PHOENIX - Blue Hawk Distribution, a purchasing cooperative of independent HVACR distributors, exceeded 400 branches nationwide. The member-owned cooperative, formed in May 2005, serves 94 members with 417 locations in 40 states.

"Our company strongly believes that the independent distributor plays a vital role in the HVACR supply chain, " said Nancy Hammer, Milwaukee Stove and Furnace Co. and Blue Hawk board chair. "There is strength in community and the democratically controlled purchasing co-op model provides tremendous efficiencies through working together versus individually."

"That is what cooperatives are all about," noted Lance Rantala, Blue Hawk CEO. "Our objective is to create a cohesive community that taps the collective knowledge and resources of our shareholders to deliver bottom-line value to our members' businesses."

The group also announced its 40th preferred vendor partner.

"One of our core values is that we view our vendors as allies and believe by helping our vendors succeed we help ourselves," said Rantala.

Blue Hawk's annual fall conference will be held Nov. 2-3 in Palm Desert, Calif. For more information, visit www.bluehawk.coop.

Publication date: 10/09/2006