Indianapolis, IN–According to the 2004 CEDIA Member Survey, the custom electronics design and installation industry is growing at a rapid pace. Seventy-four percent of respondents plan to hire new employees in 2005; 58 percent of respondents reported that 2004 business had improved greatly from 2003; and 32 percent of the companies are less than five years old.
Because the industry is growing so much, CEDIA members are utilizing the associations resources such as certification and education to increase stature and credibility. Almost half the companies who responded report that they have CEDIA-certified employees, and more than half believe that certification increases employee efficiency and reliability. The number of companies with CEDIA certified employees climbed by 23 percent from 2003 to 2004.
The survey also indicates that business is growing in every area of the country and in Canada. The largest growth was in the South and Canada, with 84 percent total growth reported for each region. Additionally, the Northeast, Midwest and West reported more than 70 percent growth.
CEDIA recognizes the growth occurring in the industry and offers tools for companies to build and maintain their marketplace. A new provisional membership level in the association will allow new companies to gain access to tools that will grow the company and establish a foundation. Once the company has met certain requirements, it can gain full CEDIA membership, increasing its credibility. By aiding new companies, CEDIA membership can strengthen both the custom electronics industry and the CEDIA brand.
For more survey information or to obtain a copy, visit the Members Only area at www.cedia.org.
