Consumer Electronics Association Votes Iowa Executive Into CE Hall of Fame.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The late John Winegard, founder of The Winegard Company, Burlington, heads this year's list of eleven industry luminaries elected to the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. He will formally be inducted at the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) annual Industry Forum, October 18 in Las Vegas.

An inventor and entrepreneur, Mr. Winegard not only is credited with developing the "yagi" rooftop TV antenna that became a symbol of suburbia in the 1950s and 1960s, but his antenna company became the prototype for all consumer electronics accessory businesses to follow. The largelt self-educated Winegard built his first TV antennas in his Burlington basement in 1948 and founded the Winegard Company in 1954.

During his career, Winegard invented the first 82-channel antenna and was the first antenna manufacturer to use an extensive print and radio advertising program, merchadising floor displays, four-color packaging and celebrities to endorse the product.

Joining Winegard 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.

Four noteworthy individuals from the industry were elected posthumously. They are William Hewlett and David Packard, founders of HP and fathers of Silicon Valley, journalist Art Levis, 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.