CEA Gearing Up for 2005: Mark of Excellence Awards

It's that time of year again -- the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) Mark of Excellence Awards (MEAs) is preparing for it's 2005 campaign.

The MEAs program, presented by CEA's TechHome Division, recognizes the people, products and companies at the forefront of innovation in the home controls and networking industry. Each year, manufacturers, distributors, and installers compete in 20 categories for the coveted awards that are judged by experts within the industry.

The MEAs program culminates with the MEAs Banquet held in Orlando, Fla. during Spring Electronic House Expo (EHX), February 23–26, 2005. A ceremony is conducted during the banquet to honor the finalists and announce the winners.

This is the 10th year the MEAs will be presented. Every year the award categories are evaluated to make sure they continue to be fresh, accurate, and all encompassing.

The prestigious MEAs are helping manufacturers, distributors and installers gain the recognition they deserve.

"The [MEA] award for Best Networked A/V Component has been a boon to our business, as many technology partners, distribution channels, and home system integrators have become interested in and/or have committed to our product," says Brad Kayton, vice president of marketing and business development for PRISMIQ, Inc.

"We have signed new partners and sold a noticeable increase of units by this recognition. It's a great third-party endorsement of our solution that has been extremely valuable in achieving our goals."

The 2004 MEA winner for TechHome Dealer of the Year, Shawn Smith of S&S Electric Co., Inc. says, "Being named the 2004 TechHome Dealer of the Year by the [CEA] was a great honor for our company, family and employees. As the third generation of a family managed business, receiving this award truly reflects our founding principles of superb workmanship and integrity."

The online entry process will be available via www.ce.org/MoE starting October 18, 2004. The final deadline for submissions is November 22, 2004, with an early bird entry discount available until November 7, 2004.

Both CEA members and non-members are eligible. The product, system, or technology to be considered must be available to U.S. consumers, must be in the marketplace no later than December 31, 2004, and must have never before been entered into the MEAs program.

New versions of previously entered products, systems, or technologies must be considerably different from and significantly enhance the original or former versions of the product.

Home installation projects must also be new to the awards program and completed by December 31, 2004.

For more information or to be a part of the MEAs program visit www.ce.org/MoE, call 703-907-7432.

Tom Callahan is the chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association's TechHome Division. He is also president of Sawyers Control Systems, a system integration company based in northern New Jersey.