Win-door Attendance Was Up This Year

Organizers of the Win-door North America 2007 show say that many of the more than 165 exhibiting companies described the show as getting bigger, stronger and more effective. The international fenestration trade show was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, November 15-17. Trade Attendance was more than 3,000, up more than 10 percent from the 2005 show, according to show organizers.

Win-door North America 2006 featured all the latest computer hardware, software, doors, doorlites, hardware, machinery, sealants, weatherseals, testing services, wood products and systems for the fenestration and door industries.

"Win-door North America is truly the most complete fenestration industry package," said Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA) president Robert Latour. "Everything that I have heard from all the exhibitors, are tremendous numbers and excellent quality in traffic in all booths at the show. After more than ten incredible years, Win-door North America has become truly synonymous with being the most focused show in the North American door and window, and truly international in content and just keeps gaining strength."

It was evident at this year's show that window and balcony safety is an issue that is expanding across Canada.

Children continue to benefit from the partnership that has been formed between the CWDMA and EMS Chiefs of Canada to promote window and balcony safety for children across Canada. In a collaborative effort to prevent further tragedies, ten cities across Canada are developing and promoting educational injury prevention campaigns aimed specifically at preventing window and balcony falls.

"Window and balcony falls are preventable. The EMS Chiefs are committed to this expanding injury prevention partnership across Canada," said Bruce Farr, Chief of Toronto EMS and president of the EMS Chiefs of Canada. "Our strong friendship and cooperation has enabled us to move forward in our efforts to eliminate falls from windows and balconies in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax."

The special guest for the opening ceremonies was the Honorable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long Term Care for the Province of Ontario. The Minister in his speech said "this program shows how cooperation through public services, industry associations and their membership can be so effective at delivering the message and the education on such a grand scale."

Also on hand was City of Toronto deputy city manager Susan Corke. New units were presented to the Chiefs of Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and York Region EMS at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 show.

A putting challenge was a prominent feature at the Partners Promoting Window and Door Safety booth, with proceeds going toward the Window and Balcony Safety Program. Farr and Latour were on hand for the drawing of the lucky winners. The prizes were donated by Truth Hardware and Westech, featuring Callaway golf products, Odyssey Putters and Warbird golf balls.

The proceeds of the putting challenge donations combined with a generous contribution from the Win-door North America 2006 show committee raised $3,500 for the injury prevention campaign.