The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced a $1 million contribution to the CEA Foundation in celebration of the more than 50 years of achievements and contributions to the consumer technology industry made by industry veteran Jack Wayman. Best known as the founder of the International CES®, held in Las Vegas every January, Wayman is widely recognized in the consumer electronics (CE) industry for his significant public policy and tradeshow leadership and contributions, including his successful efforts defending the CE industry in the landmark Sony Betamax case. The CEA Foundation’s mission is to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. This charitable foundation, affiliated with CEA, launched its first series of grants in 2012.
“The CEA Foundation reflects the best of the CE industry by using technology to increase opportunities for seniors and those with disabilities,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “We make this donation in celebration of Jack Wayman who has reflected the best of our industry by creating business opportunities for technology professionals at the International CES and championing the critical policy issues impacting our industry over the past several decades. The CEA Foundation is helping the consumer technology industry ‘give back’ to those in need and this donation on Jack’s behalf is a terrific way for us to honor him and what he has given to our industry for more than 50 years.”
September 1 will mark 51 years that Wayman has been serving the CE industry. He created the first International CES in 1967, which has become the global gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.
Wayman has received virtually every award and recognition in the electronics industry including the Electronic Industries Association’s (EIA) Distinguished Service Medal, the B’nai B’rith Electronic Industries Award, the United Jewish Appeal Electronics Award and Dealerscope Merchandising Career Achievement Award. He was inducted into the first class of the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into both the Electronic Industries Hall of Fame and the Video Hall of Fame. Named “Man of the Year” by several industry trade publications, Wayman was also chosen “Man of the Decade” by Audio/Video Magazine.
A U.S. combat infantry company commander from the Normandy invasion to the Battle of the Bulge through the end of World War II, Wayman has received many medals including two Purple Hearts and awards from France and Belgium. Wayman is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington D.C.
“CEA is a major supporter of the CEA Foundation and we’re so thrilled to receive this donation in recognition of Jack Wayman’s tremendous service to the CE industry,” said John Shalam, chairman of the CEA Foundation board. “Both the foundation and Jack Wayman have improved people's lives and made significant contributions. I thank CEA for its continued generosity with this donation, which will help extend Jack’s vision and vitality to many worthwhile beneficiaries for years to come.”
About the CEA Foundation
The CEA Foundation is a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Electronics Association. It was established with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. The Foundation is focused on strategic support of programs to impact these communities and has launched its first series of grants in 2012. It also serves to facilitate dialog between industry, consumers, government, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders around important issues. For more information on the CEA Foundation please visit CEAFoundation.org.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $211 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 CE.org, DeclareInnovation.com