Boake Paugh president of Key-Bak is the new 2009 chairman of the Worldwide DIY Council.
The association is made up of US and Canadian firms that are active exporters to more than 140 countries around the world.

Mr Paugh had been vice-chair during 2008 and became chair for 2009, replacing Sandra Pierce, who served for the past two years.

Other board members elected for 2009 include Jayne Seagrave, of Vancouver Tool, Jim Burton of Master Loc, Rod Walck of Protective Coatings, Patrick Murphy of Reid Industries, Phillip Ali of Ali Industries, Bill Marshek of DAP and John Sullivan of Arrow Fastener.

Mrs Pierce and Joe Mannion of Eurolink will serve as advisers for 2009 after stepping down from there roles.

Retiring directors at the end of 2008 were Dave Husson of Marshalltown and Scott Vilagi of Gorilla Glue.

The organization also sponsors an international visitor bus tour of major retail stores in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the last day of the National Hardware show.

The next meeting of the Council takes place May 4, 2009 in Las Vegas.