Sharp Named A "Rising Star" By Global Technology Distribution Council

MAHWAH, N.J., Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, announced today that it is a recipient of one of the technology industry's most prestigious honors – a U.S. "Rising Star" award presented by the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC). The GTDC Rising Star awards recognize tech companies for exceptional regional sales growth over the past year through their distribution partners. GTDC members are the world's most successful technology distributors, driving more than $130 billion in product sales across the globe. Sharp received the organization's U.S. Gold Rising Star in the category of hardware revenue of $100 - $500 million.

"Sharp is honored to receive the Rising Star award because it highlights our strong relationship with our IT distributors," said Mike Marusic, Senior Vice President, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "Our technology distributors are the foundation of our channel success and help drive innovation in the industry. Being recognized for our work with these distributors really means a lot to this company and we strive to enhance these valuable partnerships."    

Sharp was among only 12 overall U.S. winners chosen from hundreds of manufacturers and publishers who rely on distributors to meet the product and service requirements of technology solution providers nationwide. The GTDC's 8^th U.S. Rising Star awards were presented Sept. 10, in Newport Beach, Calif., at the annual dinner event kicking off the organization's two-day Vendor Summit conference at the Fairmont Hotel.

The GTDC's U.S. Gold, Silver and Bronze Rising Star winners were selected based on year-over-year sales growth rates within the NPD Group's Distributor Track®. Available by subscription, the Distributor Track® aggregates actual distributor sell-through data to facilitate insight into tech channel sales and pricing trends.

This year's U.S. GTDC Rising Star awards included the following revenue categories:

Hardware revenue of $500 million or more
Hardware revenue of $100 - $500 million
Hardware revenue of $25 million - $100 million
Software revenue of at least $20 million

This is the second time Sharp has received a Gold Rising Star award from GTDC in this category.

Rising Star Awards Methodology
Sales results for U.S. Rising Star award winners are based on regional sales growth over the past year, as reported by industry research organization The NPD Group using its Distributor Track® service. Available by subscription, the Distributor Track aggregates actual distributor sell-through data to enable sharp insight into channel sales and pricing trends with the ability to drill down into specific product subcategories, including detailed attributes based on specific areas of interest. To be eligible for a Rising Star award, companies are required to have sold corresponding products through technology distributors for a minimum of one year.

About Sharp Electronics Corporation
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation. Sharp is a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, LED lighting, and mobile communication and information tools.

Sharp is the #1 brand in 60" + Large-Format Commercial Displays through B2B Sales Channels*. Sharp's professional and commercial displays are specially engineered for business applications and are offered in a wide range of sizes. From high-impact displays for digital signage, to our award-winning ultra-thin bezel video walls, to the innovative AQUOS BOARD™ interactive display systems, Sharp products help you communicate, collaborate, and disseminate information brilliantly.

*According to NPD Display Search Monthly US Sell-Through Database for Large-Format Commercial Displays Report, July 2013.

For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com.  Follow us on Facebook, or Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit npd.com and http://www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdtech and @npdgroup.

About The Global Technology Distribution Council
The Global Technology Distribution Council,GTDC, is the industry consortium representing the world's leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $130 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. 

SHARP CONTACT:      
Erin Howard                                   
Peppercomm for Sharp                                   
212.931.6174                                   
[email protected]

GTDC CONTACT:         
Lynette Bohanan
CommCentric Solutions Inc.
813.727.0196
[email protected]

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SOURCE Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America