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Hot List: December 2011

Alicia Isenberg Hoglund

1 Social Successes

In his 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, author and social media expert Michael A. Stelzner revealed that small businesses benefit the most from using social media.

89% say social media helps them stand out in a noisy marketplace

72% have experienced an increase in traffic and business

48% saw improved sales

58% were more likely to see reductions in marketing costs when using social media marketing

2 CYBER SHOPPING

Results of Deloitte's 26th Annual Holiday Survey revealed that almost half (48 percent) of consumers say they will most likely shop for gifts online this holiday season, an increase of 13 percent from last year.

4 In the Spirit

According to the National Retail Federation's 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, nearly six in 10 holiday shoppers (59.9 percent) say they plan to take advantage of retailers' sales and discounts to make additional non-gift purchases for themselves and their families during the holiday season.

Alain Mikli CEO Antonio Bortuzzo with Alain Mikli (c) and former CEO Dominique Alba

Bortuzzo named Alain Mikli CEO

The Alain Milki International Group has announced that Antonio Bortuzzo has been selected as the brand's new chief executive officer for international operations. Former CEO Dominique Alba will remain with the company as shareholder and director.

In his new role, Bortuzzo will manage the group for growth and market leadership. NEO capital endorsed the selection of Bortuzzo to accelerate the international growth and development of the Alain Mikli group. Under his direction, Mikli anticipates triple growth in the next four years.

Prior to joining Alain Mikli, Bortuzzo served for five years as CEO of the Marcolin Group and CEO of Allison Eyewear for three years before that.

And the Award Goes to…

1. New York eyewear designer Robert Marc, seen here with “Law & Order: SVU” actress Stephanie March, a friend and client, was presented with the Visionary Award at the 2011 Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards Gala last month in recognition of his many contributions to the accessories industry 2. Silver Dollar Optical was awarded the 2011 Medium Employer of the Year award at the Works for Me annual event hosted by NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), an organization committed to creating new opportunities and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities to find gainful employment. Here, Silver Dollar Optical owners Nancy and Bill Bliss pose with Ross Bromley, who has been an employee for 13 years

Industry Rallies for World Sight Day Challenge

A record number of ECPs, students, and others in the optical community participated in Optometry Giving Sight's 5th Annual World Sight Day Challenge. Hundreds of practices, businesses, and student groups from across the U.S. helped to raise funds by hosting events, personal or business donations, or donating fees raised on World Sight Day, October 13.

AllAboutVision pledged to donate $5 to OGS for every “Like” generated on its Facebook page during the month of November. Similarly, Optos helped raise funds by donating to OGS for each Optomap retinal screening image taken globally on World Sight Day.

The money raised from the event will go directly toward providing sustainable eyecare in 16 developing countries.

To learn more about Optometry Giving Sight or the World Sight Day Challenge, visit givingsight.org or call 888-OGS-GIVE.

1. Family Eyecare Associates' Corey Gorman and Shellie Gray show off their World Sight Day Challenge T-Shirts; 2. Art Optical staff members, family, and friends held a bowling party to help raise funds for the World Sight Day Challenge

Web Watch

1. Answer the question, “Who is Mario Galbatti?” at the collection's website, mariogalbatti.com; 2. Learn about the benefits of Essilor of America's Visioffice System at essiorvisioffice.com; 3. Visit emporioarmani360.com to view the line's two 30th Anniversary-inspired styles

Best Image Optical's recently launched Mario Galbatti website features a clean and simple aesthetic, easy navigation, as well as a quick access to news updates and an online catalog. Hoya Vision Care helps offers premium tools, videos, product information, and other content exclusive to Hoya accounts on its website, thehoyafreeformcompany.com. Essilor of America has released a series of nine videos about the Visioffice System at essilorvisioffice.com and the Varilux lenses YouTube channel, including two videos explaining how the system benefits ECPs and their patients as well as seven training videos. Bausch + Lomb has launched a new Vision Experts Facebook page combining news and events updates and a venue to encourage discussion among the optometry community on the industry's latest offerings. Join the conversation today at facebook.com/visionexperts. Eschenbach is offering a number of online webinars on a variety of lowvision topics. Visit eschenbach.com for more details. Safilo Group has launched a new website (www.emporioarmani30.com) and stylistic video (safilo.com/HB/2011-10ea/) featuring the two Emporio Armani 30th Anniversary sunglass offerings. Kaenon Polarized featured videos of athletes, entertainers, and Kaenon lovers from around the globe sending 10th anniversary wishes to the brand on its website. Watch the videos or submit your own online at kaenon.com. The Vision Care Institute, LLC, has launched the ODLean Facebook page (facebook.com/odlean). The site provides commentary, key trends from ODLean program experts, and weekly practice management and marketing tips. It also serves as a forum for discussion among industry professionals. Paws N Claws Eyewear is enlisting help from its customers for its Support 4 Paws Pet Food Drive. Visit pawsnclawseyewear.com to find out how you can help contribute to the cause.

