Connecticut Optics and Photonics Association Picks
                    Strategy + Communications for Public Relations

HARTFORD, CT (July 7, 2009) - To help promote the growth of the optics and photonics industry in Connecticut, the Connecticut Optics and Photonics Association, Inc. (CTOPA) has chosen Strategy + Communications as its public relations agency.  The Weston, CT-based firm will design and execute both traditional and online public relations programs as well as provide trade show support and marketing consulting for the association.

"Since its inception in 2007, the CTOPA's mission has been to promote the growth of the optics and photonics industry in Connecticut by uniting industry in partnerships with educational institutions, government, investors and business-friendly groups," said Anastasios Maurudis, CTOPA Chairman.  "While we have been growing steadily, we believe we can do more to leverage our state's vast resources and rich history in optics and photonics by using Strategy + Communications to increase our visibility both in the state and nationally."

"We are honored to have been chosen by the CTOPA for this very important role and look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the entire membership to help grow the commercialization of the industry and foster partnerships and innovation in Connecticut," said Randy Savicky, Founder and CEO of Strategy + Communications.  "Our ultimate goal is to help bring together local firms to spawn new optics businesses in the state and promote the commercialization of research from local universities."

As part of its mission, the CTOPA wants to create a "cluster" of optics and photonics companies to capitalize on a rapidly evolving field that includes the manufacturers of industrial lasers, lenses for biomedical equipment, fiber-optic lasers and other devices based on manipulating light.

Clustering is a technique that has been successfully used by other high-tech industries, such as the aerospace industry and fuel cell manufacturers, to promote cooperation between companies in research and support favorable legislation.

"Ultimately, CTOPA hopes to bring new technology and new industry to Connecticut and create more jobs in the state," said Mr. Maurudis.

Connecticut already boasts a sizeable number of optics firms and institutions, including CTOPA Board members Andor Technology, South Windsor, CT; ASML, Wilton, CT; BioPhotonic Imaging, New Haven, CT; Breault Research Organization; CCAT Laser Application Laboratory, E. Hartford, CT; Ciencia, E. Hartford, CT; Electron Optics Development, Trumbull, CT; NSF Regional Manufacturing Center, Hartford, CT; OFS Specialty Photonics, Avon, CT; and RSL Fiber Systems, E. Hartford, CT.

About CTOPA
The Connecticut Optics and Photonics Association (CTOPA) was established in 2007 to promote the growth of the optics and photonics industry in the state of Connecticut through technological exchanges, educational activities, business seminars and networking opportunities.  As of April 2008, the CTOPA was officially incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association. For more information, please visit www.ctopa.org.