AHMA's Hardlines Technology Forum(R) Announces Retail Panel

Nation's Top Retailers Make up Interactive Retail Panel; New
Format
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) today
announced the list of panelists for its Hardlines Technology Forum(R)
(HTF(R)) Retail Panel, a major element of the annual event being held
April 21 - 24, 2008 in Memphis, TN. The nation's leading hardware/home
improvement retailers, including Do it Best Corp., Lowe's Companies
Inc., Orgill, Inc., and True Value, will take the stage to discuss how
technology is impacting how they do business in today's highly
competitive environment and, most importantly, the collaborative
efforts they expect from their suppliers in the coming months ahead.

"Nowhere else in the industry can manufacturers gain insights into
new business applications and strategic initiatives being rolled out
by the industry's leading buy-side companies," said Timothy S.
Farrell, AHMA's president and chief executive officer, "and hearing it
directly from the retailers and distributors gives attendees a
distinct advantage and a leg up on staying compliant, therefore
continuing their ability to do business with these companies."

The Retail Panel will take place on Wednesday, April 23 from 11:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at The Peabody Memphis as part of AHMA's 18th annual
Hardlines Technology Forum(R). The retail participants are Kay
Williams, vice president, information technology, Do it Best Corp.;
Michelle D. Adams, director, merchandising operations, Lowe's
Companies Inc.; Brett Hammers, vice president, marketing, Orgill,
Inc.; and Greg Linder, director, supply chain operations, True Value
Company.

The Retail Panel will also undergo a format change this year.
Rather than a straightforward panel presentation, the interactive
session will be conducted in a roundtable setting with industry expert
John Stelzer, director, retail industry marketing, for Sterling
Commerce as panel moderator. "We wanted to present a more interactive
setting for both the audience and the panel participants," said
Farrell, "with a highly respected industry executive as moderator."

About AHMA's Hardlines Technology Forum(R)

Currently in its 18th year, AHMA's Hardlines Technology Forum(R)
is the industry's premiere technology forum for IT, logistics,
business, merchandising, executive and finance professionals.

About the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA)

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) is a
globally focused trade association of manufacturers, or providers, of
hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, paint and decorating,
building and construction and related products, as well as
manufacturers' representative's agencies and trade publications.

AHMA offers many valuable member and industry programs, services
and activities including the AHMA Advantage GPO (Group Purchasing
Organization), AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum(R), AHMA / USA
International Pavilions, Government Relations Programs, Member Benefit
Vendor Programs, Member Cost Reduction Programs, AHMA Hardware
Industry Relief Effort (HIRE), and the AHMA / Habitat for Humanity
Partnership.

For more information about AHMA, please visit www.ahma.org.

American Hardware Manufacturers Association
Connie Dyer
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
847-592-3503
cdyer@ahma.org
P.R. # AHMA08-04

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