Solar Bat Sunglasses Renews Partnership Agreement with TBF; Increasing Support of Nation’s Grassroots Anglers

Ponca City, Okla. (Dec. 1, 2008) – The Bass Federation, (TBF) announced today Solar Bat has renewed its multi-year agreement as the official eyewear sponsor of TBF, its 47 TBF state federations and more than 1,900 TBF clubs.

Solar Bat not only renewed its partnership, but also increased its support of TBF.  The Solar BatTBF partnership will support the TBF Federation state teams and special events within each state in an effort to impact as many members possible. Also, Solar Bat will support TBF’s youth programs by providing quality eyewear for each TBF National Guard Junior World Championship angler, as well as, some TBF collegiate fishing teams and Student Anglers Federation clubs affiliated with TBF.  In addition, Solar Bat will be a supporting sponsor of the TBF “Living the Dream” program.

TBF-affiliated state federations can now earn cash two different ways from the Solar Bat partnership to help fund in-state programs, and youth and conservation work. One way is through a re-designed Solar Bat Clear Vision marketing rewards program. The program will reward the top federations with cash based on two categories, membership size and effective marketing and promotion of the Solar Bat partnership with-in state events and media properties. Also, a new way to earn cash rewards is the Solar Bat Referral Cash program. This is a simple program designed to give every TBF State Federation an opportunity to “share in the wealth” and earn significant cash rebates from new dealers and sales referrals through the year.   

 “We are thrilled Solar Bat recognizes the value in the Federation and the considerable impact our members have on the market place,” TBF President Robert Cartlidge said. “TBF is honored Solar Bat is extending our partnership. Dr. Gary Nesty, owner of Solar Bat, is not only a TBF and FLW Outdoors member, but also he is a practicing optometrist and a tournament angler. Because of his experience as a angler himself Solar Bat glasses fit an angler’s needs better than any other source.”

 “Solar Bat is very excited to be in a partnership with TBF,” Nesty said. “As a former Indiana State Federation team member, I know the value of TBF for the grassroots angler. Grassroots anglers across the U.S. have elevated bass fishing to the exciting sport it is today. Solar Bat has always had a mission to elevate the sport of bass fishing, and TBF is the foundation for expansion of this goal.” 

Solar Bat sunglasses are available in prescription, including lined bifocals, through any authorized prescription dealer listed on the Solar Bat website. Dealers interested in becoming an authorized Solar Bat dealer can contact TBF or any TBF State Federation for more information. Solar Bat sunglasses are readily available at many fine sporting goods dealers and will also be available on walmart.com in 2009.

www.solarbat.com — Solar Bat sunglasses, designed by Dr. Gary Nesty, were created with the competitive angler in mind. Solar Bat’s polarized sunglasses have the toughest, lightest and most clear lenses on the water, and many professional anglers wear them. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the lighter weight and comfort of Solar Bat sunglasses, and the polarized lenses that protect eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays reflecting off the water.

www.bassfederation.com — TBF is dedicated to the sport of fishing and owned by the 28,000 members it serves. TBF-affiliated state federations and their 1,900 member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year and have provided the foundation for the entire bass-fishing industry for more than 30 years. In 2006, TBF proudly partnered with FLW Outdoors,the world’s premier tournament-fishingmarketing organization. www.flwoutdoors.com