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

The International Casual Furniture & Accessories (ICFA) Market is held during fall in Chicago each year, and it provides valuable insights to industry professionals regarding the latest casual (outdoor) furniture lines, trends and styles.

Part of the panel’s goal was to help audience members (designers, retailers, manufacturers, etc.) uncover trend information – both past and forthcoming. Since that time, it has been inspiring to see casual furniture and accessory manufacturers continue to develop their lines based upon trends. In essence, we are seeing the forecasted trends taking shape in the field. Many of our clients and industry friends are telling us the overall marketplace is rebounding for spring 2010, with sales exponentially increasing over last year. Indicators are pointing to a prosperous year, and we are already gearing up for the fall 2010 ICFA market. So, designers, retailers and manufactures alike, keep up the good work and send us your trend findings via emails or posts, and your product releases and images through email. If they are used, we will surely feature the product and credit the company. We’ll also track any magazine articles for everyone that stem from our trend research / writing.

I also wanted to share a great current article with our blog readers including helpful information from Jaclyn Kotzum, MMPI’s marketing director for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. In the article, About.com’s furniture editor Abe Abbas asks Jaclyn for her take on the last market / show and this year’s trends and development in casual furniture.

The show, by the way, is fully dedicated to the casual furnishings industry and is recognized and formally endorsed by the International Casual Furnishings Association and Casual Furniture Retailers Association. It is managed by MMPI, and that is where Jaclyn comes into play. – And, as a side note, both Jaclyn and Abe are incredible industry enthusiasts. You can read Abe’s article here…

The article in mention (linked above) provides solid exposure to ICFA and all of us in the industry, because it supplies us with exposure and endorsement to the consumer audience on one of the most viewed Web sites online. Alexa, a top site ranking tool, places About.com as the 25th most viewed site in the U.S. and specifies that it spans 10 different countries with over 31 million global site viewers daily.

Register for Abe’s newsletter at this link: http://furniture.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm

Last, take a look at two of our “Best of Show” picks for 2010. Yes, we selected a few “Best ofs…” though in varied categories.

Mondecasa’s Porcelain Bowl (dining set) was selected as our “Best of Creative Design.”

Jardin de Ville’s Terrace Concept pavilions were chosen as “Best of Combined Form and Function.”

Members of the media, touch base with us if you’d like to interview any of our casual furniture or designer clients and / or industry acquaintances. You can also learn more on our site, www.eberlycollardpr.com.

~ Don

 

As spring quickly approaches, gardeners around the country are eagerly anticipating the first visit to their local garden centers. With so many wonderful companies and unique varieties available, how do gardeners decide where to start?

Better Homes and Gardens’ March 4, e-newsletter Garden Notes, has simplified the selection process with a stellar collection of must-grow perennials for 2010. From succulents to grasses and a few heuchera varieties in between, there are plenty of beauties to get consumers growing.

Terra Nova Nurseries, among other great companies, was well represented with several impressive new plants. In particular, the dramatic foliage leaves of Heuchera ‘Midnight Bayou’ and Heucherella ‘Golden Zebra’ are rather vivid, and will certainly be a colorful addition to containers, beds, and borders. Another stand-out in the collection is the Echinacea ‘Firebird’, a great coneflower for gardeners looking to beat the summer heat, drought, rabbits, and deer.

All in all, this is a great showcase of new plants available to gardeners across the country. Keep checking Garden Notes for the latest and greatest plant insights.

What are some of your favorites? And, as industry professionals or members of the media, how else can we / you help make plant selection easier for consumers? Ideas are welcome.

~ Adam

Implementing an effective public relations plan can be a comprehensive task. With so many guidelines and procedures, it can be overwhelming. However, those who follow correct protocol will be highly rewarded. Public relations campaigns can yield incredible results and publicity, bringing attention in print, on air, and online to products, manufactures and designers. Take a look at a section of our Web site that briefly explains our public relations services: https://eberlycollardpr.com/public-media-relations.asp

Then, take a few minutes to read about public relations from Jen Polanz. She recently wrote an insightful piece regarding public relations, from the editor’s perspective. We agree with her points of interest and wanted to share the information with the readers of our blog. Even if you are not the owner of a garden center, the essential information still applies.

To read Jen’s full article, Effective PR, visit, http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/viewpoints/jenniferpolanz/?storyid=3031

From a business standpoint, what type of public relations works best for you? For members of the media, what are your top points of advice to businesses pitching you story ideas, product information, etc.?

– Adam

Dan Heims, president and co-founder of Terra Nova Nurseries, has over 33 years of horticulture experience and has helped introduce more than 600 new plant varieties to gardeners all across the United States. As an educator, Heims is known as a knowledgeable enthusiast in all things horticulture and has spent years lecturing all over the world.

