Arlington, VA; January 2, 2002  – Dave McCurdy, President of the Electronic Industries Alliance, today announced Robert L. Borchardt would be the incoming 2002 Chairman of the Board of Governors of EIA.

As Chairman of EIA, Borchardt will oversee the 60-person Board of Governors responsible for the policies and positions of the Alliance. Borchardt will also oversee the twelve-member Executive Committee, which is responsible for the management and control of the property and affairs of the Alliance.  The Chairman of the Electronic Industries Alliance is the chief elected officer of the Alliance.

Mr. Borchardt is Chairman, CEO and President of Recoton Corporation. Founded in 1936, Recoton is a global leader in the development and marketing of consumer electronic accessories, home speakers and car audio products and video gaming products, with sales of over $700 million. The company's diverse lines include accessories for audio, video, car and marine audio, camcorder, multimedia-computer, home office, cellular and standard telephone, music and video game products, and 900 MHz wireless technology headphones and speakers. 

Borchardt has previously been involved with the Alliance in several capacities. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Alliance’s Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Vice Chairman of EIA’s Board of Governors. He currently serves as an Executive Board member of CEA.  In March 1996, Mr. Borchardt received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Consumer Electronics Association.

Dave McCurdy, President of EIA, stated, “We are delighted to announce Bob Borchardt as EIA’s incoming Chairman. He is a very effective leader and spokesperson for the electronics and high technology industry. We look forward to having an involved CEO and industry leader as our Chairman who is concerned about the priority issues of the Alliance: trade, broadband, environment and information assurance.  We look forward to his direction and leadership as we steer our industry’s course in the upcoming year.”

Bob Borchardt, President of Recoton, said, “I am honored to serve as EIA’s chairman.  I believe we are entering an exciting phase for the electronics industry with an astounding array of new digital and wireless must-have products.  The future development of Broadband will create many new jobs for our industry and is important for our country.  In the coming year, my focus will be on keeping priority industry issues before the appropriate government officials.”

Borchardt replaces Clifton L. Smith of Corning as Chairman. He will be joined by two Vice-Chairmen: Ron Turner, CEO of Ceridian and Van Cullens, CEO of Westell Communications.

About Recoton

Recoton Corporation, Nasdaq national market RCOT, is a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of consumer electronic accessories, loudspeakers and car audio products.  Recoton’s more that 4,000 products feature highly functional accessories for audio, video, car audio, camcorder, multi-media/computer, home office, cellular and standard telephone, music and video game products and 900MHz wireless technology headphones and speakers.  They are sold under the Advent, Ambico brand names.

About EIA

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is a national trade organization that includes the full spectrum of U.S. manufacturers, representing more than 80% of the $550 billion electronics industry. The Alliance is a partnership of electronic and high tech associations and companies whose mission is promoting the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is comprised of more than 2,300 member companies whose products and services range from the smallest electronic components to the most complex systems used by defense, space and industry, including the full range of consumer electronic products. The industry provides more than two million jobs for American workers.