Gary Burrell was honored Tuesday during Opening Ceremonies at the 47th Annual Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nev. as AEA’s Lifetime Achievement Award-Winner for 2004.

Burrell co-founded Garmin Corp. with Dr. Min Kao in October 1989, with a handful of engineers and an idea for a product. Together with Dr. Kao, Burrell has led Garmin from a startup company to an international electronics powerhouse in several markets. For his efforts, he has been recognized by Inc. Magazine, The Kansas City Business Journal and Ernst & Young as the “Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year” for Missouri and Kansas.

An industry veteran, Burrell brings more than 40 years of leadership at engineering-based companies to the helm of Garmin Ltd. Prior to his work with Garmin, Burrell served in various roles including director of engineering and vice president of engineering at marine and aviation electronics companies such as Lowrance Electronics, King Radio Corp. and AlliedSignal. He is widely regarded as one of the leading innovators of integrated avionics, having designed and developed the first successful nav/comm for the general aviation market.

Burrell retired as co-CEO on August 24, 2002, his 65th birthday. He remains as co-chairman and a director of the company as well as chairman of its U.S. subsidiaries. In these capacities, Burrell continues to provide support for several ongoing business development activities.

The Aircraft Electronics Association represents over 1,200 aviation businesses, including repair stations that specialize in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes instrument facilities, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions.

FMI: www.aea.net