ACE Hardware Marks One Year in Olney

The Olney Chamber of Commerce marked the first anniversary of ACE Hardware last week, presenting owners Kris and Rand Kamp and Jeff Kamp with a certificate of appreciation for their first year in business.

Chamber Director Kimberly Smith made the presentation as board members Jake Randall, Dan Branum, Callie Hicks, and Kaylah Hampton praised the store’s impact on the local economy.

“I think as our economic footprint grows, the demand for needing help and needing supplies and needing to fix things on the fly is growing,” Mr. Randall said. “And it’s growing every day, so this is a resource for all of our incoming businesses that are going to build and grow.”

Mr. Randall, who owns and operates The Windmill motel in Olney, said ACE has been “invaluable” in “fixing up and keeping up” For Kris Kamp, the past year has exceeded expectations.

“Above and beyond,” she said. “Olney has just over and above embraced us and welcomed us. We’ve loved being here.”

Because Olney serves a rural customer base, Mrs. Kamp said the store quickly adjusted its inventory to reflect local needs. Items such as post hole diggers, rebar, fence stretchers, tie wire, and hydraulic fluid have become staples, along with expanded lumber and building materials.

“A lot of hardware stores aren’t lumber yards,” she said. “So bringing in more building material-related items has been important.”

The store expects to expand its building inventory as local development continues.

Mrs. Kamp said customer suggestions have helped shape the shelves, and staying open during emergencies — including the recent ice storm — has been part of the commitment.

“We were just here,” she said.

After one year, she said, both the owners and the corporate office are pleased. More importantly, she added, the community has made the store feel at home.