KAMLOOPS, BC, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - In recognition of his outstanding commitment to public relations and community service, Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre Dealer-Owner Rick Kurzac was awarded the company's 11th annual Paul Straus Public Relations Award. Mr. Kurzac received the award during Home Hardware's semi-annual Shareholders' Meeting in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Awarded to Home Hardware Dealers who excel at making their stores more visible in the community, the Paul Straus Public Relations Award celebrates the building of relationships and awareness within the community through innovative approaches to public relations.
Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre was recognized for its commitment to environmental and social causes in the Kamloops area. In 2012, Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre took a cleaner, greener approach by replacing four gas-guzzling trucks with three new fuel efficient vehicles.
The staff has also worked to raise funds for Developing World Connections, an organization that connects volunteers with communities to work on sustainable projects that better the lives of some of the world's most impoverished people. Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre participates as the presenting sponsor for the Developing World Connections annual fundraising golf tournament, which raised over $50,000 in funds.
"At Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre, we believe that our slogan Home Owners helping homeowners should go beyond the customer service and advice we provide in our store," said Rick Kurzac, Dealer-Owner, Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre. "We have deep roots in Kamloops, and it is our belief that participating in local events and sponsorships is not only good for our business, but good for the community as well."
Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre is also an active supporter of the BC Wildlife Park, and played an active role in bringing a Junior B hockey team to Kamloops. Through their access to local hardware and building supplies, the Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre has partnered with the Canadian Home Builders Association and Thompson Rivers University to ensure the completion of the Y Dream House, a fundraising project by the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, by securing sponsorships from suppliers.
"The team at Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre exemplifies Home Hardware's commitment to both community and customer service," said Paul Straus, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Kamloops is a perfect example of the important role local businesses can play in their communities for the benefit of all. We are proud of their achievements and commend their commitment to the people of Kamloops."
About Home Hardware Stores Limited
100% Canadian owned and operated, Home Hardware Stores Limited has a presence in every Canadian province and territory and is the country's largest independent, Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded on January 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers, the cooperative now includes more than 1,080 stores, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual collective retail sales of more than $5 billion. Home Hardware's independent Dealer-Owners, recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association as Canada's best-trained Dealer group, have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products, a world-class distribution system and draw upon the power of Home Hardware's network to provide their local communities with top quality products and services at competitive prices.
Image with caption: "Rob Wallace, Public Relations & Promotional Events Manager, Home Hardware Stores Limited, Rick Kurzac, Dealer-Owner, Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre, and Paul Straus, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited pose with the Paul Straus Public Relations award, which is distributed to Home Hardware Dealers for outstanding commitment to the community. (CNW Group/Home Hardware Stores Limited)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120927_C2311_PHOTO_EN_18582.jpg
SOURCE: Home Hardware Stores Limited
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