MAHWAH, NJ, May 17, 2016

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Laura Blackmer, senior vice president, sales, to its prestigious 2016 Women of the Channel list. The women executives who comprise this annual list span the IT channel, representing vendors, distributors, solution providers and other organizations that figure prominently in this ecosystem. Each is recognized for her outstanding leadership, vision, and unique role in driving growth and innovation.

CRN editors select the Women of the Channel honorees on the basis of their professional accomplishments, demonstrated expertise and ongoing dedication to the IT channel.

Laura joined Sharp in 2013 and immediately made a tremendous impact on the business, bringing extensive channel program and sales knowledge. She provides strong leadership for the SIICA sales teams focused on Sharp’s business products, including multifunction products and Sharp’s professional display products. Laura has 28 years of channel experience and a proven track record for developing and executing successful sales and operating plans across all channels and platforms.

“These executives have made a lasting mark on our industry — growing and elevating partner programs, leading transitions to new business models and introducing cutting-edge go-to-market strategies, among other remarkable achievements,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “We congratulate all the 2016 Women of the Channel and celebrate their singular contributions to the advancement of the channel ecosystem.”

“Laura has certainly earned being named one of CRN’s 2016 Women of the Channel and we are honored to have an executive with her keen insight and experience on our team,” said Doug Albregts, President, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Thanks in part to Laura’s leadership, we have seen our U.S. MFP and LCD channel business grow in revenue and profit, and we expect to see her continue to lead our channel sales teams in the same direction moving forward.”

CRN’s annual Women of the Channel project recognizes influential women leaders with extraordinary expertise and vision. It is a definitive guide to the most powerful women in the Channel. The 2016 Women of the Channel list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/wotc2016.