenn., according to an article in the Memphis Business Journal.

July 22, 2011
Retired police lieutenant opening Ace store

Joining the ranks of new Ace Hardware dealers is Ralph Peperone, a retired police lieutenant from New Orleans who plans to open a 10,322-sq.-ft. store in the town of Oakland, Tenn., according to an article in the Memphis Business Journal.

June 16, 2011
Settlement reached in Florida drywall case

One of the largest Florida suppliers of tainted drywall has reached a preliminary settlement with a group of plaintiffs, counsels for the parties announced June 15. 

The insurers of Banner Supply Co. and its various subsidiaries have agreed to pay $55 million to homeowners in Florida who claim their homes were built with contaminated Chinese drywall.  

April 26, 2011
84 Lumber looking at trades training program

National pro dealer 84 Lumber is exploring the idea of a construction trades training program in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La. markets, according to an article in The Advocate.

April 26, 2011
84 Lumber looking at trades training program

National pro dealer 84 Lumber is exploring the idea of a construction trades training program in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La. markets, according to an article in The Advocate.

April 5, 2011
Ace Convention sees boost in attendance

The 2011 Ace Hardware Spring Convention and Exhibits held last week in Chicago saw a significant boost in attendance from the two previous years, according to the Oak Brook, Ill.-based hardware co-op.

Retailer attendance was up 36% compared with Ace's previous spring show in New Orleans. The Chicago event also posted a 17% increase in attendance compared with the spring show held two years ago in Las Vegas. 

Total convention attendance in Chicago topped out at about 15,000, according to Ace.

March 25, 2011
At Lowe's, a car wipes out a row of grills

An incident at a Louisiana Lowe's store Thursday revealed one of the drawbacks of outdoor merchandising. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported a motorist crashed into a Lowe's store near Covington, La., Thursday, running over a row of grills.

October 31, 2010
Toxic drywall: Building a case

Whoever conjured up the phrase “toxic Chinese drywall” must have been prescient. No other word...

September 2, 2008
Home Depot donates to Gustav relief efforts

Other areas, including Florida and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, could be subject to...

June 15, 2008
Challenges at ‘Ground Zero’ for green building

The Big Easy has been characterized by some builders as “ground zero” for the green...

June 15, 2008
Challenges at ‘Ground Zero’ for green building

The Big Easy has been characterized by some builders as “ground zero” for the green...

June 15, 2008
LBM products multiply in shades of green

Builders are talking up a storm about “green,” and a lot of that talk is...

May 12, 2008
Green Building Conference underway in New Orleans

The National Association of Home Builders Green Building Conference is in full swing in New...

May 12, 2008
Green Building Conference underway in New Orleans

The National Association of Home Builders Green Building Conference is in full swing in New...

October 10, 2007
Trex participates in New Orleans rebuilding

The decking company has donated $75,000 worth of products to rebuilding efforts....

October 10, 2007
Trex participates in New Orleans rebuilding

The decking company has donated $75,000 worth of products to rebuilding efforts....