CES 2010 Las Vegas - The newly renamed Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) has recognized Bowers & Wilkins, Chief, Integra, Lutron, Sanus and Universal Remote Control as vendors of the year for their contributions and support during a challenging 2009.

The recipients of the buying group's ninth annual vendor awards "represent the manufacturers, products and people who most significantly influenced HTSA businesses and the world of high-end consumer electronics in 2009," said group executive director Richard Glikes.

The winners, nominated by the HTSA board and voted in by the group's members, "performed beyond excellence for the group," Glikes said.

The awards include:

·         Vendor of the Year, given for the third consecutive year to Integra in a unanimous decision for its "commitment to HTSA, as well as its outstanding product quality, effective programs and advertising, renowned customer service, and timely delivery to dealers," the group said;

·         Man of the Year, received by Integra sales VP Keith Haas, who has been "an integral force for good in 2009," Glikes noted. "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."

·         Product of the Year, received by Bowers & Wilkens' Panorama sound bar as representative of a new trend in home-theater design;

·         Most Profitable Vendor Award, received for the second consecutive year by Universal Remote Control as 2009's most profitable vendor for members, who cited the introduction of its application store and the commonality of the CCP programming language, along with several key product introductions;

·         Most Supportive Vendor of the Year, shared this year by Milestone brands Chief and Sanus for the brands' "commitment to HTSA ideals, including programs, technical support and customer service, [that] were second to none," the group said;

·         Custom Product of the Year, received by Lutron's Homeworks RF series, which is "especially geared for HTSA and these types of applications with a level of performance and reliability not found in competitive products"; and

·         Best Vendor Training, received by Universal Remote Control for its "commitment to continuing education and the desire make it accessible to dealers online."

HTSA is comprised of 59 members in 37 states with 100 storefronts, more than 800 installers, and another 800 sales personnel in the field. Members specialize in the design and installation of high-end audio, video, automation, lighting, climate and energy-management systems. The group enjoyed collective sales of more than $400 million last year and maintains partnerships with real estate developers and electronics manufacturers. For more information visit www.htsa.com.