(PRESS RELEASE) The Vision Council announces the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award recipient and the industry veterans who have been selected to be inducted into the Lab Division Hall of Fame for 2019.
The division has named Steve Sutherlin, The Vision Council’s Lab Division liaison and former president of Sutherlin Optical, as the 2019 recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award. Sutherlin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and will be honored again this year for his more than 45 years in the optical industry.
Established in 1987 under the Optical Laboratories Association, now the Lab Division of The Vision Council, this award honors individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the ophthalmic industry. Now in its 33rd year, the award is still recognized as one of the most prestigious in the industry.
Sutherlin will be recognized alongside this year’s Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees during the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award and 20th Annual Lab Division Hall of Fame celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in conjunction with the Lab Division Meeting and Vision Expo West.
The 2019 Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees are as follows:
- Arman Bernardi, iCoat
Bernardi took leadership of iCoat during a vital transition period, significantly growing sales, introducing new technology, efficient workflow practices and ultimately making iCoat’s coating technologies the standard in coating departments of multiple large mass merchants and vision insurance companies. - Yvette Carranza, DVI
Carranza is recognized for her leadership and aim to help the industry find ways to better utilize and integrate computer automation with manufacturing processes and RX delivery methods in a profitable and timely manner. - Ed DeRosa, Signet Armorlite
DeRosa is known for his customer service and passion for the optical industry, while understanding competition and encourages sales teams to go above and beyond to supply optometrists with the right products to set them apart. - Skip Payne, IcareLabs
Payne grew up in the optical industry, taking over the family business from his late father in January 2000. After restructuring to focus on laboratory business, Payne worked with his brothers and nephews to improve every system and procedure. - Kevin Rupp, Essilor
Rupp has been a key strategist behind the growth and success of Essilor of America over the last 20 years, having great involvement in the Essilor Vision Foundation as a founding board member and treasurer. - Jörg Spangemacher, MAFO Magazine
Spangemacher has dedicated his life to reporting on the optical industry worldwide, creating MAFO – The Conference as a dedicated place for industry professionals to gather and learn.
Nominations for candidates for the Hall of Fame are submitted by members of The Vision Council. The selection of the individuals for the Lab Division Hall of Fame is made by an anonymous committee of industry veterans. Consideration is given for contributions to the optical laboratory industry, Lab Division of The Vision Council, the candidate’s individual accomplishments, personal character, reputation and length of time active in the industry.
For more information, visit thevisioncouncil.org.