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Fairytale Deal Transforms Builder's Surplus into Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's ReStore

Published: Mon, 22 Jan 2007, 13:58:00 EDT

Edited by Christopher Simmons

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Jan. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Who says wishes don't come true? Call it a fairytale ending, the ultimate Christmas gift, an answered prayer, or just good karma, but something magical happened at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) this past holiday season.

The unfortunate downturn in the construction industry forced Lampert Yards, Inc. to concentrate their business focus, and they announced the closing and liquidation of their Builder's Surplus store in December. It was interesting timing for TCHFH.

For the past couple of years, TCHFH researched and developed a business plan to launch their ReStore - a building materials retail outlet. The revenue generated would go towards building more homes, and better serving existing Habitat families. Over 400 Habitat ReStores are open throughout the United States and Canada. As one of the top 5 Habitat affiliates in the nation, TCHFH felt the time was right. In the fall of 2006, the board of directors approved the business plan, hired a project manager, and TCHFH was researching locations, hoping to open doors by Memorial Day 2007.

And then something unexpected happened. Lamperts donated their entire Builder's Surplus business to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, including use of the building rent-free, the full stock of inventory, and the store's two employees, worth in excess of a million dollars.

"The decision to donate this business to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, rather than close the store, felt like the right thing to do. We realized that we could help their interest in providing quality products at a low cost through their ReStore initiative," said Dan Fesler, Lampert Yards CEO.

"Through this donation our Builder's Surplus employees have continued to be employed either by Lamperts or by Habitat for Humanity," Fesler added. Lamperts will cover the cost of employee wages for the first few months of the store's operation, and TCHFH will retain their employment after the transition period.

"We couldn't ask for a better opportunity to pilot Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's ReStore venture. Lamperts has been incredibly generous during this whole process, saving us hundreds of staff hours that would have been spent were we to open up the ReStore on our own," said Susan Haigh, president of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

On January 2, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's ReStore opened its doors. Located on 501 West Broadway in Minneapolis, the store carries an inventory that includes new and gently-used building materials ranging from laminate and ceramic flooring to windows, doors, hardware, and tools. TCHFH staff burned the midnight oil in order to take over operation of the store, but it's a welcome challenge. "It's amazing to stand in this store and realize that it's our Habitat ReStore," said Kevin Campana, ReStore project manager for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "I have to pinch myself from time to time to remind myself that I'm not dreaming."

Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or from manufacturers who wish to show their support for Habitat. ReStores help the environment by re-channeling good, usable materials into use.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Volunteer labor, donated materials and contributed funds are used to build and renovate homes in the Twin Cities area. Working under the faith-based principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the mortgages that it issues to homebuyers. Families who purchase

Habitat homes are selected based on need, ability to repay the zero percent mortgage, and willingness to partner. Families put in 300-500 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build Habitat homes. Since 1985, TCHFH has built over 630 homes in the seven-county metro area and engages more than 20,000 volunteers a year. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is a Minnesota 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, incorporated in 1985. For more information, visit www.tchabitat.org.

About Lampert Yards, Inc.
Lampert Yards, Inc. owns and operates full service lumber and building material stores in 37 communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota. Serving the building trade since 1887, Lamperts is more than an ordinary lumber company. A complete list of locations can be obtained at http://www.lampertyards.com .

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