Okay, DuneCraft, Inc’s Hydro-Dome product, a hydroponic method of growing plants in water (no soil) that uses mineral nutrient solutions, is right up our alley. Over the years, our team at ECPR has publicized and featured just about every type of plant and growing system on the market. Take it from us, this is a very cool product that will be enjoyed by home and garden magazine, newspaper, and blog readers. So, consumer publication editors, bloggers and garden writers, take a moment to keep reading.

And, for retailers interested in supplying customers with unique ways to garden indoors and at home with the kids, this all-in-one gardening hydro-system makes for a self-contained kit – something very different to address the garden-to-table and gardening-at-home trends.

At the National Hardware Show next week, DuneCraft will be exhibiting the hydroponic system, which includes a Hydro-Pump (a pump, airline and a diffuser stone). One of its best attributes is that, unlike some similar hobbyist offerings which are merely capillary wick systems, this is true hydroponic gardening on a small scale with a flood plain and bubbler system. Users can grow plants in rock-wool and net pots, which suspend plants in the air at the perfect height for maximum nutrition and aeration. In researching the kit, our staff most liked the fact it comes with everything needed: a greenhouse with hydroponic tray, two-part nutrient, net pots, rock-wool, seeds, hydro-pump for aeration, and easy-to-follow directions.

The Hydro-Dome retails for $29.99 and is safe for ages 13 and up. We are happy to report that Hydro-Dome was featured in Popular Mechanics for being one of the “Top 12 Gadgets” from The International Toy Fair in February 2010.

Retailers, can this meet your needs for unique gardening product options? Garden writers, post your comments. We know you have thoughts about this trendy product.

~ Adam

This product was chosen as one of our National Hardware Show “Sneak Peeks” because we know many editor contacts and friends of ours seek truly innovative products to share with their readers. This product stood out to our whole team as a very useful and helpful tool for the home as well as for spas, gyms, and other areas where indoor humidity or condensation is a concern. Using it is an effective way to keep bathrooms free of condensation, therefore reducing or eliminating health hazards and costly repairs.

DewStop is a user-friendly, cost-effective way for homebuilders and homeowners to monitor and control the effects of condensation in homes. Because of its technology, price and ease of use, the DewStop FS-100-W1 Fan Switch can be installed in every bathroom or similar space. The installation is quick and easy, and can be done by most homeowners.

While measuring humidity, dew point, and temperature, DewStop will turn on exhaust fans. After the room is clear of moisture, it automatically turns off the fan. DewStop’s ability to sense dew point and automatically turn on fans helps prevent harmful mold and mildew. The best part – no more skirting across the bathroom floor dripping wet, after forgetting to flip on the fan switch before getting into the shower.

Home, Shelter and Spa magazine readers will love this product as an “Editor’s Pick” or product profile. – Retailers and members of the media, we hope you will say hello to the folks in the DewStop / GTR Technologies, Inc. exhibit booth at the National Hardware Show.

~ Don

Having just visited beautiful Auckland, New Zealand, and now preparing for the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Don and I have a couple of things in common with this company. EnviroSafe Technologies, a privately held company based in Auckland, New Zealand, is know for developing one of the first environmentally friendly mosquito traps. Now, an established global brand, Mega-Catch™ mosquito traps, have been sold in over 40 countries around the world including Australia, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Argentina, and in the continent of North America. Mega-Catch™ mosquito traps are safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly, and, best of all, they do not require the use of harmful pesticides, fogs or sprays to kill mosquitoes.

Planned for display at the National Hardware Show next week, Mega-Catch™ 3000 has been formulated to increase capture rates of nuisance mosquitoes (including aedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger Mosquito) sand flies, black files, and biting midges (no-see-ums). The product is a combination lure incorporating synthetic Octenol, lactic acid and other ingredients. Michael Bremner, general manager, describes it as aromatherapy for mosquitoes.

Show attendees and media members will also be able to learn about the company’s new patent-pending Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Series. Four new and improved models, the PRO 900 Series ALPHA, PREMIER (photo below), PREMIER XC, and ULTRA traps offer users features designed to increase capture rates and take the guesswork out of mosquito control. With more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes bothering and biting homeowners around the globe, these non-toxic and eco-friendly mosquito traps are safe and well worth considering.

If you are a member of the media and cannot attend the show this year, let us know any questions at deberly@eberlycollardpr.com . We can put you in touch with the folks that created Mega-Catch. Comments may be posted here, so let us know what you think.

