Ho-Chunk, Inc. (HCI) the economic development corporation run by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, manages about 18 subsidiaries in the fields of communications, construction, distribution, gasoline and convenience store retail (under the Heritage Express banner in Iowa and Nebraska), government contracting, lodging (The WinnaVegas Inn), marketing, used-vehicle sales, and more. The profits from these businesses are in turn managed by the Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that directs commercial growth and community infrastructure development for the tribe. "Ho-Chunk" is a modernized form of Hochungra, the Winnebago tribe's traditional name.

Sur La Table, Inc sells appliances, bakeware, cookbooks, housewares, specialty foods, and other goodies for professional and home chefs from about 80 stores in some 30 states, a website, and catalogs that make foodies drool. For customers who aren't sure how to best use the Le Creuset casserole dish, Cuisinart food processor, or Chef's Choice waffle maker, the company offers cooking classes and cookbook signing events in many of its stores. Founded in 1972 at Seattle's famous Pike's Place Market, Sur La Table is owned jointly by the Behnke family, including its chairman Carl Behnke, and private investor Freeman Spogli.

Eternit was formed in 1905 by Alphonse Emsens after Ludwig Hatschek invented fiber enhanced cement and called it Eternit due to its long life. It is owned by Belgian construction materials company Etex. From the roof to the sides to the water flowing in, Eternit has your house covered. The company makes roofing material (fiber cement, natural, and concrete slates; concrete and clay tiles, fiber cement sheets), decorative fiber cement boards and siding, and water treatment microstations. Eternit also makes solar energy roof panels and cement plant containers. Its products are distributed to building contractors throughout Luxembourg and Belgium.

Millennium Technologies wants to keep its customers revving high. The company maintains a stock of some 2,000 types of remanufactured cylinders, primarily for snowmobiles and motorcycles. It coats its cylinders with a nickel silicon carbide (NSC) -- the only thing harder is diamonds. Unlike other coatings, NSC is electroplated, rather than sprayed on, allowing the firm to offer a lifetime warranty for its work. Millennium also repairs cylinders. The parts retailer keeps its brand in front of current and potential clients by sponsoring motorcycle racers, several of whom have taken top prize in their events. President Jim Hackl founded Millennium Technologies in 1997.

Kroger's Fred Meyer Stores subsidiary (acquired in 1999) operates about 125 supercenters, which offer groceries, general merchandise, and jewelry, in the western US.Kroger is the nation's 1 pure grocery chain, but it still must watch out for falling prices; Wal-Mart has overtaken Kroger as the largest seller of groceries in the US. While Kroger has diversified through acquisitions, adding jewelry and general merchandise to its mix, food stores still account for about 85% of sales. The company operates about 3,620 stores, including some 2,465 supermarkets and multidepartment stores, under two dozen banners, in about 30 states. It also runs 775 convenience stores under names such as Quik Stop and Kwik Shop

Founded in 1977, Speedy has grown to become the UK's largest operator of tool rental locations. If work slows down because tools are lacking, construction workers can go to Speedy Hire. The company rents tools and building equipment to companies, contractors, DIY consumers, the government, and utilities through some 400 outlets in the UK and Ireland. The company hires out access towers, drills, generators, heaters, pumps, and woodworking tools, among other items. Its some 60 lifting depots rent joists, jacks, and below-the-hook material-handling equipment. In 2007 Speedy Hire acquired the tool rental business of Hewden Stuart Plc, adding more than 180 locations to its network of depots across the UK.

Builders FirstSource, Inc. engages in the manufacture and supply of structural and related building products for residential new construction in the United States. It offers prefabricated components, including floor trusses, roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, and engineered wood; aluminum and vinyl windows; and pre-hung interior and exterior doors, as well as assembles and distributes interior and exterior door units. The company also provides lumber and lumber sheet goods comprising dimensional lumber, plywood, and oriented strand board products used in on-site house framing; millwork products, which consist of interior trim, exterior trim, columns, and posts, as well as custom exterior featured products; and other building products that include cabinets, gypsum, roofing, and insulation. In addition, the company offers turn-key framing, shell construction, design assistance, and professional installation services for products spanning its product categories. It serves production homebuilders and small custom homebuilders. Builders FirstSource, Inc. was formerly known as BSL Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Builders FirstSource, Inc. in October 1999. Builders FirstSource, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Saks Incorporated began as Proffitt’s, Inc. with just five Proffitt’s stores in metropolitan Knoxville, Tennessee. Proffitt's, Inc. became a public company in June 1987. From 1994 to 1998, we added McRae’s, Parisian, Younkers, Herberger's, and Carson Pirie Scott & Co. (which included Bergner's and Boston Store) as well as 32 additional stores from Lovemans, Hess, Parks-Belk, and Brody’s, which were converted into existing store nameplates.

Zumiez Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories in the United States. It offers apparel, including tops, bottoms, and outerwear, as well as accessories, such as caps, belts, and sunglasses; footwear consisting of athletic shoes and sandals; equipment, such as skateboards, snowboards, and ancillary gear, such as boots and bindings; and other items, such as miscellaneous novelties and DVDs. The company’s stores serve young men and women between the ages of 12 and 24, focusing on skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, bicycle motocross, and motocross activities. As of January 30, 2010, it operated 377 stores under the Zumiez brand name primarily located in shopping malls in 35 states. In addition, the company sells its products directly through its Web site, zumiez.com. Zumiez Inc. was founded in 1978 and is based in Everett, Washington.

Laura Ashley Holdings, once famous for its fancy floral print fashions, Laura Ashley Holdings has turned to furniture, home accessories, and decor (about 78% of sales) to fill the till. Of the company's some 230 UK shops, less than half carry its traditional product line of women's and children's clothing. The company has repositioned itself as a lifestyle brand that is largely home furnishings, as it has shuttered apparel and accessories stores. Also, to efficiently sell off excess inventory, the company opened a few outlet stores and has implemented a selling strategy at its stores to maximize sales per square footage.

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