In 1953, a single modest store began operating in Portland, Oregon to serve the needs of local contractors. That first Johnstone Supply may have been small, but it operated with a commitment to finding the best products for its customers and servicing them like nobody else. Today, Johnstone Supply is the top cooperative wholesale distributor in the country and a recognized national leader in the HVACR industry. With regional distribution centers based in Portland, Oregon, Memphis, Tennessee, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Jacksonville, Florida, the company boasts over 350 independently-owned stores throughout the United States and beyond, totaling over a billion dollars in annual sales. Unbeatable service, support, product knowledge and competitive pricing remain Johnstone’s core values. An expanding regional distribution network means even better product availability and delivery times for local contactors, and ongoing improvements to our distribution and operations systems means Johnstone is poised to remain a true “one-stop-shop” for contractors nationwide. We offer superior customer service, technical advice and training seminars and feature the industry’s most respected catalog (available both in print and online) featuring more than 50,000 quality parts, supplies and equipment.

What's next in style is what concerns NEXT. NEXT plc sells moderately priced clothing for men, women, and children; housewares; and furniture through about 515 stores (including some 25 stand-alone NEXT Home stores) in the UK and Ireland. It also franchises 180-plus stores elsewhere in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Turkey. NEXT targets customers in their 20s and 30s who are looking for stylish but affordable clothes to take them through the next fashion cycle. Sales comes from its retail stores, its NEXT Directory catalog and website, and Ventura, a division which provides call center and customer support services

Bevo is the largest supplier of propagated plants in North America, providing greenhouses, field farms, nurseries, and wholesalers across the continent with healthy, vigorous, pest-and-disease-free plants. Plant propagation is a system under which seedlings are nurtured to the ideal level of development for finished growth in greenhouses. Each seedling is cultivated in a specific controlled temperature, nutrient, fertilizer, light and moisture environment to ensure the highest quality plant. Bevo's main products are vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and cucumbers, along with other plants such as bedding plants, flowers, trees, berries, and grasses. Bevo markets its products to established greenhouse growers, farms and nurseries throughout North America. Since incorporation in 1989, planned expansions have grown the Bevo propagation greenhouses in Langley, BC to the present 34 acres. As greenhouse growth and consumer demand for quality products continues so does the requirement for new vegetable, flower and other plants. The use of greenhouses to grow vegetables and flowering plants continues to increase.

Southern Co-operatives originally dipped its toe into the co-operative market in 1873. The regional consumer co- operative society operates about 120 convenience stores under The Co-op banner in mid-southern England. The co-op added the David's chain of convenience stores on the Isle of Wight during the past few years. Its other lines of business include funeral services and property investment. The co-op exited the milk delivery business -- Southern Co-operative Dairies by selling it to the Co-operative Group (CWS). Established as the Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society by dockyard workers in Portsmouth, the group changed its name to Southern Co-operatives Limited in 1998.

Temperature Systems, Inc. company was founded in 1947 by the father and grandfather of CEO Steve Vaughn. The Frozen Tundra might have been a bit warmer if someone had called Temperature Systems. The company distributes heating and air conditioning equipment through two locations in Green Bay and Madison, Wisconsin, Temperature Systems distributes Bryant, Carrier, Payne, and Tempstar heating and cooling products. It also sells hydronics (heating or cooling by circulating liquid through a closed system of pipes) equipment from Caleffi, LAARS, and Myson. Temperature Systems offers training to its customers on everything from business basics to troubleshooting specific brands.

J & R Electronics redefines block party. J & R Electronics Inc. is a leading electronics retailer with 10 specialty electronics shops in the same New York City block. The stores make up one retail megastore, J&R Music and Computer World, which measures more than 300,000 sq. ft. and is known for discount prices and customer service. The firm also operates an in-store shop at Macy's in Herald Square and peddles products through its website. J & R's merchandise includes audio and video products, computers, cameras, software, office products, music, movies, and games. Co-owners Joe and Rachelle Friedman used their wedding money to finance the founding of J & R Electronics in 1971.

W. Atlee Burpee is a top-seeded seed supplier. Shipping more than 100 million packets a year, W. Atlee Burpee and Co. is the largest supplier of seeds to home gardeners in the US. Burpee cultivates and distributes fruit, flower, herb, and vegetable seeds and plants through retail partners, catalogs (about 2 million mailed each year), and online via its website. The company also sells gardening tools and accessories. Named after its founder, Burpee got its start in 1876 as a mail-order seed company. The family of third-generation seedsman and CEO George Ball Jr. has owned the business since 1991. Ball also owns a rare plant nursery and a gourmet seed firm.

In the UK and Ireland, some of the best known and respected companies are part of Saint-Gobain. Together these businesses offer an unrivalled range of products and innovative material solutions that give architects and designers the ability to respond to the latest trends, whilst meeting the most exacting performance and legislative standards. Saint-Gobain’s businesses form a robust, integrated supply chain partner that has the strength and flexibility to support the most diverse range of customer requirements. This adds up to a unique capability that can support everything from the biggest landmark projects, such as the Emirates Stadium and Fort Dunlop, to ongoing repair and maintenance programmes. As well as fast, efficient access to a comprehensive range of products, we can provide specialist technical expertise and resources. From product specification and design, to fabrication and delivery to site or production line, we are committed to working closely with our customers to help them get the most out of our products and services.

Leon's Furniture Ltd. sells home furnishings, bedding, appliances, and electronics through about 65 company-owned and franchised stores throughout Canada and online. Its store banners include Shop for Furniture, Shop for Appliances, and Shop for Electronics. Its stores carry such brands as Frigidaire, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sealy, Simmons, and Whirlpool, among others. Leon's also wholesales appliances to builders, landlords, and retailers through its Canada Appliances division. Ablan Leon founded the company in 1909; more than a century later, it is still owned and operated by the Leon family.

Sedano's Supermarkets was founded in Hialeah, Florida in 1962. Our founder, Armando Guerra, was a thriving businessman in Cuba, and it was there where he gained the necessary experience to establish himself in the U.S. In 1971, Guerra brought Manuel Herrán on board to help out with the daily operations of his small business. From its humble beginnings, Sedano's is now the No. 1 Hispanic retailer in the nation.Manuel Herrán was born in Santander, Spain in 1937. In 1951, he moved to Cuba with his family. By 1967, Herrán and his family made their way to Miami where he worked as a salesman before beginning his career with Sedano's. Mr. Guerra passed away in 1979, and Herrán took over the reigns of the company. Agustin Herran, Manuel's son, is the current President and CEO, and Manuel is now Chairman of the Board.This year, Sedano's celebrates its 47th year of operation. From a single store in 1962, the Sedano's chain has grown to more than 30 supermarkets across South Florida. Sedano's has also become the largest member of the Associated Grocers of Florida. The company's plans include opening a new location in 2009 and an expansion to the Orlando market in 2010 where Sedano's will open three stores. Future plans include the ongoing beautification of all existing stores.

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