Celestron SkyScout Named Finalist In The 2007 National American Business Awards

Revolutionary Celestial Exploration Device Will Compete For Best New Product At The 5th Annual Stevie® Awards To Be Presented June 11th in New York City

Torrance, CA (May 14, 2007) –The Celestron SkyScout was named a Best New Product finalist, today, in the 2007 American Business Awards.  The award ceremony will take place on June 11, 2007 at the 5th Annual Stevie® Award gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” (New York Post, April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business.

More than 700 executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend the gala on June 11th.  The ceremonies will be videocast on the Internet and broadcast on radio, and hosted by Larry Wilmore of TV’s THE DAILY SHOW with JON STEWART.

About the size of a camcorder and weighing less than 16 ounces, the Celestron SkyScout utilizes a consumer-friendly “point and shoot” GPS technology that enables stargazers to instantly identify and/or locate over 6,000 celestial objects in the sky with the press of a button and listen to commentary on the object and its history. The SkyScout also has a “locate” feature that allows users to select an object they wish to view (i.e. Mars) and the SkyScout, using illuminated arrows in the viewfinder, will point the user to the object.  A totally unique, one-of-a-kind product, SkyScout utilizes patented technology that combines data from sensors measuring both the magnetic and gravitational fields of the Earth, along with internal GPS and a substantial celestial database to dramatically improve how people learn about astronomy, making it much easier and more entertaining.

Among its many accolades, the SkyScout has been named “Best of America” by the editors of Reader’s Digest magazine, the “Best of Innovations” in the personal electronics category for the annual showcase of new products at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, 2006 title holder of PC Magazine’s Last Gadget Standing and is a recipient of Popular Mechanic’s Editor’s Choice Award.

“Being named a Finalist in The American Business Awards is an important achievement,” said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards.  “It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of national recognition.  We congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition.”

More than 2,000 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories.  

“As Celestron approaches 50 years as a designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and other optical devices, we are thrilled to be recognized amongst such a prestigious group of companies,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.  “The SkyScout dramatically improves how people learn about astronomy, making it easier and more entertaining, and we’re happy to see it embraced by the business community.”

Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners this week from among Finalists.   Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.  

About Celestron
Founded in the 1950’s, Celestron is a leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes.  As the second largest telescope maker worldwide, Celestron is a leader in the sale of performance telescopes and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology.  Celestron sells and markets its products worldwide through a variety of specialty retail outlets and international distributors.  Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities, in Torrance, CA.

About The Stevie Awards
Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars,” Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards.  Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at http://www.stevieawards.com.