Machine Vision Trade Group Presents Special Recognition Award to Jeff Burnstein

(Ann Arbor, Michigan - February 15, 2007)  The Board of Directors of the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), presented a special recognition award to its long-time Executive Director, Jeff Burnstein during a ceremony at the 15th Annual AIA Business Conference in Orlando on February 1, 2007.

Speaking on behalf of the AIA Board, Amir Novini, President & CEO of Applied Vision Company, Akron, Ohio, presented Burnstein with a plaque that read ‘‘For Outstanding Contributions to the Machine Vision Industry and the Automated Imaging Association since 1984.’‘

‘‘To participate in the growth of AIA from a handful of  companies to the world’s largest trade machine vision trade group with more than 265 members from 26 nations has been extremely gratifying,’‘ Burnstein said.  ‘‘And, to see the use of machine vision spread from a few early adopters to a critical technology in nearly every industry has been very rewarding.’‘

Burnstein said that he believes AIA has played an important role in the growth of machine vision on a global basis.  ‘‘One of AIA’s most important priorities is educating potential users about the benefits of machine vision technology,’‘ he noted.  ‘‘Whether it’s Machine Vision Online, our website that reaches some two million visitors a year, or our annual Vision Shows and Conferences, or focused workshops on specific applications, we’re constantly providing companies interested in learning about vision with the resources they need to be successful.’‘

‘‘Simply put, our mission is to promote the use of machine vision throughout the world.  Our members count on AIA to educate potential users, identify new market opportunities, and help them meet others who can help them take advantage of new opportunities.  Whether it’s developing standards to make vision easier to use, providing market data in our annual research study, or creating networking opportunities at leading industry events, AIA has been at the forefront of promoting the machine vision industry for more than two decades, and we intend to stay there,’‘ Burnstein said.

Burnstein joined Robotic Industries Association, the original parent group of AIA, in 1983 and helped launch AIA in 1984.  He has headed the organization since 1986.  Burnstein said that while he was thrilled with the special award, he is just one of many people responsible for AIA’s tremendous growth.

‘‘The list of people who deserve credit for AIA’s growth start with Don Vincent, who came up with the idea of a machine vision trade group.  Then, there have been dozens of people on the AIA staff over the years, as well as on the AIA Board, who have really been responsible for turning our dream of a global trade group that provides value to members into a reality.  I’m just grateful for the chance to have worked with all of these great people for 23 years, and look forward to working with them for many more years to come,’‘ said Burnstein.

Founded in 1984, AIA is the world’s largest machine vision trade group, representing over 260 member companies from 26 nations.  Members include leading suppliers of complete vision systems, vision components, system integrators, end users, OEMs, consulting firms, and research groups. 

The AIA’s Annual Business Conference attracts some 190 industry leaders and covers key topics such as market trends and forecasts, future market opportunities and technology developments that affect the industry.  The 16th annual AIA Business Conference will be held January 30 – February 1, 2008, in Orlando, Florida.  Nominations for the 2008 Achievement Award are now being accepted; a nomination form can be found at www.machinevisiononline.org.  For more information on AIA, visit www.machinevisiononline.org or contact AIA Headquarters at (734) 994-6088.