Indianapolis – The Custom Electronic Design &
Installation Association (CEDIA) has named Joel Spira, founder of lighting
control manufacturer Lutron Electronics,
the recipient of its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Spira will be presented with the award at the annual Electronic
Lifestyles Awards Banquet during CEDIA Expo on Saturday, Sept. 25.
CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual
who has exhibited outstanding, creative, innovative, and visionary leadership
in the growth and advancement of the residential electronic systems industry.
Nominations are submitted by industry professionals and are evaluated on the
basis of achievement and service within the industry.
Spira’s career in the electronic systems industry spans more
than five decades. He emerged as an early pioneer with his invention of the
world’s first dimming device in 1959, for which he was issued a U.S. Patent in
1962. Spira’s invention revolutionized the lighting control industry and
launched Lutron on the path toward a legacy of innovation that has lasted 50
years and counting, CEDIA said.
“Joel Spira’s contributions to the industry distinguish him
as an early leader in bringing lifestyle-enhancing technology into the home,”
said CEDIA CEO Utz Baldwin. “CEDIA is proud to honor Mr. Spira with its 2010
Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his many years of outstanding
innovation.”
Spira continues to serve as Lutron’s chairman and research
director. He currently resides in Coopersburg, Pa., with his wife Ruth.
Tickets for CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Awards Banquet,
which will also recognize the award-winning work of CEDIA member volunteers,
electronic systems contractors and manufacturers, can be purchased through the
registration process for CEDIA Expo at
or onsite at
the event. CEDIA Expo will be held Sept. 22-26 at the Georgia World Congress
Center in Atlanta.
