Laura Blackmer Named Industry's "Best Woman Executive"

Sharp Electronics Executive Receives The Cannata Report's Inaugural Award

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Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA)

Oct 07, 2015, 09:00 ET

MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), announced today that Laura Blackmer, Senior Vice President, Sales, has received The Cannata Report's inaugural "Best Woman Executive" honor. The new category was officially introduced this year as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the publication's awards highlighting excellence in business technology.

"I am honored and pleased to receive this award," said Blackmer. "It is a testament to the unmatched team of professionals working with me to continuously provide our customers with industry leading products and customer service."

Blackmer received the inaugural award, based in part on positive feedback received from her dealer relations, at The Cannata Report's 30th Annual Awards & Charities Dinner at Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, New Jersey.

"It goes without saying that the 'Best Woman Executive' award recipient was the hit of the night. Laura Blackmer received a standing ovation and it was readily apparent that she was truly 'the people's choice,'" said Frank G. Cannata, President, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, The Cannata Report.

"While her acceptance speech contained no prepared remarks as the award was a complete surprise to her, Blackmer eloquently addressed the importance of recognizing women and younger people in the industry," Cannata continues. "Our SVP of Creative and Client Services, Carol Cannata, presented the award by quoting dealers who hold Blackmer in high regard for her ability 'to listen and guide a discussion in such a way as to come to a positive conclusion.' Without question Laura is one of the leading hardware manufacturer executives, and her rise to prominence is only in its early stages."

Blackmer has been in her current role at Sharp since 2013. She previously worked for Intermec, Incorporated where she spent more than three years as the company's Senior Director of North America Channel Sales.

About The Cannata Report
Since its launch in 1982, The Cannata Report has been the leading business technology trends resource for the independent business, imaging and workflow solutions dealer channel. Distinguished for its industry-renowned editorial and analyses, it has subscribers throughout the U.S. and in nine countries worldwide.

As the independent dealer model continues to evolve and expand into a comprehensive managed service, IT, and production print provider, The Cannata Report has remained at the forefront of the industry. The Cannata Report's audience includes independent dealers, all major industry hardware manufacturers, leasing companies, software providers and more. Moreover, its broad expertise attracts audiences from all business endeavors related to the independent dealer channel.

The Cannata Report's media portfolio is anchored by its signature print edition and the newly relaunched website www.TheCannataReport.com and extends across all social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The Cannata Report is owned and operated by parent company Marketing Research Consultants LLC.

About Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets the advanced, MX Series multifunction printers (MFP) systems that help companies manage workflow efficiently and increase productivity. Sharp MFPs feature the Sharp OSA^® development platform, which seamlessly integrates network applications to create a personalized MFP that can meet virtually any business need, and Scan² technology, which scans two-sided documents in a single pass to enhance scanning reliability and preserve document integrity. To keep documents safe from unauthorized users, Sharp is a leader in the MFP industry in security by offering the most secure suite of MFP applications.

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.

For more information on Sharp's business products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, 1 Sharp Plaza, Suite 1, Mahwah, N.J., 07495-1163. For online product information, visit our web site at http://siica.sharpusa.com.

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