ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced that U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and VOXX chairman and founder John Shalam will be honored as Digital Patriots for their support of technology innovation. The tenth annual Digital Patriots Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to honor our 2014 Digital Patriots for their passion and support of innovation. Their dedication and leadership help make the U.S. stronger and better able to lead the global economy,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Through their work in Congress, Senators Klobuchar and Portman have implemented and embraced policies that promote innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the American economy. As chairman and founder of VOXX International Corp., a member of CEA’s Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) and an industry visionary, John Shalam has made countless contributions to advancing our industry and preserving our nation’s role as the world’s leading innovator.”
In 2006, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar became the first woman elected to represent the state of Minnesota in the United States Senate. As Senate Chair of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the President’s Export Council and the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar has been a leader in promoting job creation and business growth. Her leadership on patent litigation reform, immigration reform and marketplace fairness demonstrates her commitment to promoting innovation. Read Senator Klobuchar’s full bio on CE.org.
U.S. Senator Portman has served as two-time Cabinet member, as director of the Office of Management and Budget, and as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). As USTR, he was responsible for implementing and enforcing U.S. trade policy, reducing barriers to U.S. exports, and increasing enforcement of trade laws to help level the playing field for American workers. Read Senator Portman’s full bio on CE.org.
John Shalam founded Audiovox Corp., the predecessor of VOXX International, in 1965. He currently serves as the company’s chairman. Through its varied wholly-owned subsidiaries, VOXX International is an international leader in the marketing of premium speaker systems, consumer electronics and a variety of mobile electronics that include mobile multimedia, vehicle security and mobile video systems and their related accessories. The company is listed on the NASDAQ and had sales of $835 million in 2013. The company owns 30 of the world’s most renowned brands and it markets its products to a large and diverse distribution network both domestically and internationally. Shalam is also active in CEA, where he serves on the BIL, and is chairman of CEA’s Investment Committee, as well as chairman of the CEA Foundation. He was instrumental in helping CEA become an active participant in the wireless communications industry, establishing the Wireless Communications Division in 2001, and acting as its first and founding chairman. Read Shalam’s full bio on CE.org.
All proceeds from the Digital Patriots Dinner will be donated to the CEA Foundation.
In conjunction with the Digital Patriots Dinner, CES on the Hill, an invitation-only event providing policymakers the opportunity to interact with the technology companies and products that are changing the way we live, work and play, returns to the nation’s capital on Wednesday, April 30. Members of Congress, key Hill staff and DC media will experience the innovative technologies at the center of today’s policy debates.
Press is encouraged to register for the Digital Patriots Dinner and CES on the Hill in advance.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $208 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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CES Unveiled Shanghai
April 8, 2014, Shanghai, China
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Digital Patriots Dinner
April 29, 2014, Washington, DC
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CES on the Hill
April 30, 2014, Washington, DC
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2014 Technology & Standards Spring Forum
May 19-23, 2014, Seattle, WA
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CES Unveiled Warsaw
June 17, 2014, Warsaw, Poland -
CE Week
June 23-27, 2014, New York, NY-
CE Week Exhibits
June 25-26, 2014, New York, NY
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CE Week Exhibits
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CES Unveiled Sao Paulo
September 23, 2014, Sao Paulo, Brazil -
CEA Innovate!
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2014, Phoenix, AZ -
CES Unveiled Paris
October 22, 2014, Paris, France -
CES Unveiled New York
November 11, 2014, New York, NY -
CES Unveiled Las Vegas
January 4, 2015, Las Vegas, NV -
2015 International CES
January 6-9, 2015, Las Vegas, NV