CHICAGO—Coming together with a common goal and a shared desire to re-establish a more personal exchange between brand and customers possibly within a safe and relaxed environment, leading independent eyewear brands are joining forces again to hold Midwest Best, a cooperative kick-off to the spring/summer order season which will be held here March 25-27. Organized in collaboration with Marriott Suites-O'Hare in Rosemont, Ill., each brand will have its own suite, enabling the showing of collections in a safe environment, organizers said. The group, held a similar show last October, as VMAIL reported and this is its third event in Chicago.

Jill Onallah, founder of Midwest Best and a Midwestern sales rep for Orgreen/Goldsmith, said, "This local show’s original concept was born out of relationships that have been formed over the years of working together in this industry.We have kept it at a small number of representatives for both our own comfort and that of our accounts.”

She added, "We are moving together with a common goal and a shared desire to re-establish a more personal exchange between brand and customers within a safe and relaxed environment. We have had a tremendous amount of interest from around the country but are being sure to keep this a special environment and a limited number of brands. We wanted to create a platform where we as reps can utilize a socially distant space and allow the client to feel comfortable while being able to enjoy themselves as they get to see all the newest releases."

Over 40 leading independent eyewear brands will be taking part in Midwest Best in March. Details about those are posted on the show's website here as is hotel and scheduling information and an appointment scheduler. In addition to the participating eyewear brands, Cherry Optical Lab will also be showcasing its lens and lab services. The team of reps who will be at the show is also posted on the site.