~ Jeff

With the National Hardware Show just around the corner, our team at ECPR is enjoying the process of selecting and featuring products in our ongoing pre-show “Sneak Peek” series. There are many incredible products being planned for introductions, launches and revisits at the show. For those lucky enough to attend, it is going to be a top-level means for learning about the products and brands that will stand out in 2010 and beyond. Show organizers have done an amazing job of planning education and events for exhibitors, media members, and attendees. For folks not able to make the trip to Las Vegas this year, keep returning to our blog for pre-show “Sneak Peek” updates and post-show “Best ofs…” and trend insights from the exhibitors.

If you haven’t read the previous product posts or introduction to the series, scroll down to read them in reverse order (and select “Older Posts” at the bottom of the blog page).

Okay, onto our next “Sneak Peek” product profile… The name alone is an attention-grabber. It is Green it! Organic Lawn in a Box, produced and sold by Environmental Factor Inc. We picked this product based upon the growing trend of do-it-yourself enthusiasm on the parts of homeowners. Green it! Organic Lawn in a Box is a complete do-it-yourself organic lawn care program at an affordable price. By using it, preventing weed and insect problems naturally is easy. The result is a thicker and greener lawn. So, to our editor friends looking for ways to enlighten readers about the “perfect” lawn in late spring or summer Living or Gardening articles, consider this information for them.

Each box includes a 3-step chemical-free fertilizer program for spring, summer and fall. The fertilizer comes pre-mixed and ready to spray, eliminating risk of burning and over application. The Green It kit also includes sprayable liquid corn gluten (based on technology developed by Iowa State University), fish / seaweed fertilizers, a soil pH test kit, and a lawn guide and bonus weeder. – The product contents may sound intense at first; but, it is easy and fast to use even for the person with no green thumb. Anything that is tested to supply sustainable and lush organic lawns, with a no-hassle approach like this, gets our vote.

And, unlike a few other fertilizers on the market these days, Environmental Factor Inc., packages its Green It product in environmentally conscious material. Each box is made from FSC-certified packaging, making this a truly sustainable product at large. Its suggested retail price of $39.99 is worth mentioning, too, since it is a small price to pay for lush, green grass. – Fertilizer and lawn care articles are available to editors and publishers by contacting our staff at ECPR or posting comments here. Producers taking stock of fertilizers and home / garden products for upcoming show productions, we can help there, too. – If packing for Vegas during the next few days, visit Environmental Factor Inc. at the show.

~ Don

Hands-down, we had to include this product in our National Hardware Show “Sneak Peek” series. We have written about, promoted, publicized, created videos for, and answered questions pertaining to reparative lawn products and fertilizers for years. Jeff and I have had our articles about grass and soil amendments as well as trade and consumer fertilizer products published in many magazines, and this one caught our eye at first glance. The new K9-Turf Fertilizer is an all-purpose fertilizer used seasonally and repairs yellow spots in the lawn from dog urine or salt damage. And, yes, it is safe for both pets and children.

In short, it is a custom-designed lawn patch that neutralizes pet urine and conditions the soil, with premium grass seed to patch bare spots. Dark green grasses flourish with this mixture of gypsum and perennial grasses to quickly re-grow grass in the place of long-gone yellow spots. According to the company, K9-Turf Fertilizer grows anywhere, is safe for the environment, works as a unique blend of premium seed that matches most lawns, retains moisture for seed germination, germinates in five to seven days, and covers 250 square feet or 90 bare spots.

K9-Turf Products is a family-owned grass seed supplier with over 80 years of combined experience in the grass seed business. The company has patented its formula of seed, organic matter, and organic soil conditioner as an environmentally responsible solution for repairing lawns.

Editors seeking articles about consumer fertilizers with lawn repair tips from expert sources like the makers of this product and others, contact us anytime. Those heading to Vegas for the National Hardware Show next week, take a few minutes to learn more about K9-Turf Products on site.

~ Don

“It fits like a glove” is an understatement with LFS, Inc.’s new Bellingham Gloves, innovative gloves that are being officially introduced at the National Hardware Show, May 4-6. They fit like a glove, and then some! With a new design that offers a better fit, improved grip, and the ability to keep hands cooler and more comfortable, they fully deserve a “Sneak Peek” on our blog, as part of our advanced round-up of some of the show’s top products and brands.

