Stuart C. Irby Co. and the Hite Co. join the ranks of those that have made $100,000 donations to The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) Educations & Research Foundation.

Founded by Stuart Chalmers Irby in 1926, Stuart C. Irby Co. has expanded to 39 locations in nine states. With more than 700 employees, the company has become one of the South's largest electrical distributors, selling to utilities, industrials and contractors. It ranked No. 15 on EW's most recent Top 200.

“As a longtime member of NAED, we thought we should join with other distributors in taking the Foundation to the next level,” said Stuart M. Irby, president of Stuart C. Irby Co., Jackson, Miss. “We all have challenges that focused research and education can help us meet.”

The Hite Co., Altoona, Pa., made its contribution in memory of founder Robert L. Hite.

Founded by Robert “Bob” L. Hite and Evie Hite in 1949, The Hite Co. has grown to 13 locations in Pennsylvania and southern New York. Today, it's the nation's 86th largest electrical distributor as ranked on Electrical Wholesaling's Top 200.

“I've always shared my father's belief that electrical distributors need a clear action plan and a resource for training, education and industry research,” said R. Lee Hite, president and CEO of The Hite Co. “NAED has been the authoritative voice for our industry, and the Education & Research Foundation meets our industry's needs in these areas. A contribution to the Foundation is an investment in our industry's future.”

The companies' donations will become part of an endowment fund for the NAED Education & Research Foundation. The principal amount of the endowment will remain untouched, while the interest will be used to commission future projects and studies.

As $100,000 donors Stuart C. Irby Co. and The Hite Co. will have permanent positions on the Channel Advantage Partnership Council, which will help select future educational programs and research projects.

For more information about contributing to the NAED Education & Research Foundation endowment, contact Bill Elliott, NAED Foundation chairman, at (936) 569-1184 or billelliott@elliottelectric.com.

It's easy to have your company included in the pages of Electrical Wholesaling's Bulletin Board. It's as simple as submitting a description and photographs.

Some of the subjects covered in Bulletin Board include:

• Charitable Events/Donations
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Send pertinent information to Sarah Tobaben Dolash, Managing Editor, 9800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212. Or you may e-mail information to sdolash@primediabusiness.com. All electronic photos should be in “jpg,” “tif” or “eps” format at no less than 300 dots per inch. Questions? Call (913) 967-1796.

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