Costa Del Mar Reels in Havas PR as Optical Trade PR Agency Partner
Polarized sunglass maker COSTA DEL MAR has named HAVAS PR as its trade PR agency partner. Costa said it will work with Havas PR to communicate with the optical trade about its high-performance outdoor and prescription sunglasses and optical frames.

“Havas PR is already engaged in our industry with a long history of supporting optical clients, and I believe their expertise will help us further enhance the Costa brand and reputation,” says Terri Ossi Hannah, senior marketing manager at Costa. “We are always looking to broaden appeal of our products among water enthusiasts, and ensuring that eyecare professionals are aware and knowledgeable about our technologies is crucial to our success.”

Marian Salzman, CEO of Havas PR North America, comments, “Our team is thrilled to add Costa to our optical client family for many reasons, including the brand’s commitment to cause and the technology and innovation they offer eyecare professionals and their patients. We are looking forward to jumping right in this year and getting Costa’s brand narrative in front of more industry professionals.”

Haag-Streit Taps Walman as Distributor
HAAG-STREIT USA and RELIANCE MEDICAL PRODUCTS have announced a new national authorized distributor partnership with Walman Instruments beginning Jan. 1. The expansion of the working relationship grants customers additional access to Haag-Streit’s industry-leading ophthalmic equipment throughout all 50 U.S. states.

Ernest Cavin, president of Haag-Streit USA, states, “It’s been a great pleasure to see what Walman has done in 2016 with regard to positioning and supporting our products. Sales have been especially strong, and we’re looking forward to further enhancing a long-lasting business relationship.”

Jon Dymit, vice president and general manager of Walman Instruments notes, “Walman Instruments is both honored and excited to expand upon our long-standing relationship with Haag-Streit. Our customers trust Walman to deliver superior products with unparalleled service, and the Haag-Streit brand is synonymous with quality and excellence in ophthalmic instrumentation.”

Haag-Streit USA also retains a national distributor relationship with Lombart Instrument.

–Andrew Karp