Custom Electronics Cyclists Aim to Raise $1 Million for Cancer Research

FALMOUTH, MAINE – August 1, 2006 – A team of consumer electronics industry cyclists calling themselves the CE Express will bike across the United States from Augusta, Maine, to CEDIA EXPO 2006, an industry trade show in Denver, Colorado, with a goal of raising $1 million for cancer research.

The 2,200 mile journey, led by Ken Smith, president of Custom Electronics and vice-president of CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design Installation Association), begins Aug. 19 in Augusta, Maine, and ends with a grand finale celebration Sept. 10 at CEDIA EXPO in Denver. Along the way, sponsored riders from around the country will join the tour – all in the name of fighting cancer one mile at a time. The 22-day ride is being sponsored by noted CE companies Niles Audio Corporation and Speakercraft, with both Niles Audio President Frank Sterns and Speakercraft President Jeremy Burkhart along for portions of the tour. A CE Express send-off party and parade is planned for the ride’s kick-off with special guest Maine Governor John Baldacci joining the team for the first few miles of the trek. A mid-point celebration is also planned in Indianapolis, Ind., the home of CEDIA.

“The money raised by the CE Express will help doctors and scientists find new cures and better treatments for cancer, thus saving thousands of lives,” said Ken Smith, ringleader of the CE Express. “I have been touched personally by this disease on many levels – This ride gives me and many others in our industry an opportunity to do our part in fighting cancer, one mile at a time.”

Smith, an accomplished cyclist, rode a similar solitary trek last year from Maine to Indianapolis to raise funds for cancer research after being affected by several co-workers, friends and family members diagnosed with the disease. That ride raised $22,000. This year Smith decided to expand his journey exponentially – in hopes of increasing funds to the millionth mark.

“Niles is pleased to be a sponsor and participant of the CE Express, and as an avid cyclist, I’m psyched to ride with the team,” said Frank Sterns, President of Niles Audio. “Ken’s determination and drive serves as an inspiration to our company and to all those fighting and affected by cancer."

Proceeds from the CE Express bike tour will be equally donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Maine. More information about the CE Express is available by visiting www.weallknowsomeone.org.