Personnel Update:

Aaron’s, Inc. announced the following strategic changes to the management team: Steven A. Michaels, VP Finance, is being promoted to VP Strategic Planning and Business Development; Robert W. Kamerschen, Senior VP and General Counsel, will add Corporate Secretary to his responsibilities; Kimberly R. Rivera joins Aaron’s as the VP of Learning and Development.

ABC Supply announced the promotion of Daniel Piché to VP of National Business Development.

ABC Supply Co. appointed Brad Money VP Divisional Operations.

Beacon Roofing Supply has announced the appointment of Brendan P. Daly as Chief Supply Chain Officer and Patrick G. Murphy as Exec VP Business Improvement.

Builders based in Kearney, Neb., announced that Chris Borrego will assume responsibilities as President and CEO reporting to Founder and Owner Myron Andersen, who will become Chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Carter Lumber has promoted Jeff Donley to the post of President and COO.

Carter Lumber has promoted Jeff Seder to Senior VP. Under his new role, Seder will be responsible for all finance, credit, technology and all other corporate functions.

Carter Lumber has promoted Kip Gleckler to Senior VP Field Operations.

Do it Best Corp. promoted Mike Ter Molen to Divisional Manager of Building Products and Home Décor.

Kmart announced that its now former apparel exec, Tara Poseley has left the company move to Lululemon Athletica Inc.,  as the company’s new Chief Product Officer.

Living Spaces announced that Jeff Lewis has been named Creative Director.

Orchard Supply Hardware announced that Richard D. Maltsbarger has been named company President.  He replaces Mark Baker who left the company after the acquisition by Lowe’s was completed.

Short & Paulk Supply recently that Tifton branch manager Chuck Mailloux has been promoted to COO.

Tractor Supply Company announced that its Board of Directors has elected Cynthia T. Jamison to succeed James F. Wright as Chairman of the Board upon the conclusion of Mr. Wright’s term at the end of the year. Ms. Jamison will become Chairman effective January 1, 2014. Mr. Wright will resign his position as a board member effective December 31, 2013, consistent with Mr. Wright’s plan to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board with a term of one year, as previously announced in September 2012.

True Value Co., announced the arrival of three new executives to the co-op’s leadership team. The restructuring brings Ken Goodgame, a former Ace executive, to True Value as Senior VP and Chief Merchandising Officer. He will replace Mike Clark, who announced his retirement. Also, Abhinav Shukla joins True Value as Senior VP and COO; and Tim Mills becomes the company’s new Senior VP of Growth.

True Value Co. announced that Senior VP and Chief Merchandising Officer Mike Clark will retire from the co-op after serving in an advisory role through the end of the year.

Weyerhaeuser has announced several changes to its senior management team.  Cathy Slater has been named Senior VP Oriented Strand Board, Engineered Lumber Products and Distribution.  Adrian Blocker has been named Senior VP Lumber.  Larry Burrows, senior VP Wood Products.

WOLF announced that Mike Sessinger has been promoted to Exec VP Sales.

WOLF announced the promotion of Ed O’Brien to the post of VP Operations.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Sherwin-Williams  was turned down by Mexican regulators in its appeal over the purchase of paint company Consorcio Comex, which it had purchased in September but failed to secure the necessary regulatory approval from the Federal Competition Commission of Mexico.  The FCC had reportedly turned down the deal in a 3-2 vote in July, but the company had gone ahead with its announcement in September. Sherwin-Williams was informed Tuesday night of the FCC’s decision to deny its appeal.  At the moment, Sherwin-Williams is considering its options, which include filing for approval again.  The deal involved $90 million in cash as well as the assumption of Comex’s liabilities, valued at $75 million.


Industry Insight:

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. moved its corporate headquarters from Peabody, Mass., to offices in Herndon, Va.,

Bliffert Lumber opened its seventh location at a former Wolohan Lumber site which later became Stock Lumber.

Carter Lumber identified 26 mostly Midwestern locations for closing. The closings and consolidations are being enacted to replace locations in smaller markets which cannot sustain growth, with locations in new markets which can sustain growth and to increase market share in markets which can support growth.

True Value Co. announced the addition of its newest affiliate member, Family Farm & Home.  Headquartered in Muskegon, Mich., the chain will bring its wholesale buying for 27 existing stores in Michigan and Indiana to the co-op.

Leslie’s Poolmart announced it has acquired the assets of Pool Supply World, one of the nation’s premier Internet retailers of swimming pool supplies.  As a separate division of Leslie’s Pool Supplies, the acquired business will continue to operate as Pool Supply World with its distinct brand and website. Mark Krueger, CEO of Pool Supply World, will continue to lead the business.

Lumber Liquidators expects to open 10-12 new stores in the fourth quarter of the year.

Tractor Supply Company announced the opening of its first store in the state of Wyoming, as the company continues to expand into the Western region of the country.

Tractor Supply Company has opened its first Nevada store as part of its expansion strategy into the Western region of the country.


Green Initiatives/Sustainability:

Lowe’s Cos. Inc. is switching its distribution trucks to natural gas in a long-term play that the company believes will save on fuel costs. Lowe’s goal is to have all trucks converted within four years.

Lowe’s came away with some of the highest honors in environmental stewardship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The retailer was recognized for its freight transportation practices and water-efficient products campaign with a 2013 SmartWay Excellence Award and a 2013 WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award. The retailer has made efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions and improve fuel efficiency, most recently by dedicating a fleet of natural gas-powered trucks at one of its Texas distribution centers. Lowe’s has been promoting its WaterSense products since joining the program in 2008 as part of a concerted effort to help customers lower utility bills and conserve water. According to the company, the EPA estimates that Lowe’s WaterSense sales in 2012 were equivalent to $35 million in savings for customers, as well as four billion gallons of conserved water. Lowe’s also received a 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award in March. With the addition of the SmartWay and WaterSense awards, Lowe’s is now the only retail partner to receive all three EPA distinctions.