Maui Jim Sunglasses Return Backstage At "The 46th Annual CMA Awards"

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Returning for a second year to the backstage lounge of the 46^th Annual CMA Awards^®, Maui Jim^®, the world's fastest growing maker of premium polarized sunglasses, will be showcased to some of the biggest names in country music, including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, The Band Perry, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town and Zac Brown Band. The show airs live on ABC-TV on November 1 at 8 PM ET from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121023/CL98238)

"At last year's CMA Awards, so many people were surprised to discover our sunglasses for the first time," said Harry Rhodes, vice president of sales for Maui Jim. "They were amazed by the technology of the lenses that produces colorful, sharp, clear views. This year, we've added 21 new styles to our portfolio, many of which are very fashion-forward. So it makes sense for us to return to the CMA Awards to let our old friends, and new ones, update their eyewear wardrobes for the show."

Backstage, performers will have the opportunity to try on Maui Jim's line of sunglasses, the only eyewear with patented PolarizedPlus2^® lens technology that uses up to nine layers of protection to cut 100 percent of UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.  Maui Jim is the only company to embed three rare earth elements in its lenses to significantly enhance color. The company offers a range of lens materials designed for different sports and outdoor activities. They also offer their lenses in four colors for different light conditions. Most Maui Jim sunglasses are available with prescription lenses. The company also makes two styles of MauiReaders^® that enhance up-close vision for reading maps, golf scorecards or fine print.

Maui Jim's portfolio includes 93 different styles of polarized sunglasses in designs that range from classic wayfarers to sport frames. This year, the company launched its ON THE WATER COLLECTION of sunglasses with features specifically designed for water sports enthusiasts, including fishermen, boaters, paddlers, surfers and stand-up paddlers. Maui Jim also added five new aviator styles, creating one of the largest portfolios of aviator sunglasses on the market. Never settling for anything but the best lens technology, the company introduced its MauiPure™ lens that is the eyewear industry's clearest non-glass lens that is also scratch- and impact-resistant. Throughout the year, frames like Lilikoi, Ginger, Waterways, Kamuela, Ailana and Mavericks made a strong statement that high style could also incorporate the best eye protection on the market.

For more information on Maui Jim, visit MauiJim.com or follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @OfficialMauiJim.

About Maui Jim, Inc.^®

Maui Jim began as one man selling sunglasses on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, back in the early 1980s. As local demand grew for sunglasses that provided advanced protection from the severe glare and UV rays of the Hawaiian sun – without distorting the beautiful colors of the Islands – the  company developed proprietary technology – PolarizedPlus^®, which was later patented and subsequently enhanced to create the company's newest technology, PolarizedPlus2^®.
 
Maui Jim was "born" with an original line of seven sunglass styles.  Up to 1991, the sunglasses were exclusively sold in Maui, Hawaii.  In 1991, the company was purchased by Hester Enterprises, and in 1994, Hester enlisted RLI Vision Corporation of Peoria, Illinois, to be the mainland distributor of Maui Jim Sunglasses for the ophthalmic market.   Maui Jim, Inc. was established in December 1996, when Maui Jim Sunglasses acquired RLI Vision. Today, the company sells more than 88 styles and 200 SKUs and is the fastest growing polarized sunglass maker in the world. Maui Jim was voted favorite sunglasses company and best sunglasses for women by optical retailers and readers of Vision Monday, 20/20 Magazine and Eye Care Products magazine; and best sunglasses by Health magazine.

About the CMA Awards:

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 11,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was formed in 1958 as the first trade organization to promote an individual genre of music. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC television for the first time – making it the longest-running annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005. In 2006, the Awards moved to ABC which will be the network home of the CMA Awards through 2021.

"The 46^th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

SOURCE Maui Jim, Inc.