Blackbeam will be showcasing the Blackfire Camplight for the first time at the National Hardware Show May 10-12 in Las Vegas. The Blackfire Camplight most recently made some pretty exciting waves in the industry by being awarded the prestigious 2010 GOOD DESIGN Award along with an IDEA international design award. The company prides itself on creating and producing products based on consumer wants and needs. Blackfire manufactures durable and long-lasting LED flashlights designed to enable the user to work more efficiently and accurately. Uniquely, the Camplight is able to transform from a handheld flashlight to a clamp light as well as a stand light. This allows the user to work with both hands in tight areas for sink repairs, electrical repairs and more. Whether you’re a trade professional or homeowner, the Blackfire Camplight LED flashlight is versatile for all needs. To learn more about Blackfire, visit www.blackfire-usa.com.

Bagrite is debuting at the National Hardware Show with the company’s revolutionary and innovative product. The Bagrite product holds open most 33 to 60 gallon trash bags, allowing for easy and efficient clean up. The Bagrite is lightweight, ergonomic and durable, making the product a desirable asset to homeowners. The patented design of Bagrite simultaneously enables the bag holder to keep the trash bag open while filling it with debris, without the hassle of wind or other elements blowing the bag closed. The frame is designed with taper teeth to secure the trash bag as well as an elongated edge on one side, which the operator can use as a dust pan. Currently, Bagrite is being used by several City Public Works Departments and commercial landscape companies to save time and money to clean up road debris, public parks and recreation areas. For information on Bagrite, visit www.bagrite.com.

Bond Manufacturing is a premier supplier of lawn, garden and outdoor living products. Unveiling the company’s ceramic tabletop fire pots at the 2011 National Hardware Show next month, Bond Manufacturing is keeping up with the latest consumer trends and tastes, as seen in this portable fire feature for the home. Made from all-natural material and hand-glazed, these ceramic firepots generate more light and heat than regular candles. Designed to reflect styles ranging from ancient civilizations all the way to today’s modern and sleek concepts, Bond Manufacturing’s ceramic tabletop firepots are ideal home accessories for outdoor landscape designs or indoor décor accents. The firepots are clean-burning and use carbon neutral fuel called Fire Gel. The Fire Gel’s glutinous material leaves no ashes, soot or smoke and releases only a small fraction of carbon-dioxide, making the product eco-friendly. While burning, the firepot remains cool to the touch. We have seen other tabletop fire feature products at shows and markets for more than a year, but this one gets our stamp of approval for its combined benefits and design. For additional information on Bond Manufacturing, visit www.bondmfg.com.

International Mulch Company is in the process of recycling more than 300 million pounds of tires, or approximately 19 million tires, into landscaping and playground products by the end of this year. The International Mulch Company will be exhibiting at the National Hardware Show, where the company will be showcasing a variety of new spring 2011 products such as Rubberific Edging. This product is the latest design in the company’s ever-growing line of recycled rubber products. As many well know, decorative borders can be costly and hard to maintain, so these experts in the field came up with a solution, Rubberific Edging. Available in 3’ lengths, Rubberific Edging comes in Weathered Gray and Tan to match any outdoor landscape design. The rubber design is geared to save time and money as well the benefits of easy installation. Additionally, unlike decorative river rocks, Rubberific Edging won’t chip or crack. For information on more 100% recycled rubber products from the International Mulch Company, visit www.internationalmulch.com.

The new iTouchless Toilet Seat by iTouchless Housewares & Products is extraordinary. Designed to rise upon approach and lower after usage, the iTouchless toilet reduces the amount of bacteria and grime. Simply put, we chose this innovative product because it makes life easier and healthier. The front-mounted sensor detects an approaching occupant, while the second sensor located in the center of the seat cover keeps the lid open for as long as the occupant is present. For males, the lid can be lifted automatically by placing a hand over the top sensor. The lid is not only beneficial for health reasons, but it is also ideal for elderly persons, children and those with disabilities. The iTouchless Toilet Seat is able to fit all standard-sized toilets and is easy to install. Give it a try at the show. Well, at least take a look. For more information about the iTouchless Toilet Seat or other iTouchless products, visit the company’s website at www.iTouchless.net.

Johnson Level & Tool is one of the leading manufacturers and the marketer of “Job Site Tough” professional quality spirit levels, laser levels and other various construction measuring tools. Exhibiting at the National Hardware Show in May, Johnson Level & Tool will be introducing a new level called 1404 -1000 Magnetic Torpedo Level. This solid cast aluminum frame with three high powered v-groove magnets embedded in the gauging edge is top of the line. The Magnetic Torpedo Level measures 10” in length and features Johnson Level’s SurroundView vial system which reflects ambient light for easy reading in dimly lit spaces. Additionally, the durable precision block vials will not crack leak or fade over time. All Johnson Level & Tool levels come with a lifetime warranty on accuracy. For more information about the 1404 – 1000 Magnetic Torpedo Level, visit www.johnsonlevel.com.

Osram Sylvania, headquartered in Danvers, MA, is one of the leaders in lighting solutions and specialty products which feature new and innovative designs as well as energy-saving technology. Known for producing high quality, high performance products, Osram Sylvania is now introducing the company’s new series of LED lamps called the Sylvania Ultra Professional Series. The series, ideal for retail, hospitality, museum, and high-end residential settings, rivals today’s halogen lamps. Currently available in four lamp types, the Sylvania Ultra Professional Series includes superior color consistency, robust dimming functionality and high-lumen output. Offering color rendition with a color rendering index of (CRI) of 95 paired with an R9 color rating, this series is truly one of the most advanced LED products on the market today. For additional information, visit www.sylvania.com.

The National Hardware Show is just around the corner. The event is the industry’s largest trade exhibition show, offering the latest inventions and products from companies in hardware & tools; homewares; lawn & garden/outdoor living; paint & accessories; plumbing & electrical; storage & organization; and tailgating, camping & picnicking. In addition, first-time categories like outdoor recreation, DIY security and energy-efficient products will be introduced to the sold-out event in Las Vegas, May 10-12.

This year’s show is shaping up to be a premiere exhibition. Attendees ranging from designers, builders, trade professionals and media members are sure to be impressed by exhibitors and the latest product innovations and technologies the market has to bear. For the second year in a row, the ECPR team has an alliance with the show, showcasing exhibitor’s products in our “Sneak Peek” article series on the ECPR blog. Our “Sneak Peek” series is a great way to preview the show and allows media members to easily learn more, whether they plan to attend or allow us to serve as their “eyes and ears.”

In the following days and weeks, we will be posting several “Sneak Peeks,” so be sure to check back regularly for the newest posts. Each will be linked to our media contacts’ applicable online outlets and channels, giving exhibitors more opportunities for being noticed by trade- and consumer-oriented media professionals. These include editors and publishers of select online or print magazines and newspapers as well as some key television and radio producers.

As you follow our posted series in late April and early May, feel free to add your comments under each narrative / photo. Products with the most comments will be considered for our post-show “Best of Show” feature series. We are looking forward to sharing valuable information and trends with our fans, followers and readers. Connect with us on our social media channels, and see you at the show!

~ The ECPR Team