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The Business Press

Oct. 11--A Palm Desert infomercial producer won four awards from the Electronic Retailing Association in Arlington, Va., Sept. 29.

Guthy-Renker Corp. president Greg Renker won the lifetime achievement award during an awards event in Las Vegas.

Guthy-Renker was the first to market infomercials with a brand on the lower left corner of the television screen and they were the first to provide continuity programs, said Barbara Tulipane, Electronic Retailing Association president and chief executive officer. "Bill Guthy and Greg Renker are in it for the long haul."

Guthy-Renker produces infomercials and generated nearly $1 billion in sales last year. Privately held Guthy-Renker averaged 33 percent annual growth for 10 years and has offices in England, China, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Guthy-Renker won awards for best beauty infomercial for its Youthful Essence 2 infomercial, best celebrity presenter for actor Daisy Fuentes for Guthy-Renker's Winsor Pilates infomercial and infomercial of the year for its Winsor Pilates 3 program. Guthy-Renker could not be reached for comment.

The Electronic Retailing Association represents businesses that use television, radio and the Internet to sell goods and services. The electronic retail industry generates sales of $256 billion a year, according to the association.

Guthy-Renker Corp.

Founded: 1988

Headquartered: Palm Desert

2003 sales: $1 billion

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