If a good fit is the effect, what then – many retailers and consumers will ask – is the cause? Simple, the answer is evident when taking a look at what sets these gloves apart from many others. These new Bellingham Gloves utilize two technological advancements. This includes Plied Yarn Technology (PYT™), a combination of nylon, cotton and spandex fibers, spun or plied together, and knit into seamless liners. Applied, this equates to the lightweight toughness of nylon, the absorbency and wicking ability of cotton, and the stretch and resilience of spandex. NFT™ is the second new technology, relating to the coating on the palm and fingertips. The NFT™ coatings are filled with micro capillaries that draw water and oil away from the surface of the gloves, providing better grip when handling wet and dry components. This provides more flexibility and better fingertip sensitivity than conventionally coated gloves. The combination produces gloves with superior fit, comfort, and durability.

Bellingham Glove’s 3005 glove comes in either berry or black PYT™ yarn with a 4NFT™ rubber-palm coating (left). The 3705 glove comes in midnight blue PYT™ with a 2NFT™ Nitrile palm (right). Both styles have many hardware and lawn / garden applications.

We already have plans to consider these great new gloves for our post-show coverage. They have qualified as a potential contender for our “Best of Products” articles or posts. If you are a media member and would like more information, let us know. Or, if you are a show attendee, drop by the LFS, Inc. booth (#10453) at the National Hardware Show.

~ Jeff

For those of you beginning to follow our “Sneak Peek” series of The National Hardware Show (see our introduction post below, if you haven’t yet read it), you know the show is the place for global manufacturers, associations, organizations, and the media to unveil new products, ideas and insights to a broad spectrum of home improvement resellers.

Our first “Sneak Peak” selection is from PureSpectrum, Inc., one of the exhibitors planned for the show in Las Vegas May 4-6, 2010. We picked the company’s new dimmable Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), which is an energy-efficient light bulb that has its sights set on replacing energy-eating incandescent bulbs for residential applications. The new product’s features and benefits made choosing to feature it an easy decision for us. The new dimmable CFL from PureSpectrum does just that; it dims. No small feat when you consider the fact many other “dimmable” CFLs on the market leave consumers in the dark, or in bright light when not desired, for that matter.

Meanwhile, this new bulb addresses virtually every consumer concern we have heard or read pertaining to CFLs. We like it because it is truly and fully dimmable – from 100 to 20 percent of perceived light output. It is compatible with most brand-name wall dimmers and offers linear regressive dimming, smooth uninterrupted dimming that mirrors the dimming of incandescent bulbs. Possibly, the number one benefit is linear regressive reduction in power consumption. In short, unlike some other dimmable CFLs, power consumption is reduced proportionally during dimming. When consumers flip the switch, there is no flickering or buzzing, just quiet and consistent light levels during operation.

The company’s president, Lee Vanatta, says this new CFL supplies substantial energy savings through the dimming function, given the proportional reduction in energy consumption as the bulb is dimmed. – We can’t think of a better first “Sneak Peek” today since it is Earth Day. Take time to visit the folks from PureSpectrum at the show. This product launch will happen in Vegas, but it won’t stay in Vegas. When media members learn about this product, I think the news will spread like a shining light.

If you are a member of the media and cannot attend the show this year, let us know any questions at deberly@eberlycollardpr.com . Everyone is welcome to post comments here as well.

~ Don

We at Eberly & Collard Public Relations are gearing up for The National Hardware Show, which will be held May 4-6, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Appliance / storage companies like Whirlpool Corporation / Gladiator Garage, $23-billion science-based companies such as 3M, and some of the biggest tool, lawn & garden, electrical, house wares, and paint brands in the world will be participating. According to show officials, some 2,300 plus exhibitors will have their latest and greatest product innovations on display during the show.

This marks the 65th anniversary of the National Hardware Show, which is completely sold out of exhibit space to manufacturers from the Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden / Outdoor Living, Tailgating products, and other key industries. The list of attendees promises to be one of the strongest line-up of buyers, representing not only traditional retail and wholesale outlets but untraditional channels like grocery, mass, drug, catalog, Internet and international retailers. This includes industry giants like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Sears, True Value, Costco, Sam’s Club, Ace Hardware, and many more, representing more than $210 billion in sales revenue.

Our ECPR team has developed an alliance with the show and various editors of both trade and consumer publications to cover select products and innovative trends, as introduced or launched by some of the show exhibitors. We will be writing pre-show product “Sneak Peeks” and publishing them on our blog, which is an online content and photo resource for members of the media. The “Sneak Peeks” will be featured based upon products we choose that offer key innovative qualities.

Though, covering significant and industry-changing products from the National Hardware Show goes even farther than this for our staff. In a number of 2010 byline articles assigned to us by editors of magazines, newspapers, syndicates, and websites, we will be including or featuring some of the top products and trend insights we gather before, during and after the show.

