victoria.kickham@reedbusiness.com

Tornado Industries, a manufacturer of cleaning equipment, received a hearty thank you recently from the Victory Junction Gang, a nonprofit organization the company has been supporting by donating cleaning equipment, tools and products. The Victory Junction Gang is a camp located in Randleman, N.C., that allows children suffering from chronic or life-threatening illnesses to experience memorable, exciting, fun, safe, and medically sound camping adventures. The camp was started by actor Paul Newman and NASCAR driver Kyle Petty to let seriously ill children, "relax, have fun, and make friends with other kids, not worrying about being different or sick, [while] having some great summer camp memories," said Tornado president Mike Schaffer.

Alana Holyfield, development assistant for the Victory Junction Gang, said, "Thanks to Tornado's generosity, we have been able to build and outfit a truly one-of-a-kind facility. Tornado has helped make [Victory Junction Gang] a magical place that empowers the campers, and their families, to have fun during very challenging times in their lives."

Schaffer added that with the growth of the jansan (janitorial/sanitary supplies) industry, it's time companies start devoting more energy to well-run philanthropic causes.

"Giving will reflect back on us, while helping others to become a bit more aware of the important role we play," he said.

Distributor members of Industrial Network, Inc. were merged into NetPlus Alliance on January 1, bringing NetPlus membership to 190 companies in 42 states. NetPlus is a buying group of independent distributors. Mike Baygood, former president of Industrial Network, Inc., will provide management consulting services to NetPlus Alliance members and others...Distributor Precision Industries opened branches in Syracuse, N.Y., and San Antonio...Toolmaker Bosch Power Tools and Accessories launched a new Web site, www.boschtools.com. The site features new and current product information, 360-degree product views and flash video demonstrations, accessory and attachment recommendations, regional/national events, and more... Rotor Clip, a manufacturer of retaining rings and self-compensating hose clamps, featured its "Famous Mugs/Support Our Troops" marketing campaign at the recent National Industrial Fastener Show in Las Vegas. Visitors to the Rotor Clip booth at the show got their picture taken, and received a free coffee mug and yellow ribbon symbolizing support for U.S. soldiers overseas. Rotor Clip will donate USO care packages for troops in the names of all visitors who participated at the booth... Varicraft Power Systems, Inc. of Houston, joined IDC-USA's national group of industrial supply distributors... Tompkins Industries, a manufacturer of hydraulic adapters, hoses and gaskets, opened a distribution facility in Twinsburg, Ohio, in December... Manufacturer Bostik Findley, Inc. changed its name to Bostik, Inc...

Industrial products maker Eaton Corp. agreed to purchase the businesses of Winner Group Holdings Ltd., a China-based company that makes hydraulic hose fittings and adapters. The purchase is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter...Distributor Airgas, Inc. acquired A&R Welding Supply, Inc., an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with two locations in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, Calif. Airgas also acquired Watt Welding Supply of Oregon and DC Welding of California...

Columbus McKinnon Corp. and Osborn International-North America received Supplier of the Year awards from Affiliated Distributors...Julia Klein, president and CEO of Pennsylvania-based distributor C.H. Briggs, won the 2004 ATHENA Award, a national program presented locally each year by the Berks County (Pa.) Chamber of Commerce. The ATHENA Award program promotes women's leadership and honors an individual who actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential; demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; and provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.