Dave Black, executive VP of Sales and Marketing announced these changes earlier this month in accordance with Mr. Sakuma's original plan when he took over as president last September.

"In continuing our on going efforts to adhere to today's dynamic and ever changing work environment, we have created a new organization with a new outlook and attitude," states Black. This effort involves the introduction of Zone Managers, the expansion of Independent Sales Rep Organizations, new Field Education Specialists, a new Special Markets Sales Manager, a new Marketing Director as well as new Joyride and Ungo Product Category Planners.

The three new Zone Managers -- Michael Odle, Gary Pomes, and Kevin Huston -- offer local authority for timely and efficient sales and distribution decisions, thus operating more like independent business units. These seasoned professionals have been brought in with a deep understanding of retail specialist dealer needs. Seventy percent of the sales territories have been realigned in order to reflect a more traditional Consumer Electronics Industries territory planning. This has been executed by the addition of four new independent sales rep organizations that will also serve as "stocking reps", allowing a faster delivery of product to dealers and better customer service. For the purpose of improving field tech and sales education support Clarion Sales Corp. has added three new Field Education Specialist Positions. These specialists will live in their respective zones and are managed by the new Zone Managers. This will keep the product education trainings constant and on going. Debbie Corr has been named Special Markets Sales Manager and will focus on expanding and growing the Clarion special markets sales opportunities. In the Marketing Department Michael Townsen has been named the new Marketing Director and will set forth a new direction for his department and staff. Lastly, new Joyride and Ungo Product Category Planners will offer a new commitment to product development and the Product Planning Department of CSC. Additional support has also been added to enhance the commitment to dealer technical support services.

Dave Black explains "Michael Odle has an extensive retail background having recently joined Clarion after managing a large regional specialist chain for 13 years in the Southern California market. Gary Pomes was previously a Regional Manager for Clarion and prior to that worked in sales management for the Sparkomatic Division of Altec Lansing for 15 years. Kevin Huston, formerly Regional Sales Manager for Kicker, brings 16 years of experience in the mobile electronics industry." Regarding the other staff additions Black continues "Debbie Corr has an extensive sales background having worked many years with major electronics companies like Pioneer and Toshiba. Debbie is well known as an achiever and for her strong customer relations skills. The addition of Michael Townsen to lead the marketing efforts for Clarion is a great balance to this overall plan as he brings his successful career background with Pioneer and 32 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry."

Black continues to say, "The new independent sales rep organizations, Duff Marketing, Foster Marketing, New Age Marketing and Locus Marketing, add a strong market knowledge and presence that will enhance our customer service and relations. They are professional sales organizations committed to the mobile electronics industry."

Black elaborates, "The addition of these proven industry professionals balanced with the veteran Clarion staff has us positioned to aggressively pursue and achieve Clarion's Mid Term Sales and Management Goals. This new organization will give Clarion Sales Corp. a new direction committed to product knowledge and dealer support allowing us to serve consumers more effectively."

Link for more info: www.clarion-usa.com