Michael Dell, Senator Sununu And Representative Lofgren Honored At CEA’s Third Annual Digital Patriots Dinner

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) honored chairman and CEO of Dell Inc., Michael Dell, Senator John Sununu (R-NH) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) last night at the Third Annual Digital Patriots Dinner, for their contributions to furthering consumer technology. The Digital Patriots Dinner was held in conjunction with the CEA Washington Forum, a two-day conference focused on key issues affecting the consumer electronics industry, which ran March 26-27 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.
“These Digital Patriots embody the spirit of entrepreneurship that CEA member companies demonstrate every day. They work tirelessly to foster a legal and business environment that expands access to technology,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Innovation is fueling our nation’s growth, and these Digital Patriots are vital to the success of our digital economy. They are champions of the liberty that comes from unfettered access to the new digital world.”

Receiving the first award of the evening, Senator Sununu discussed the major impact that technology and innovation have made on society, transforming freedom and the lives of billions worldwide. Stressing that innovation cannot be overlooked or confined, Senator Sununu said his legislative philosophy was guided by the principles of, “free people, free markets,” to the adoration of the crowd.

Upon receiving her award, Representative Lofgren reminisced about her upbringing in Silicon Valley, noting how the area’s technology boom raised the standard of living for the region. Due to the popularity and explosive growth of consumer technology, Representative Lofgren noted that anytime, anywhere access to content has become the status quo. Representative Lofgren concluded with the statement that innovation fuels our economy and must not be suppressed.

After taking the stage, Michael Dell commended CEA for “continuing to push for, and celebrate, innovation.” Dell addressed the need for businesses to adapt to the expanding digital information age, as the population of online global users quickly doubles from one billion to two billion users over the next several years. Dell remarked, “At the end of the day, this is about innovation and competitiveness. For the U.S. to remain truly competitive long-term, we need to continue to lead in innovation and technology access.”

For more information on the Third Annual Digital Patriots Dinner or the CEA Washington Forum, including photos of the event, visit www.CE.org.

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 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, 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 $140 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.