CEDIA Government Affairs Action Team Holds First Meeting

The first meeting of the CEDIA Government Affairs Action Team was held on February 13th in Dallas. The following topics were discussed in the meeting: the 2003 legislative sessions, 2004 pending legislation, CEDIA’s Public Policy Platform and legislative goals, and the importance of growing participation at the grassroots level via the CEDIA Legislative Network.

A mission statement for the CEDIA Government Affairs Action Team was developed:

To influence Public Policy to protect CEDIA members; the electronics industry and consumers.

• Develop monitor & disseminate information regarding legislative regulatory issues
• Develop & Implement Public Policy Strategies
• Drive participation at the Grassroots level

In the meeting it was determined to conduct a study to dispel the myth in regards to safety, complete a comparison between the Electronic Systems Technician (EST) designation and the Certified Systems Technician, Accredited and Registered (CSTAR) certification, update the State-by-State License & Regulatory Guide, complete a CEDIA Government Affairs Marketing Plan, and continue to develop the CEDIA Legislative Network.

“I am very pleased with our first meeting, this Action Team is very focused on providing a real value to CEDIA memberships. The work of this group is critical in helping to protect the current and future livelihood of CEDIA members,” stated Gerry Demple, Chairman, CEDIA Government Affairs Action Team. “I would encourage all members to join the CEDIA Legislative Network and be a part of the solution.”

Members of the CEDIA Government Affairs Action Team are: Gerry Demple, Chairman, Michael Candea, Larry Dashiell, Julie Jacobson, Mitchell Klein, Ken Smith and Bill Thompson.

CEDIA’s public policy efforts are designed to support CEDIA members and ensure their ability to own and operate businesses is not impeded upon. If you have questions or are aware of any legislative efforts affecting the residential custom electronics integration industry, please contact Darren Reaman at (800) 669-5329 or at publicpolicy@cedia.org.

For more information on CEDIA’s public policy program, please visit www.cedia.org/public_policy.