Keep checking our blog for an ongoing series of product “Sneak Peeks” leading up to May 4. Also, follow us on Twitter during the show, as we’ll be doing live tweets about products and trends from the show floor. Our picks of post-show product and exhibitor information will be published mid-May through summer on our:

· Blog: www.eberlycollardpr.blogspot.com
· Facebook Fanpage: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Facebook
· Twitter: http://twitter.com/eberlycollardpr
· Flickr photo pages: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Flickr

So, think of our social media channels as a means to learn about 2010’s advanced and new products for the home and outdoor remodeling industry and home improvement trade.
Members of the media whom have not tapped into this resource… Contact us if you would like to receive special articles, product profiles, photos, etc. – stemming from the show – on assignment.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in Vegas!

~ Don, Jeff & team

Social media is causing major changes in the ways consumers learn about and purchase products. In addition, trade professionals are seeking more information about wholesale or design-based products and services through social media channels. In short, people are not as easily swayed by paid-for ad space as they once were in the hay days of advertising. Public relations and social media are essentials in the current business environment.

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and others are fast-becoming places for live streams of shared online activity. Where products and businesses are concerned, this is referred to as brand streams. Online communities are forming based upon specific interest topics, and companies stand real chances to gain referral traffic from these social networks. Best of all, company leaders can use social media to interface directly with their customers or clients, and participate in their online conversations. And, finding ways to interact with and engage customers or clients is an all-important goal for businesses, wouldn’t we all agree?

If you would like to develop social media channels for your own brand, products and company, and are unsure of the necessary phases and metrics of successful measurement. Or, if you are a company owner or management leader who set-up social media accounts such as a Facebook Fanpage, Twitter, or a blog, and you now are looking to invent a strategic plan of action, consider outsourcing your social media to us. At ECPR, we specialize in PR 2.0, as we define it, the combination of traditional public relations and today’s social media networks. This leads to building online communities – of existing customers, potential customers, supporters, media members, and others within your constituency groups.

Or, just keep checking our Fanpage and blog, as we will be posting an ongoing series of how-to and helpful social media narratives, ideas and comments. Post your questions and comments – what you think works, what doesn’t, social media best practices, ideas, etc. – here as well.

Check out our Media Channels:

Our Fanpage: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Facebook

Our Twitter: http://twitter.com/eberlycollardpr

Our Flickr: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Flickr

Our Web site: www.eberlycollardpr.com

~ Don

Stemming from introduction at last year’s K/BIS show, products from Kohler Co. have been making their mark among builders / designers and consumers during late 2009 and early 2010. The concept of ‘mise en place’ (a French phrase defined by the Culinary Institute of America meaning “everything in place”) is successfully integrated in Kohler Co.’s new Karbon articulating kitchen faucet. This model combines industry-focused technology with the design needs of today’s busy homeowner.



This faucet has all the versatile mobility of a pull-down faucet. While the concept of a pull-down faucet is not new, five pivoting joints of the Karbon faucet allow the user to precisely position – and keep – the water stream exactly where it is needed. This kind of streamlined functionality and ease-of-use was widely noticeable at the show. Additionally, the faucet offers both spray and aerated water flow options, eliminating the need for a side spray. All finishes are available in deck- and wall-mount models.

The company’s new line of Stages™ kitchen sinks was inspired by professional chefs. In much the same way professionals in other industries help shape product design, professional chefs helped develop this new line. These products provide true efficiency and beauty, trend factors magazine editors and television program producers tell us are essentials for media coverage.

From prep and cooking to cleanup, the Stages kitchen sink has been designed to integrate all related tasks around the sink area. Kohler product designers essentially created a hybrid of home and commercial restaurant kitchen sinks. Builders looking to impress a wide range of homeowners should consider this as an option that allows for commercial-quality kitchen appeal.

This sink is different from so many others out there, due to the number of culinary tools actually included with the sink. Among these is a utensil tray, which is perfect for organizing ladles, knives and other accessories used during the cooking process or to soak utensils when cleaning. A dual-sided flip tray serves as both a cutting board and serving tray; also included is a separate cutting tray to keep the kitchen area more sanitary.

Possibly, one of the best features is a wire rack that protects the sink’s basin, while providing a surface for cleaning and drying dishes.

From restaurateurs and hoteliers to builders and consumers in general, this sink is deserving of a close look. – Editors and producers, based upon our latest focus group findings (Quarter 4, 2009), in which builder- / trade-based and homeowner consumer magazine readers rated “Sinks and Appliances with Multiple Design and Technical Features” in their top 10 product preferences, they may very well send you a big “thank you” were you to share this information with them in 2010.

~ Don