On The Town

The latest offerings from the Calvin Klein eyewear collection by Marchon were on display at the Spring 2012 Calvin Klein preview, held on November 9 in New York.

Kelly Framel of The Glamourai blog hosted an intimate dinner for her fashion blogger friends in the Tiffany Suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York to celebrate the newest Tiffany & Co. eyewear collections by Luxottica.

In other news, Luxottica unveiled its Ray-Ban Raw Sounds Project with a live event at the Angel Orensanz Foundation For Contemporary Art in New York featuring The Smiths' Johnny Marr and emerging bands Best Coast, Mona, Au Revoir Simone, and Tom Vek.

Silhouette Eyewear sponsored the 7th Annual Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards honoring “Avatar” director James Cameron. During the ceremony, Cameron accepted the 2011 Breakthrough Leadership Award for his pioneering contributions to filmmaking, science, and exploration from actress Sigourney Weaver.

1. James Cameron at the 7th Annual Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards; 2. Models showcased sunwear from the line at the Spring 2012 Calvin Klein preview; 3. The Glamourai's Kelly Framel hosted a dinner in honor of the Tiffany & Co. eyewear collections; 4. Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino performs at the Ray-Ban Raw Sounds Project event

Team In-Vision Rides for MS

Cyclists and volunteers joined the movement to end multiple sclerosis during the Valero 2011 Alamo Ride to the River on Oct. 12 to 14 in San Antonio, Texas. Team In-Vision, a mix of optical industry and non-industry riders and volunteers, raised more than $7,000 in donations and placed 19th in a field of 120 fundraising teams and more than 2,000 cyclists.

The three-day event began on Friday, with the Team Jersey Contest with Team Champion and EB senior editor Karlen McLean modeling the Team In-Vision jersey. On Saturday, the team rode from the AT&T Center in San Antonio to the Comal County Fairgrounds in New Braunfels.

On Sunday, cyclists rode 55 miles back to the AT&T Center in San Antonio by a different route. The teams received volunteer and donor support throughout the ride, including multiple breakpoints, bike shop support, meals, a beer tent, showers, and secure overnight bike storage.

Team In-Vision riders included: Tom Annuziato, OD (co-captain); Jon Cargo, OD; Jim Flores; Mark Helgeson; Brian Larson; Zach McLean; Bill Mendrop; Michael Ness (co-captain); and Mark Riebe. Volunteers included Drake McLean and Karlen McLean. Team sponsors included: The Hoya Free-Form Company, Transitions Optical and Younger Optics.

1. Team In-Vision riders and volunteers pose for a group shot; 2. EB senior editor and Team Champion Karlen McLean strikes a pose before walking the runway to model Team In-Vision's jersey; 3. They're off! Team In-Vision begins the Valero 2011 Alamo Ride to the River

License LINE UP

Safilo Group has signed a multiple-year licensing contract with luxury brand Celine for the production and worldwide distribution of Celine eyewear. The company has also signed an agreement with StyleMark for the acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business. In other news, Safilo announced its eyewear license deal with the Armani Group will not be renewed. The current agreement expires December 31, 2012.

New York Eye has inked a licensing agreement with Dale Jr. brand for the design, manufacture, and distribution of a Dale Earnhardt, Jr., eyewear collection, set to launch in January 2012 with 24 styles.

Alain Milki has announced the launch of the Jean Paul Gaultier by Mikli eyewear collection. The collection will be available in the U.S. market beginning in January 2012.

Match Eyewear has signed a licensing deal with “American Idol” alum Danny Gokey. The collection is set to launch in March 2012 and will feature 12 initial styles for men ages 18 to 35.

Luxottica Group and Armani Group have signed a Letter of Intent for the exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacturing, and global distribution of sun and Rx eyewear under the Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and A/X brands beginning January 2013.

STAR GAZERS
	1. Brad Pitt dons Louis aviators by Sama Eyewear while on set of “Moneyball”; 2. Actress Hannah Marks in Alain Mlkll style AL1071 sunglasses at the Bella Fortuna Emmys Lounge; 3. Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow sporting LACOSTE style L640S sunwear by Marchon; 4. Singer Madonna in Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses model YSL2320/S by Safllo