DRIFIRE, Optimer Engage Maddock Douglas - Agency of Innovation.

Garment pioneer taps agency for strategy, branding and marketing

CHICAGO -- Sterling Performance Textiles Group (www.sterlingpartners.us) has named Maddock Douglas (www.maddockdouglas.com) its Agency of Innovation([TM]) for their DRIFIRE([R]) (www.drifire.com) and Optimer (www.optimer.com) brands.

Maddock Douglas will be responsible for helping create, brand, launch and market new products for both brands. DRIFIRE([R]) develops flame-resistant performance garments for professionals and consumers. Optimer Performance Fibers, Optimer's consumer products division, developed the revolutionary Dri-release([R]) moisture transfer technology used by brands such as Nike, Adidas and lululemon athletica.

Additionally, Maddock Douglas will assist Sterling in managing a pipeline of new products driven by their portfolio of proprietary products and intellectual property.

"We selected Maddock Douglas because of their expertise in new products," says Dustin Cohn, Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Performance Textiles Group. "I've watched their firm grow to be innovation thought leaders. Their ability to combine research, branding and new product marketing support is unique. They are truly an innovation agency and DRIFIRE([R]) and Optimer are all about innovation."

"Our mission is to bring industry changing products to market," says Mike Maddock, founding partner of Maddock Douglas. "Optimer and DRIFIRE([R]) go beyond industry changing -- they are world changing. We believe DRIFIRE([R]) products will save lives and alter the way people think about clothing. We are thrilled to help change the world through our partnership with Sterling Performance Textiles Group."

DRIFIRE([R])

DRIFIRE([R]) is an engineered hybrid line of flame resistant performance garments ("Performance FR") utilizing the patented Dri-release([R]) moisture management technology enhanced with proven flame resistance. DRIFIRE's([R]) line of Performance FR garments provides the optimal combination of flame resistance, moisture management and comfort, making it the performance garment of choice for anyone who faces potential exposure to flame and flash fire, such as military personnel, law enforcement professionals, firefighters and others in occupations with a potential exposure to burn risks. Additional information about DRIFIRE([R]) is available at http://www.drifire.com or on the Company's blog located at http://www.drifire.com/blog/

Optimer

Optimer, Inc is an advanced materials research, development and testing laboratory in Wilmington, DE. Originally focused on polymers and fibers, Optimer's focus has expanded to include contract research and development for clients worldwide. Optimer excels at identifying new advanced materials solutions, working with suppliers, and quickly converting ideas into products with demonstrated benefits to consumers. Optimer also conducts research, testing and development for textile-related products on behalf of Optimer Performance Fibers, its consumer products division, formed in 2001, as the marketing arm for its patented moisture transfer technology, Dri-release([R]) and its accompanying odor neutralizer, FreshGuard([R]).

Maddock Douglas, Inc.

Maddock Douglas, established in 1991, is the leading Agency of Innovation([TM]), helping clients take their products "from mind to market." Using their proprietary Global Expert Network of over 6,000 entrepreneurs, professionals and specialists from 40+ countries and their social media expertise to accelerate new product adoption, they help firms break down the barriers to innovation. Their proprietary 3-2-1Launch! new product and service development process has created a company backed by the experience, people and expertise required to manage the most critical aspects of the innovation process. Maddock Douglas' client list includes 20 out of the top 100 global brands* and 10 out of the Fortune 50 companies.

*From Business Week's list of top 100 brands

For additional information on DRIFIRE([R]), contact Stephanie Youker, Director of Marketing, at 617.697.1297 or [e-mail].