High Visibility features companies, products and collections that are raising brand awareness through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, consumer advertising campaigns and tie-ins to prominent events, etc. To be considered for inclusion please contact senior editors, Deirdre Carroll or John Sailer.

We often hear about towns supporting their local businesses but in the latest edition of High Visibility we highlight two eyewear brands that are giving back and supporting communities in some pretty significant ways…

Some optical brands have been the official eyewear of major events, sports and other high profile occasions but to the best of Hi Vis’ knowledge this is the first time an eyewear brand has been named the official eyewear of entire town. In a show of support for the town in which Wiley X, Inc. was founded and has called home for more than 25 years, the company has signed on as Official Eyewear of Livermore Downtown. This organization is committed to preserving Livermore, California’s historical downtown district and ensuring that residents and visitors alike have a vibrant place meet, dine, enjoy cultural activities and socialize. “This town and the people here have a special meaning to us,” said Myles Freeman, Jr., Wiley X co-owner. “We’ve been based here for more than a quarter century and its friendly atmosphere and business vibe helped shape Wiley X into what it is today. Like us, Livermore has grown, but has remained true to its roots and core values. We’re proud to be taking a more active role in supporting Livermore Downtown and its important efforts to preserve and celebrate our town’s heritage.” Wiley X participated in the 23rd Annual Wine Country Festival on May 3-4 with a booth designed to reach Livermore residents and visitors with the company’s message of Absolute Premium Protection. The popular event is the area’s largest celebration of wine, craft brews, arts, crafts, shopping, dining, entertainment and hometown charm.  It draws more than 150,000 visitors each year which made the festival an ideal way for Wiley X to inform and educate East Bay residents. 



Supporting a town is admirable. Supporting a man with an honorable mission on behalf of his community is admirable too. Fourth generation Hawaiian, Edward Ignacio’s fascination with law enforcement began as a child when he watched his father, the first police officer in their family, patrol events on the big island. “He would stand guard at the traffic light while the Ironman race was happening in Kona,” said Ignacio. “That was also my first exposure to triathlon.” Ignacio is now a veteran of 21 years, having worked as an officer in Hawaii, then later as an agent with the FBI. He is now facing a new mission. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial stands in Washington, D.C. honoring over 19,000 who have died in the line of duty. Together with individual state memorials, they provide a place for the family and friends of fallen officers to pay their respect. These important centers of emotional relief are necessary for a community to grieve but there is still one state which has no such memorial: Hawaii. Now, with Rudy Project supporting Ignacio with helmets, sunglasses and help spreading the word, he hopes to change that. Having already secured land from the State of Hawaii and finalized a design, he is now raising funds to begin construction. Ignacio will compete in a number of triathlons while wearing Full Tactical Gear including a bullet proof vest and other equipment weighting in at nearly 40 pounds. He’ll race at both the Ironman 70.3 Hawai’i and the Ironman World Championships in October outfitted in Rudy Project’s Aero helmet and sunglasses. “Ed is a compassionate individual fighting to make a world of difference,” said Paul Craig, president of Rudy Project North America. “Ever since I met him at my first Ironman race, I’ve known that he was a rock star working toward the greater good. When Ed introduced me to the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and told me his story, I knew we had to become involved.” To learn more about the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, go to: www.hlemf.org. To donate to Ignacio’s campaign, click here.