AHR EXPO Welcome to Orlando!

As further indication of the improving economy, managers of the AHR Expo — to be held in Orlando, FL January 25-27 — report that 165 new companies that didn't participate in AHR Expo 2009 have signed on to exhibit at the upcoming 2010 event. Close to 100 of those companies have never exhibited at AHR Expo and 75 of those companies signed up during a 30-day period from September through October.

“We definitely believe that the steadily improving economy is a key factor in the surge of companies signing up to exhibit,” says Clay Stevens, President of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the AHR EXPO. “The fact that 75 companies signed on in such a short period also reinforces the importance of AHR Expo to their economic recovery plans.”

Stevens says he believes many companies were waiting to see how prospects for their fourth quarter were looking before committing to the world's largest HVACR - exclusive event. AHR Expo attracts more than 1,700 exhibiting companies and tens of thousands of HVACR professionals to the annual event. Other positive economic signs for AHR Expo and the HAVCR industry are:

• Several companies that had previously cancelled their 2010 space have recently decided to come back into the Show.

• According to a recent survey of 1,000 exhibiting companies, 70% said that they expect the economy will be better in the first quarter of 2010, and 72% said that they expect their customers will start buying more in the first quarter of next year.

• 310 international-based companies from 27 countries are currently signed up to exhibit, comparable to the last Orlando Show.

• The emphasis on “green” products is driving demand for more energy-efficient equipment.

In spite of reports that show U.S. construction will still be dragging its feet through 2010, HVACR industry professionals have businesses to run, products to manufacture, and comfort needs of millions of people that still must be met.

The following are just a sampling of HVACR products on display during AHR Expo 2010. They're compiled from news received by ContractingBusiness.com editors.

The show — and business — must go on. So here we go!

Hallowell International Booth 3034

Hallowell International introduces the Acadia Combined Heating and Cooling System.

The Acadia is a single system engineered to efficiently heat and cool homes no matter what the weather is outside. A patented, next generation heat pump, it's uniquely designed to run efficiently and without backup even at temperatures as cold as minus 30F, sources say.
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Victaulic Booth 3726

Victaulic has announced the extension of its line of patented Advanced Groove System (AGS) couplings for faster and easier installation of large-diameter piping systems. The line extension means Victaulic now offers rigid and flexible couplings with the AGS technology for pipe sizes up to 60-in. in diameter for HVAC, mining, water and wastewater and industrial applications.
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