Tom Ridge, the former Homeland Security secretary who presided over the largest reorganization of the federal government in 50 years, will be joining the board of directors of Home Depot, the self-help home repair giant. “Tom Ridge served his country with great distinction," Bob Nardelli, the company’s chairman, president and CEO, said in a press release, "and we are honored to have him join our board, where we expect that his unique global experience and perspective will make a profound contribution to our company and our shareholders,” .

Founded in 1978, Home Deport is the largest home improvement specialty retailer in the world and the second largest retailer in the United States, with fiscal 2004 sales of $73.1 billion, the company said. 

The company is also one of the American companies that depends heavily on maritime commerce and just-in-tiime deliveries for its retail trade.

Ironically, even before last week’s announcement Ridge had already affected the company's sales of at least two products. Two years ago, Ridge told the nation that one way to cope with Code Orange terrorism alerts was to use duct tape and plastic sheeting to construct shelters at home.

Home Depot’s sales of the products soared for several weeks after Ridge's comments.. 

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