ST JACOBS - Jim Schaefer Sr. of Bradford, Ontario has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Home Hardware Stores Limited, Canada's largest independent hardware, lumber and building materials and furniture retailer. He replaces Ron Goldade of Neepawa, Manitoba, who retired after serving 19 years as a Board member and seven years as Chairman of the Board.

"It is a tremendous honour to represent more than 1,000 independent Home Hardware Dealers across the country," says Jim. "Home Hardware offers the strongest program for independent Dealers in the industry. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, and the best management team in the business, to help Home Hardware continue to grow and prosper." Jim, together with his wife Else, daughter Holly Mohr and son Jim Schaefer Jr., has owned and operated Bradford Home Hardware since 1978. He has served on Home Hardware's national Board since 1999. In addition to serving on the Board for the past ten years, Jim also served at Chairman of the Audit and Security Committee

"Jim exemplifies the spirit of the independent business owner in Canada," says Paul Straus, Vice-President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Like all Home Dealers, he is enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and demonstrates a remarkable business savvy. I look forward to working closely with Jim to help our Dealers continue to be successful in their businesses."

Home Hardware operates as a cooperative, meaning that all Dealer-Owners are shareholders in the company. The Board of Directors includes 16 Dealers who are elected by the membership and the Chair who is elected by the Board members.