Consumer Electronics Association Votes Eleven Industry Leaders Into CE Hall of Fame.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The late William Hewlett and David Packard, the legendary founders of HP and fathers of Silicon Valley, head this year's list of eleven industry luminaries elected to the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. They will formally be inducted at the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) annual Industry Forum, October 17 in Las Vegas.

Joining Hewlett and Packard in the CE Hall of Fame Class of 2005 are four leaders of major consumer electronics companies: Joseph Donahue of RCA; Harry Elias of JVC; George Fezell of Magnavox; and Masaharu Matsushita of Panasonic. Association executive Saul Gold and retailer Jack Luskin also were named to the Hall of Fame.

Three noteworthy individuals from the industry were elected posthumously. They are journalist Art Levis, inventor/entrepreneur John Winegard and retail pioneer Ken Crane.

"The Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these industry giants," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, the organization that created and maintains the CE Hall of Fame. "Their contribution to the growth and success of one of America's largest and most successful industries is well-documented, and their election by a panel of distinguished judges is richly deserved."

The Consumer Electronics Association created The Hall of Fame in 2000. With the induction of these eleven new members in 2005, the Hall now numbers 98.

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 $121 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.

CE Hall of Fame 2005 Inductees

William Hewlett (deceased) and David Packard (deceased). HP.

Two friends from Stanford University launched in 1939 what has today become the world's largest personal computer company. Beginning in a Palo Alto garage, the company developed the first handheld calculator and the ink jet printer which helped transform the PC into a home consumer device. During their lives, they were honored for their many achievements.

Ken Crane. (deceased). Retailer.

Ken Crane was known as the grand old man of retailing in Southern California. He opened his first story in 1948 and built the successful Ken Crane's Home Entertainment chain.

Joseph Donahue. RCA.

Joseph Donahue is honored for his long-standing leadership role at RCA, starting as an engineer and moving to CEO. He spearheaded manufacturing innovations and headed the Sarnoff Research Labs.

Harry Elias. JVC America.

Harry Elias has become an icon in the consumer electronics industry during his leadership of JVC America for more than 35 years, until his retirement in 2004.

George Fezell. Magnovox.

George Fezell implemented the Magnovox innovative factory-direct business model, putting the company in an early leadership position. He was instrumental in the formation of the EIA Foundation and the Consumer Electronics division of EIA, now CEA.

Saul Gold. North American Retail Dealers Association (NARDA).

Saul Gold was executive director of North American Retailers Association for 30 years, and is largely responsible for making the "power retailer" buying group an important and respected force in the consumer electronics industry.

Art Levis (deceased). Journalist.

A generation of consumer electronics journalists were mentored by Art Levis, who covered the emergence of consumer electronics as a major American industry.

Jack Luskin. Retailer.

Jack Luskin became a Baltimore/Virginia/Washington DC - area institution for nearly 50 years thanks to his pioneering efforts to bring affordable consumer electronics and appliances to consumers.

Masahuru Matsushita. Panasonic.

Panasonic became the world's largest consumer electronics company in the world during Masahuru Matsushita's 40-year tenure first as president, then as chairman of Matsushita Electric.

John Winegard (deceased). Inventor and entrepreneur.

Inventor and entrepreneur, John developed the rooftop TV antenna that became a symbol of suburbia in the 1950s and 1960s.