Professional Associations and affiliations

Each year AudioVideo International magazine conducts a poll of the manufacturers and their representatives in the consumer electronics industry to determine the top 10 retailers in the country. The second 10 retailers are recognized with Elite awards. The criteia for selection include knowledge & professionalism of sales staff, quality of showrooms, adaptability & innovation, level of customer service, professionalism of advertising, product selection, and basic business practices. Ovation recived the Top 10 Retailer of the Year Award for: 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Ovation received the Elite Award for: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997.

PARA is the Professional AudioVideo Retailers Association. PARA is an international organization of independent specialty audio/video and home theater stores dedicated to providing customers with expert advice, quality products, leading edge technology and world class customer service. Our retail members foster the highest standards of business ethics and professionalism for the protection of the consuming public.

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) is a global trade association of companies that specialize in planning and installing electronic systems for the home. These systems include home networking, home automation and communication systems, media rooms, single or multi-room entertainment systems, and integrated whole-house subsystems providing control of lighting, security and HVAC systems. The association was founded in September 1989 and has a total membership of more than 3,000 member companies.

The MECP Program was developed in 1991 by 12-volt industry volunteers - installers, manufacturers, retailers and others, allowing installers professionalism verification by passing a comprehensive written examination. It's the only industry supported, nationally recognized certification program for 12-volt installers.

MERA seeks to empower and promote mobile electronics retailing by becoming an educational resource. We will increase the level of professionalism in our industry, and will improve communications between retailers, vendors, representatives and the entire mobile electronics community.