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Researchers and experts often examine different generations in the workplace, looking for clues to improve management effectiveness. Recent studies suggest that employers should think twice before making stereotypical assumptions about individual employees based on age.

In his first market presentation to True Value retailers, the co-op's new VP marketing and chief customer officer Blake Fohl laid out a plan for -- what else? -- improved marketing. 

He also promised improvements to True Value Rewards (TVR).

Denver -- Ace Hardware stores are showing strong same-store sales, while the distributor's wholesale sales are running ahead of the budgeted 3% growth, CEO Ray Griffith told dealers.

Speaking Saturday morning at the General Session of the co-op's 2011 Convention & Exhibits here at the Colorado Convention Center, Griffith said data from about 3,000 Ace stores show a 2.4% comparable-store sales increase over last year. In each of the last four months, the stores showed comp-sales increases of more than 4%. 

Do it Best Corp. has promoted Marty Bailey to a new position in charge of the co-op's World Class Commerce Center initiative. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op also promoted Gary Hoffmann to the position of national advantage program manager.

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is expecting to draw some 40,000 attendees to Las Vegas April 26 to 28.

The 48th annual event from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will feature a broader array of offerings, the latest in trends and technology, and more opportunities to collaborate with peers and exhibitors, according to the NKBA.

Bristol, Tenn. -- A carpenter from Halifax, England, outlasted some 16,000 tradesmen to win $10,000 in the finals of a tradesman skills competition held at the Bristol Motor Speedway during race day on Sunday. 

The event was part of a larger campaign by Irwin Tools to elevate and support the often underappreciated tradesman, according to organizers. "Tradesmen keep America running strong, and this is our way of saying thanks for what they do for our country," said Curt Rahilly, VP marketing for Irwin Tools.

Orlando, Fla. -- Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. reported wholesale revenues increased 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010, and retail revenues increased 4.6% for the quarter.

CEO Lyle Heidemann delivered the preliminary results to True Value members during the General Session of the co-op's 2011 Spring & Rental Market held here in Orlando. 

"Our fourth quarter results should give us some momentum going into 2011," Heidemann said. 

Wolseley, the parent company of U.S. plumbing distributor Ferguson, has announced plans to move its official headquarters to Switzerland in order to reduce its tax burden in England. If approved by shareholders, the London-based firm would create a holding company called “New Wolseley” but continue to employ nearly 10,000 people in the U.K.

New Wolseley would still be listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange, according to the proposal.