ESTA (the Entertainment Services and Technology Association) has unveiled the finalists for the 2002 Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awards. They are: Doug Fleenor Design, Johnson Systems, L.E. Nelson Sales Corp., and Production Intercom in the category of manufacturers with 1-6 employees; City Theatrical, Dove Systems, Lighting & Electronics, and SSRC in the category of manufacturers with 7-25 employees; Apollo Design Technology, Electronic Theatre Controls, Lex Products, and TMB in the category of manufacturers with over 25 employees.

ESTA also announced the finalists for the 2002 Manufacturers' Choice Awards. They are: Baltimore Stage Lighting, Indianapolis Stage Sales & Rentals, and Miami Stagecraft in the category of dealers with 1-6 employees; 4Wall Entertainment, Grand Stage Company, LVH Entertainment Systems, Production Advantage, and StageLight in the category of dealers with 7-25 employees; Barbizon, Stage Equipment & Lighting, and Vincent Lighting Systems in the category of dealers with over 25 employees.

The Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awards recognize superior performance in four main areas: customer service, shipping and billing, technical support, and quotations and project management. In voting on these awards, dealers are asked to consider such areas as accessibility, staff knowledge and professionalism, timely responses, accuracy, and problem-solving abilities.

The Manufacturers' Choice Dealers of the Year Awards recognize superior performance in four main areas: staff, sales and marketing, inventory, and financial responsibility. In voting on these awards, manufacturers are asked to consider such areas as staff knowledge and professionalism, ability to generate new orders and to follow up on leads provided, product promotion, customer service, and inventory.

The winner in each category will be announced at ESTA's annual dinner, held in conjunction with LDI2002, on Thursday, October 17. Winners will also be acknowledged during the LDI Awards ceremony Saturday, October 19.