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Amy Spiezio

AWARDS

Luxottica Group named Pat Binetti Regional Sales Manager of the Year. Binetti's region in 2007 covered the five New York City boroughs, as well as Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey

Two practices have been named the grand prize winners of the HOYA "Go for the Green" promotion. Eye Peek, Lake Placid, N.Y., and Kenneth Bair, OD, West Milford, N.J., won the promotion's grand prize drawing for a Lexus® GS 450h Hybrid two-year lease or $30,000. Both winners chose the $30,000 cash option. For a complete list of winners visit Hoya's website, www.HOYAGoGreen.com.

Essilor of America, Inc., is seeking applications for the annual Crizal DCRP Award program. The program is open to all fourth-year optometry students and opticianry students graduating from COA-approved or NFOS programs. The recipient will receive one Essilor Digital Corneal Reflex Pupilometer and case valued at approximately $500. Nominations from school faculty for the program should be sent to Danne Ventura by email to dventura@essilor.com or by mail to Essilor of America, 13555 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234. Entries must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2008, and must include the student's name, address, phone number, and email.

PEOPLE

Younger Optics has named Timothy Taft (left) territory manager for Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Taft brings 15 years of experience in sales, and has spent the past five years in the optical industry. Advantica EyeCare vision care plan provider has appointed Teresa M. Gettier to the position of provider recruitment specialist, according to Richard Sanchez, president and CEO. She will be responsible for the expansion of Advantica's professional provider network.

(left to right) Rich Makover, vice president of sales; Manager of the Year, Pat Binetti; and Greg Pollock, director of sales, Eastern Division celebrate at Luxottica's North American Sales Conference

Dr. Harvey Ohriner met with menswear designer Jhane Barnes as part of his prize for winning the "Jhane Barnes in the City" promotion sponsored by the Kenmark Group. Ohriner, along with Don Howard, president and CEO of the Kenmark Group, met with Barnes in her New York showroom. Ohriner purchased the highest dollar amount in Jhane Barnes Eyewear from Sept. 14, 2006 to March 1, 2007 and received a trip for two to New York and a $500 Jhane Barnes gift card.

Dr. Harvey and Robin Ohriner (left and center) with designer Jhane Barnes. Ohriner was the winner of Kenmark Group's Jhane Barnes in the City promotion for sales of the designer's eyewear collection

Pearle Vision Foundation is funding 20 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each through the Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarship Fund. Invitation to apply is extended to full-time students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Doctor of Optometry degree. Applications must be received on or before April 15. For more information, visit www.pearlevision.com

BUSINESS UPDATES

Charmant USA held its 2007 National Sales Meeting at the Moon Palace Resort and Golf Club in Cancun, Mexico. Harry Aida, president of Charmant USA, reviewed the company's 2007 business and outlined strategy for 2008. He also acknowledged the company's 25th anniversary in the U.S. In addition, Sales Rep of the Year award was presented to Francesca Ilaria, sales representative for the Northern New Jersey market. The Northeast regional manager, Barry Mazel, received the award for Region of the Year.

At Hoya's national sales meeting (l to r), vp of sales, Rich Montag; Peter Kehoe, OD, AOA president-elect; and Barney Dougher, president

The Charmant team gathered in Mexico for its sales meeting and to kick of its 25th anniversary in the U.S.

HOYA Vision Care North America kicked off 2008 with its national sales and operations meeting on in St. Augustine, Fla. More than 140 HOYA sales associates, lab operations management, and other key personnel attended sessions on new products, sales tools, and company goals. Peter Kehoe, OD, F.A.A.O., president-elect of the American Optometric Association, delivered the keynote speech.

CORRECTION

The above photo should have run in last month's EB on page 60 in the "From the Pro" sidebar. This photo, courtesy of Kaenon Polarized, is of golf pro Robert Allenby wearing Kaenon sunwear. The photo that actually ran is a DEFINITY PALs image courtesy of Essilor of America. We apologize for the error.