| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Jenny Pareti tel: 703 907 7079 e-mail: jpareti@CE.org |
CEA INDUCTS INAUGURAL CLASS OF DIGITAL PATRIOTS
Senator Allen, Congressmen Boucher and Issa and Outgoing FCC Chairman Powell
| Arlington, Virginia | 3/18/2005 |
The Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) inaugural Digital Patriots Dinner, held Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., celebrated 80 years of technology and innovation by honoring four government leaders known for their support of technological advancements.
The first class of Digital Patriot honorees included:
* Senator George Allen (R-VA)
* Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA)
* Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA)
* Outgoing FCC Chairman Michael Powell
"All four of these leaders have embraced the digital transition and technology innovation that is helping to improve our lives," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "They have made it a priority to learn about technology by attending events like the International CES, which allows them to interact with the products that they have to legislate and regulate. The time that they have invested in understanding these technologies greatly benefits our country, our industry and all consumers. They are true Digital Patriots."
Upon receiving his award, Senator Allen noted that, "government does not create jobs, but a system unburdened by unnecessary regulation does. He mentioned several key technology issues that he intends to address, including fighting against Internet taxation, abolishing the antiquated luxury tax on telephones and enforcing existing laws to combat spyware. "We are only limited by our imagination and our ingenuity," he said. "Free people produce liberty, productivity and prosperity."
Representative Issa thanked CEA, calling it a "great association" and expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the work conducted by CEA on behalf of the consumer electronics industry and entrepreneurialism.
Representative Boucher's comments focused on the current threat facing first amendment rights, specifically pointing to the upcoming "Grokster" case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could reverse the 20-year-old Betamax decision. Betamax is widely considered to have provided the legal foundation for explosion of technological innovation that has occurred in the U.S. over the last 20 years. "It was a good law 20 years ago and it's still a good law today," Boucher proclaimed to widespread support from the crowd. "The Betamax decision has enriched American society and needs to be upheld."
Outgoing FCC Chairman Michael Powell commended CEA for creating an award that focuses on two important concepts: digital and patriots. He said that the award was particularly meaningful to him based on his upbringing. "I grew up in a family of patriots and was taught that you need to give your best to your country and to contribute to its future," he stated. "On behalf of all the award winners, we are well positioned as digital patriots; we are ready for the fight."
In addition, CEA presented its Industry Digital Patriot award to Intel's CEO, Dr. Craig Barrett. Dr. Barrett received his award during a luncheon held Wednesday at CEA's new conference entitled IP and Creativity: Redefining the Issue.
"Craig Barrett stands as one of the true deans of the digital age," said Shapiro. "He has made his mark not only by leading one of the world's most innovative companies but by standing as a staunch defender of fair use and the right to innovate. For his commitment to innovation, his defense of fair use and his passion for technology, I am proud to present Dr. Craig Barrett as our Industry Digital Patriot."
Visit www.ce.org for more information about the Digital Patriots Awards and Dinner as well as pictures from the event.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $113 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.