SEVERNA PARK, MD — The National Marine Electronics Association has named Darrell Hawkins, president of Electronics Unlimited, as Technician of the Year for 2004. Hawkins was presented with the NMEA trophy at NMEA's Annual Convention and Exposition October 20- 23, 2004 at The Registry Resort & Club in Naples, Florida.

A panel of judges chooses the Technician of the Year based on technical competency, as attested by employers, manufacturer satisfaction, FCC and NMEA technical certification, professional growth, and references.

"I am grateful to be the newest recipient of the NMEA Technician of the Year award and am proud of Electronics Unlimited to have three recipients of this special honor on my staff," said Hawkins. "Seeing how technology has expanded and, in particular, how computers regularly interface with marine electronic equipment has given me a renewed interest in marine electronics."

Hawkins has an FCC license with Radar Endorsement that he received from the United Electronics Institute in Kentucky, where he also earned his associates degree. He is GMDSS Certified and holds a lifetime CMET Certification. Hawkins started his professional career with Motorola, moved on to the Marine Purchasing Agency in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and then started his own company — Electronics Unlimited — with two other friends from the marine electronics industry.