OAA ANNOUNCES RELOCATION OF ITS HEADQUARTERS TO TENNESSEE
LAKELAND, TN, February 19, 2009 - Established in 1926, the Opticians Association of America (OAA), a 501(c) 6 trade association serves as the only national organization representing opticianry's business, professional, educational, legislative and regulatory interests, is pleased to announce the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Virginia to Lakeland, TN, a suburb of Memphis.

After almost a year of careful deliberation, the OAA Board of Directors determined that Memphis would provide the ideal location to better serve the more than 67,000 individuals currently employed in optical dispensing industry in the United States. Dispensing opticians are allied health professionals who fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, using prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

"OAA is making this strategic move to take advantage of a central location with a cost-effective environment for the organization to grow. The move will allow more opticians to have better access to our numerous services and benefits" said Shirley Earley, 2nd Vice President of the Opticians Association of America. "We are all very excited about the move, and I know OAA will flourish in Tennessee."

During the relocation process, the OAA board was faced with the task of finding a new person to lead the organization in Tennessee. Chris Allen was named as the association's new executive director at the beginning of the year. Allen is a native of the Memphis area and is very active in the community, which ensured a smooth transition during the association's relocation.

CHRIS ALLEN, OAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chris Allen has over twelve years of professional experience in dealing with public relations, fundraising, government affairs, event management, executive leadership and general business administration. Mr. Allen's past experiences have included several leadership roles, including a position on the staff of former U. S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN), executive director of the Hardwood Forest Foundation, executive director of the Hardwood Federation-the nation's largest forest products association, and executive director of MPACT Memphis.

Tom Hicks, President of the Opticians Association of America said, "Mr. Allen's experience speaks for itself; however what excites us most about Chris is his ability to effectively communicate and bring fresh and innovative ideas to the association, its members and opticians throughout the country."

Mr. Allen is a graduate of Florida State University and is a very active member in his community where he is a past recipient of the coveted Memphis Business Journal's "Top 40 under 40" designation. Mr. Allen has also served as a board member of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a founding member of the Memphis Grizzlies' Fan Advisory Board and is a member of the Memphis Orpheum Theatre Advisory Committee.
About the Opticians Association of America

Under OAA's very broad umbrella, individuals providing eyeglasses or contact lenses to consumers, as well as owner and managers of retail optical firms, state opticianry societies and suppliers to professional opticians find a common goal in advancing America's opticians.The Opticians Association of America fosters, supports and sponsors programs of competency certification, licensing and continuing education for professional development.

For more information about the Opticians Association of America please contact Chris Allen at 4064 E Fir Hill Drive, Lakeland, TN 38002, 901.388.2423, chris_allen14@att.net, or www.oaa.org.