Fort Wayne, Ind.—Do it Best Corp. has once again been honored for upholding its corporate philosophy, “Serving others as we would like to be served.”

On November 15, the co-op received the 2006 Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award from the Northeast Indiana Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The AFP, a membership organization with chapters throughout the U.S., provides advocacy, research, education, and certification programs for fundraising professionals. Its annual awards program honors individuals and organizations that contribute their time, talent, and resources towards charitable organizations.

Do it Best Corp. was nominated for the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award by the United Way of Allen County. In its nomination, the United Way acknowledged Do it Best Corp. for "exhibiting a strong record of exceptional financial generosity, commitment to philanthropy and leadership in motivating others in the business community to become involved in philanthropic endeavors that benefit society." In addition to its support of the United Way, Do it Best Corp. was recognized for its efforts on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a variety of other local organizations.

Bob Taylor, Do it Best Corp. president and CEO, accepted the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award on behalf of the co-op’s staff. “For more than 60 years,” Taylor stated, “Do it Best Corp. has been dedicated to serving others as we would like to be served. We’re proud to say that this philosophy extends to our members, our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve. We take the responsibility that comes with being a corporate leader very seriously, and we’re honored that such a worthwhile organization has acknowledged our efforts.”

Based in Fort Wayne, Ind., Do it Best Corp. is the only full-service, U.S.-based, member-owned hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of $3 billion, Do it Best Corp. is the second largest co-op in the industry, serving 4,100 member-retailers in the United States and in 45 foreign countries.