(MCKEESPORT, PA) Now in its eighth year, Pembertons' annual Winterfest trade show again posted impressive attendance numbers and earned high marks from guests among the 200 companies who packed McKeesport Spectrum Center for this end-of-January cleaning and restoration industry tradition.

     According to Winterfest veterans like company owner Craig Lindquist, this Pembertons' exclusive event has set high expectations: "Every year I leave amazed at how Jim and Lee can put on such a great event. I also leave thinking that there is no way that they could do better the following year. Well...every year they defy my conventional thinking and do better...way better."

     Mark Cermak, another Winterfest regular, agreed that it is a must-see event. "Once again... an absolutely fantastic Winterfest. An event not to be missed. Enjoyed seeing so many friends and making many more. It's already on our calendar for next year."

     Attendees began arriving at 7:30 a.m. to enjoy continental breakfast, get early looks at the new exhibits, and find friends to sit with during the presentations and catered lunch. These early birds helped consume 18 dozen doughnuts, 24 dozen Danish, gallons and gallons of coffee, as well as fresh orange and grapefruit juices.

     Many vendors introduced equipment seen nationally first at Winterfest, such as the Drieaz Rover and Airpath, as well as the Prochem Everest 650 and the BlueLine Thermal Wave Vortec, and the Vortex 7000 HAT truck mount. Also seen for the first time was Mastercrafts' wood, concrete, and marble refinishing system. This dustless wood refinishing technique is seen as an affordable approach to deck sanding and refinishing.

     Lee Pemberton, as has been the tradition, kicked off Winterfest's program with a startling view of today's consumer and how computer technology and consumer attitudes are radically reshaping the world for cleaners and restorers. One guest summarized Lee's comments this way. "It never ceases to amaze me how progressive Lee is. When many his age are basking in their past and avoiding this tech revolution, Lee is not only embracing it, but preaching about the need for all of us to become tech friendly. He is a perfect example of lifelong learning."

     Winterfest 07 presentations included: Zinsser (another new vendor for Pembertons); Mark Violand; Gary Moyer with Interlink; and, Daren Hudema from Drieaz who brought cutting edge information on both the technical as well as the marketing aspects of the cleaning and restoration industry. Generous prizes were given away throughout the day, as well as a special award from Hydramaster Corporation for Jim Bane, Pembertons' veteran service manager and equipment specialist.

     The Winterfest programs always break at noon for a sumptuous catered lunch. This year it featured 4 buffet-style serving lines with endless fried chicken, meatball entrees, vegetables, potatoes, salads, and beverages. A perennial favorite, the wine and cheese bar, opened at lunch and served wine, beer, cheese and hors d'oeuvres throughout the event.

     Jim Pemberton wrapped up the presentations with a tribute to industry innovators. This discussion moved, quite surprisingly, to a blistering attack on the CRI Seal of Approval Program. He urged each cleaner and restorer to personally contact the CRI to affect changes. "We've seen how individuals who speak up can change industries. I urge you to contact the CRI with your questions, objections and suggestions," he concluded.

     By 3:30 p.m. the room was packed with cleaners and restorer's anxiously waiting to see if they would be the winner of the Ninja portable carpet cleaning extractor. When the number was called, Frank Werling of Carpet Appearance Management trotted up to the stage with a wide grin to accept his prize from Lee Pemberton and Mike Ellis from Century.