21ST CENTURY OPTICS NAMED TRANSITIONS 2002 LAB OF THE YEAR
Partnership at Every Level Key to Success
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Feb. 24, 2003 – Transitions Optical, Inc. named 21st Century Optics its Lab of the Year for 2002 at a festive recognition event during Transitions Academy ’03 at Walt Disney World in Florida Feb. 4. Established in 1967, the family-owned wholesale laboratory and anti reflective coating facility serves the greater New York City metropolitan area.

Transitions has awarded the Lab of the Year title annually since 1991. It is presented to a Transitions Platinum Elite STAR lab that has made a significant commitment to growing its business with Transitions. Criteria include implementing creative marketing strategies, achieving solid growth in volume and Transitions market share mix, dedication to educating its staff and customers, and showing an overall commitment to Transitions products and programs.

21st Century Optics was selected for its strong ability to work together with Transitions Optical to strengthen customer relationships and grow the businesses of its eyecare professional customers.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than 21st Century Optics,” said P.J. Downes, sales director labs/ECPs, Transitions, who presented the award. “They kicked off the year with a planning meeting with our Solutions Team representatives and worked hand-in-hand with us to host events and offer training throughout the year, helping build strong partnerships at every level.”

Accepting the award was Anthony Fulco, director of sales and marketing, 21st Century Optics.

“We’re honored to be recognized as the 2002 Lab of the Year, and even more honored for the stellar treatment we receive from Transitions through our participation in the STAR Lab Program throughout the year,” said Fulco. “A laboratory really only dreams of partnerships like this.”

Fulco added that 21st Century Optics reaffirmed its commitment to Transitions&reg Lenses at the beginning of 2002 as part of the company’s strategy for the year.

“We knew that to succeed in a competitive business environment, we needed to compete on quality and service, rather than price,” said Fulco. “Transitions is the right partner to support us in this strategy. With the introduction of next generation Transitions Lenses, we were able to offer a higher performing everyday lens to our customers. With Transitions Optical’s deep business-building resources, we could also offer valuable education and tools to help our customers seize this new opportunity.”

During the ceremony, Downes recapped some of 21st Century Optics’ most successful customer events. “More than 200 eyecare professionals enjoyed ‘A Night to Remember,’ co-hosted by 21st Century Optics, Transitions and Essilor,” said Downes. “Additionally, 21st Century Optics was the only lab in its area to throw its own launch party for next generation Transitions Lenses, celebrating with 160 eyecare professionals and amazing them with hands-on product demonstrations.”

Looking Toward the Future
While enjoying the achievement of becoming Lab of the Year, 21st Century Optics is already setting its sights on future growth opportunities with Transitions Lenses.

“We want to exceed our 2002 growth in 2003,” said Fulco. “With so much support from Transitions in critical areas like education, there is no reason this cannot be accomplished. We are very excited about Transitions’ new eye health educational campaign, and look forward to working together to help our customers seize the resources available to support this initiative and grow their businesses.”

More About Lab of the Year
As a Lab of the Year recipient, 21st Century Optics may use the Lab of the Year logo in all advertising and point-of-sale materials. The company also earns a permanent spot on the Lab of the Year commemorative plaque, which is passed to the new winner every year.

Past Lab of the Year winners include: Soderberg, Inc. (2001), Midland Optical (2000), McLeod Optical (1999), Balester Optical (1998), Walman Optical (1997), Three Rivers Optical (1996), Duffens Optical (1995), Benedict Optical (1994), Southern Optical (1993), Optical Supply, Inc. (1992), and W.O.S. (1991).