Sears announced its annual Partners In Progress vendor awards, with seven consumer electronics and major appliance suppliers being cited.

The award recognizes suppliers who make significant contributions to the growth of Sears businesses and the creation of new ways to better serve Sears customers.

Seven consumer electronics and major appliance manufacturers were honored this year. They are (in alphabetical order): GE Appliances, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, JVC Company of America, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Samsung Electronics USA and Whirlpool.