The following statement is attributable to Michael Petricone, senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, following today’s D.C. City Council vote on the Public Vehicle-For-Hire Innovation Amendment Act:

“Today CEA commends the D.C. City Council for approving the Public Vehicle-For-Hire Innovation Amendment Act which allows Uber and other Internet-based car services to operate in the District of Columbia.

“By voting for competition and consumer choice, the D.C. Council proved that our nation’s capital is also the capital of innovation. Uber and other Internet-based car services provide a popular option to local residents and businesses, and help make D.C. a more livable and attractive city. Siding with disruptive innovators over well-connected incumbents is never easy, but it is the right thing to do. By sending a message that D.C. is a safe haven for innovation, this vote will boost the D.C. startup community and encourage entrepreneurialism and job creation in the district.”

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $206 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org [1], www.DeclareInnovation.com [2] and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed [3], http://twitter.com/ceafeed [4], http://blog.ce.org/ [5].

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2013 International CES
  January 8-11, 2013, Las Vegas, NV