This March, he’ll be speaking at the following two events…

Idaho Horticulture Symposium:

Heims will be conducting two keynote sessions about “Flash and Splash – Building: the Color Story” and “How Dry I Am – Dryscaping for the Consumer” at the Idaho Horticulture Symposium in Boise. The annual Idaho Horticulture Symposium, hosted by the Idaho Horticultural Society, will be held on March 6, 2010, and open to landscape designers, home gardeners, writers, and more. During “Flash and Splash – Building: the Color Story,” Heims will discuss variegated and color-leaved plants, how these unique varieties are discovered, and the use of these plants in garden design. During “How Dry I Am,” Heims will address plants for “water-wise” landscaping, water shortages and distribution. For more information about the Idaho Horticultural Society and registration, please visit www.gardencentral.org.
All-Iowa Horticultural Expo:

Heims will be a keynote speaker at the All-Iowa Horticultural Expo, lecturing on “Right Plant, Right Place.” This event will take place on Saturday, March 20, at 10:00 a.m., at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, IA. Whether a garden space is dry, wet or shady, Heims will advise attendees on how to make good plant selections for problematic areas and how to keep these areas healthy. For more information about attending the All-Iowa Horticultural Expo, please visit www.iowahort.org.

If you are a member of the media and would like additional information on how to attend these talks for free, please feel free to contact me at lkirk@eberlycollardpr.com.

~Leslie

Due to a great number of comments recently from interior and outdoor room designers, and requests for more information on color design, we are re-posting this brief article on decorating tips. This post was originally written back in August, but still conveys important color design concepts applicable to everyday décor.

Original Post:

The use of color in interior and exterior design and decorating should demonstrate order and harmony. When the elements are unbalanced they radiate chaos, leaving an unfavorable impression.

Red – Whether positive or negative, the color red is an attention grabber. The use of red should be used sparingly in the home, it is a vibrant, powerful color. Accents are an essential aspect of interior design, the color red possesses the illusion of depth as it seems to spring these items forward.

Brown – Often paired with red for a warm, rustic texture, the color brown is frequently associated with the age or richness of the space. However, lighter shades of brown such as tan, beige, and sand offer a clean earthy feel. When used in an interior setting, brown helps other colors appear fuller and brighter, conveying a sense of wholesomeness.

White – White is one of the most widely used colors in interior design and decorating. The use of a white background offers a sharp contrast to other colors, like red curtains amongst white furniture and walls. However, white should be used carefully as it can be seen as cold.
What are some of your design techniques and / or tips regarding the use of color?

~ Adam

We’ve already heard from some great furniture manufacturers and other interior design professionals, and we look forward to receiving additional feedback as we gather color trends for 2010!

Moss Acres, a leading supplier of live moss since 2001, released news at this year’s IGC and ASLA shows about a new product for shady garden areas – the Moss Milkshake. This dry mix is a unique blend of fragmented moss plants, powdered buttermilk, acidifying agents, and a special water retention gel powder. By simply adding water to the mixture, gardeners, landscapers, and moss enthusiasts can create a gel-like “slurry” that is ideal for spreading over most any firm, bare surface. A lot of folks with whom we talked at both of these shows said they thought the product name and milk carton-shaped (for consumer / retail sales) packaging were ingenious. We agree.

Mosses thrive in shady landscapes. Most any shaded or partially shaded area can be ideal for utilizing the Moss Milkshake technique. For shaded lawns where grass is limited, moss is an ideal alternative. Instead of fighting nature by attempting to grow grass in shade, many homeowners and professional landscapers are turning to moss.

Once established, moss is low maintenance. After installation and cell nodes have a chance to activate, moss plants do not require frequent watering to survive. However, watering does help maintain lush and green moss over time. For a look at various moss products from the company, take a look at www.mossacres.com.

~ Jeff

At the IGC show this year, Novelty Manufacturing displayed a mix of gorgeous, affordable new products for 2010. Checking the Web site is a good and easy way to become familiar with the company, its best practices (which are pretty impressive), and the latest products and lines.

The new Ella planters, with their square contour, stand out to us as having some incredible wide appeal. These chic containers bring a modish new twist to the ArtStone Line. They are trendy in color and durable in strength. Tall Ella containers can bring endless beauty to doorways and patios with their striking form. The Ella rectangle containers are the perfect choice for adorning a table top or accessorizing a windowsill.

Here’s the best part… Novelty believes in sustaining the environment. Most of the company’s products are made of recyclable polymers and alloys. They use pre- and post-consumer recycled materials in some of their best-selling items. This unique selling proposition can then be passed along to retailers, which we all know, is important to end-consumers.

To learn more about Ella planters or other product offerings from Novelty, visit, www.noveltymfg.com. – Also, post your comments / questions about these and other trend containers.

~ Adam