Electro/Telecom Industry Trends
CEMA Name Changes to CEA to Reflect the Current Consumer Electronics Industry
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In a move designed to position itself for continued growth and leadership in the consumer electronics field, the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) unveiled its new identity - the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). "Goodbye CEMA. Hello CEA," said CEA President Gary Shapiro. "CEMA has served us well, but CEA better reflects the excitement and innovation of the consumer electronics (CE) industry. Our membership base is broadening as we welcome new information technology and Internet companies to our core constituency of traditional CE manufacturers. The flexibility of the CEA name captures the changes occurring among our membership and in our industry as companies move from solely serving as manufacturing entities to becoming e-commerce providers, service companies and high-technology enterprises. It allows us to maintain our leadership position representing the traditional CE space while positioning us for future growth."
This change is more than just a name change. CEA is now a new, separately incorporated organization. Their strategy is to work with industry leaders to develop a governance structure that allows for growth and increased efficiency. CEA wants to better tailor their services and strategic plans to continue to meet the needs of their members.
Shapiro said that CEA intends to continue many of their current products and conferences such as consumer and market research, the International CES and the DTV Summits - that helped make CEMA the leading trade association representing all sectors of the consumer electronics industry. "CEA is much like a start-up enterprise," Shapiro proclaimed. "But unlike many start-ups, we begin with a solid financial base; an energetic, dedicated and entrepreneurial staff; strong products in the International CES; our conference programs and our unparalleled research functions. It's a strong recipe for success."
CEA will retain its position within the Electronic Industry Alliance (EIA), providing representatives to serve on EIA's governing body and cooperating on legislative and regulatory issues of mutual concern. "As one of the largest sectors of EIA, we believe in supporting the alliance concept and leveraging the power of a close affiliation as needed," said CEA Chairman Darrell Issa. "CEA is now positioned to pursue new directions and products to help grow and support the CE industry and stand as the single voice of the consumer electronics industry in the United States."