The Canadian economy turned in what economists termed a "breathtaking and spectacular performance" in August. This is the backdrop for the first annualISH North America, the international trade show for the kitchen and bath, plumbing, piping, hvac, and hydronics industry. More than 18,000 visitors from 20 countries will be in Toronto next month for ISH North America.

A highlight of the show will be an exhibit of selected "Design Plus" award winners from Europe. Messe Frankfurt (organizers of ISH North America) and Hanover's if Industrie Forum Design honored a variety of new products at the most recent ISH show in Frankfurt, Germany. Awards were presented in the sanitation, heating, installation technology and measuring, testing, control and regulation technology product categories. The Design Plus label is awarded for particularly innovative design ideas and products that break new ground in terms of form and functionality. Design Plus products showcased at ISH North America are the "cream of the crop" and have been recognized as some of the leading new products in today's marketplace.

Alongside the Design Plus awards exhibit on the show floor will be a New Product Showcase featuring the latest and most creative new products launched in North America in the past year. A number of exhibiting companies have announced that they will use ISH North America as a launch pad for their new products, including Alsons Corporation, American Standard, Bradford White Corporation, Camus Hydronics, Canplas Industries, Crown Boiler, DynaQuip Controls, E&E Elektronik, Glentronics, Grundfos Canada, Halsey Taylor, Heatlink, Jomar International, Liberty Pumps, Mansfield Plumbing, Midland Metal Manufacturing, Peerless Heater, Prelude Systems, Roberts-Gordon, San-Ei Faucet, Watts Industries, Wheeler-Rex and Whirlaway.

On the 300,000 sq-ft-exhibit floor, more than 400 exhibitors will feature all that is new in the industry. Attendees will include wholesale distributors, contractors, builders, engineers, architects, designers, and building and plant managers. They will come to see all the newest products from around the world, meet with their industry colleagues and learn about new trends and techniques available to help them serve their customers more effectively. Up-to-the-minute information including attendee show and seminar registration forms are on the web at www.ish-na.com.