Family values lead to honor

POST FALLS — The local Ace Hardware stores owned by Sandy and Nancy Seright and their son, Brett, received a regional award for family-owned businesses.

The stores were awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration's regional Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award for 2015. Ace won the award for District X, which includes Washington and North Idaho.

The award was presented during the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's recent Connect 4 Lunch gathering at Templin's Resort and Convention Center on the River.

"The Serights exemplify the American Dream and the independence that we all enjoy today," said Joel Nania, who works in the SBA's Spokane office.

"They demonstrate daily how their family values enable their business success. Additionally, their family values provided the foundation that attracted son Brett back to the business."

The Serights opened their first store in 1979 in Post Falls. That was followed by another store in Coeur d'Alene. In February, the family will open a store in Rathdrum on Highway 41.

The local stores employ more than 35 people. The family gives back to the community through the food banks, Kiwanis Club and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.

The award was originally announced in Seattle at the SBA District X Small Business Gala, but the family was unable to attend.