At CES in Las Vegas this week, the buying group HTSA is bestowing 2009 top vendor honors to Bowers & Wilkins, Universal Remote Control, Chief, Sanus, Lutron, and Integra.
This is the ninth year that the Home Technology Specialists of America has presented awards at CES. The HTSA Board of Directors nominated the candidates for each award, and the association members put in the final votes for the winners.
“It is with great pleasure that we recognize those individuals and companies that performed beyond excellence for the group,” HTSA executive director Richard Glikes said. “They represent the manufacturers, products, and people who most significantly influenced HTSA businesses and the world of high-end consumer electronics in 2009.”
Product of the Year
This year HTSA chose the Bowers & Wilkens Panorama as Product of the Year, representative of a new trend in home theater design. This soundbar is designed to offer high-end audio that can be calibrated specifically to the acoustics of the room.
Most Profitable Vendor Award
HTSA recognized Universal Remote Control as 2009’s most profitable vendor for members. The introduction of the company’s application store and the commonality of the CCP programming language, along with several key product introductions including the PSX2 iPod dock and the MX6000, all contributed to Universal Remote receiving this award for the second year in a row, according to HTSA.
Most Supportive Vendor of the Year
HTSA awarded both Milestone brands, Chief and Sanus, in this category. In a year where low-priced flat panels drove consumers to the custom installation industry, Chief and Sanus products helped HTSA members differentiate themselves from chain retailers. HTSA says that the brands’ commitment to the buying group’s ideals, including programs, technical support and customer service, were second to none.
Custom Product of the Year
Lutron’s Homeworks RF series of products took home this award. While 2009 was a year with little new construction, there was an upswing in remodeling and home improvement. The LUTRON Homeworks RF series is especially geared for HTSA and these types of applications with a level of performance and reliability not found in competitive products.
Best Vendor Training
The second company ever to receive this award is Universal Remote Control. The commitment to continuing education and the desire make it accessible to dealers online made URC a standout in this category.
Vendor of the Year
For the third year in a row HTSA’s top vendor award has been given to Integra. The company’s commitment to HTSA, as well as its outstanding product quality, effective programs and advertising, customer service, and timely delivery to dealers earned them a unanimous decision.
Man of the Year
The final vendor award went to Keith Haas, vice president of sales for Integra.
“Keith has been an integral force for good in 2009,” Glikes said. “Integra is a very important brand to our members and Keith has taken the time to create great relationships with many of our integrators. We appreciate the partnership with Keith and the company he represents so well.”
