Optimax was founded in 1991 as a beta site for Opticam technology. Opticam is computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machining of glass. People have been CNC machining metals for 40 years. Opticam goes beyond conventional technology by processing brittle optical materials to tolerances 100 times tighter. Opticam also significantly reduces the number of manufacturing steps from 14 to 5. Thus enabling a quicker, more robust process.
The first four years of business were focused on getting the business going and refining the rapid manufacturing process. By 1995, Optimax could make a custom lens in 1-2 days. We started advertising 1 week delivery of prototype optics in 1996. Soon after, we started offering a money back guarantee for expedited deliveries.
From 1996 to 2000 the workforce quickly grew to more than 100 employees. Training of new opticians was funded with a generous grant from Kodak.
Today, Optimax has a 40,000 sq. ft. facility and nearly 100 opticians machining optical components 3 to 300mm diameter. Our customer base is diverse with the largest customer representing less then 20% of our business. Over 50% of our business is prototype or R&D optics (Qty 1-10 pcs), with about 30% being expedited each month.
Both Mike Mandina, President, and Rick Plympton, Vice President, started their careers on the production floor. Mike went on to become a Master Optician with a BS in Applied Physics and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Rick acquired a BS in Optical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Rochester.
Michael Mandina President Optimax Systems Ontario, NY
"The College has been serving the residents of Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley for over 50 years and we are proud of our service and commitment to educational excellence.
Currently, the College has the lowest tuition of any college or university in the state, and more than 200 scholarships and comprehensive financial aid opportunities make the excellence of a DCC education available to all. Families can save many thousands of dollars by having their student earn the first two year's of a four-year degree at DCC.
We offer over 60 academic areas of study. Our curriculums include career-oriented programs as well as those designed for successful transfer to a four-year college or university..
The campus has grown over the years, winning numerous awards for its beauty and ease of access. We foster the educational experience through an excellent faculty who love teaching. The advanced technology “Smart Classrooms,” state of the art library, and the “one-stop shopping” of our student services center ensure that our students can achieve their educational and career goals."
Dr. D. David Conklin
MediZine, the leader in consumer health education, connects health marketers with solution-seeking consumers, when and where health decisions are made. In homes, in doctors' offices and in pharmacies, our award-winning integrated marketing and retailer programs engage, educate and influence consumers to make informed health and wellness decisions for themselves and their families.
Incorporated in 1994, MediZine launched its first publication, MediZine Guidebook as a resource for pharmacists to counsel Medicaid and Medicare patients on their prescriptions, in response to Obra 90. Initially distributed at the Point-of-Care in eight pharmacy chains, the magazine was later renamed MediZine's Healthy Living and has since grown to become the nation's largest consumer health magazine, with distribution in over 30,000 pharmacy chains and 100,000 doctors' offices.
As DTC budgets continued to surge throughout the late 90s, MediZine acquired its subscription-based 40+ consumer health publication, REMEDY magazine and the REMEDYDirect consumer database. Utilizing a highly effective Permission Marketing model, both vehicles provide health marketers with highly targeted access to opt-in, 40+ consumers across the nation.
In 2003, upon the request of MediZine's retail distribution network partners, Diabetes Focus was established in order to serve diabetes sufferers and their families. In its short history it has already become the nation's largest diabetes magazine, with a quarterly circulation of 1.5 million. Just a year later, Diabetes Focus Espanol, a Spanish language edition of Diabetes Focus, was launched to educate the large and growing population of Hispanic diabetes sufferers, making it the nation's largest Hispanic diabetes magazine.
Most recently, MediZine acquired the assets of University Health Publishing Group (UHPG). With its 24 year history of consumer health information and education collaboration with some of the most esteemed universities in the country, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health, UHPG provides millions of readers worldwide with a variety of print and online subscription-based products.
New York Business Hall Of Fame Names Two State Business Leaders and One Company For 2008 Induction Awards
Members of the ”Class of 2007” Include Michael Mandina, Optimax Systems, Ontario, NY; Dr. D. David Conklin, Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY; & MediZine, New York, NY
For immediate release: 8/6/08 For more information: Ron Dresner ron@newyorkbhof.com 800.990.6685
(Fishkill, NY) – The New York Business Hall Of Fame announced today the “Class of 2007” and this year’s inductees into the statewide business hall of fame. The two state business leaders and one company inducted are Michael Mandina, president, Optimax Systems, Ontario, NY (www.optimaxsi.com); Dr. D. David Conklin, president, Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY (www.sunydutchess.edu); and MediZine, New York, NY (www.medizine.com).
“Without a doubt, the ‘Class of 2007’ highlights some of the most talented and successful business leaders and companies in our state. From a college that presently has its highest enrollment in 50 years to a technology company actively promoting regional economic growth to a health care publishing company helping to improve the lives of people throughout the United States, these business leaders and companies should be proud of all of their accomplishments,” said Ron Dresner, director, New York Business Hall Of Fame.“
From September 2007 until April 2008, the New York Business Hall Of Fame solicited nominations from companies and business leaders throughout the state. Individual awards presentation ceremonies are planned in the coming months. “Dr. Conklin is so deserving of this recognition. His successful leadership has helped Dutchess Community College thrive and grow into one of the best community colleges in the nation,” commented Trish Prunty, executive director, Dutchess Community College Foundation.
“The mission of the New York Business Hall Of Fame from the start was to celebrate business and the success of companies throughout the state. This year’s induction class is truly representative of this mission and surpasses it along the way. Each business leader and company has actively presented a unique positive role – to help strengthen their employees, families and their communities,” said Anthony Santiago, business hall of fame board member and president & CEO, Access for America, (www.access4america.org) New York, NY.
“We are honored to be recognized for the free health education we provide to communities throughout New York and the nation,” said Traver Hutchins, president & CEO, MediZine. “A special thanks goes to the 70 leading pharmacy chains and our advertisers who partner with us to make this happen.”
“Optimax is pleased to be recognized for this award. We are one of many advanced manufacturing firms whose greatest growth challenge has been finding qualified technology workers. I am most proud of Optimax’s role in working with other enlightened advanced manufacturers in the Finger Lakes Region to create the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise (FAME) partnered with our Workforce Investment Board (http://fingerlakesworks.com/fame-about.php).FAME’s mission is to develop a pipeline of technology workers for the 21st century. We welcome all stakeholders to join us in this worthy endeavor that will benefit all of us in New York State,” said Michael Mandina, president, Optimax Systems.
Last year’s inductees, the “Class of 2006” included two business leaders and two companies. That group included Louis Basso, president, The Alcott Group, Farmingdale, NY; James E. Hammer, president & CEO, Hammer Packaging, West Henrietta, NY; Guide Communications, Brewster, NY; and SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Massena, NY.
Established in 2006, The New York Business Hall Of Fame showcases successful companies and business leaders through business networking and industry events that are held throughout the state. The organization partners with private and public organizations, associations and corporations to promote economic development and new ideas in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.newyorkbhof.com.
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