CooperVision is a leading manufacturer of contact lenses, offering a wide range of lenses that address myriad vision problems and are offered in different replacement schedules (including daily, weekly, and monthly). The company specializes in lenses for astigmatism, presbyopia, and ocular dryness. CooperVision has distribution and manufacturing facilities in about 10 countries. The firm is part of The Cooper Companies, which operates through CooperVision and CooperSurgical (diagnostic products and surgical instruments for the women's health care market).

Amerex makes outerwear for men, women, and children. Founded in 1946, it has licensing agreements with brands such as Jones New York, London Fog, OshKosh, Mudd, and Wrangler. Amerex also produces outerwear under its own labels (1 Madison, Weather Tamer), sportswear (Adolfo), and swimwear (Isababies, Bombshell). Its products are sold in major department stores and specialty retailers throughout the US and Canada. Chairman and President Ira Ganger bought out retiring partner Fred Shvetz in 2006.

Chairman Hans-Joerg Seeberger and his family own about 40% of the company; he founded the company in 1972 in Japan. The company's German subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy in September 2008, citing heavy debt and liquidity difficulties. EganaGoldpfeil (formerly Egana International) wants you to take time for luxury. Through its subsidiaries worldwide, including Egana Jewellery & Pearls, the company designs and makes timepieces and jewelry under brands such as Junghans, Pierre Cardin, and Carrera, as well as licensed names such as Bulova, Esprit, and Paolo by Paolo Gucci. Other products include leather goods, eyewear, and apparel. Egana's products are sold in more than 100 countries.

Owner and CEO Eugen Gluck founded the company in 1955. E. Gluck Corporation company makes quartz watches that bear monikers such as Anne Klein, Nine West, and its own Armitron. Its timepieces also feature characters from Disney, Mattel, and Warner Bros, as well as the designer labels of Lucky Brand and JLO by Jennifer Lopez. E. Gluck uses edgy styling, microfiber bands, and digital colors to attract younger customers, as well as interchangeable bracelets and bezels (and even diamonds) for the more sophisticated set. Its watches, which carry a lifetime guarantee on working parts, are sold through jewelers, department stores, and specialty retailers.

Cherokee Distributing was founded in 1958 with just four trucks and a commitment to service. Cherokee Distributing Company delivers Tennesseans of their thirst. The company is a wholesale distributor of Miller, Corona, Molson, Coors, and Beck's beer. Cherokee, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, also handles Samuel Adams, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Grolsch, Shiner Bock, Stella Artois, Lowenbrau, and Heineken.

Founded in 1947, the pet food maker offers a variety of cat and dog food products that not only meet the nutritional requirements of pets but are also specially formulated to help treat specific health needs. The company's AvoDerm brand dog food promotes better skin and coats, while its Active Care line promotes joint health in older dogs. Its Pinnacle line offers a holistic approach for canines and felines. Breeder's Choice other product lines include cat food, skin and hair care products, and dog treats. In 2006 Central Garden & Pet Company spent about $25 million in cash to acquire Breeder's Choice.

Executive Moshe Tsabag, a 'tween apparel veteran, founded Hot Kiss in 1996. In early 2008 Bluestar Alliance, which owns the Liz Lange business, bought a majority stake in Hot Kiss. Straddling the fidgety ground between 'tweens and millennials is ultra-trendy Hot Kiss. The young women's casual apparel maker distributes its garb through department and specialty stores (mostly located in shopping malls) across the US, including Nordstrom, Wet Seal, and Dillard's, as well as through two of its own showrooms (Los Angeles, New York City) and a Web site. The company distributes its apparel internationally, primarily in the Middle East and Asia.

Cynthia Rowley is doing just swell. Named for the designer of the same name, the company designs and sells apparel, footwear, a signature fragrance, and related accessories (handbags, hats, hosiery, jewelry). Rowley is also a co-founder of Swellco, which produces trendy home goods for discounter Target. Rowley's fashions are manufactured by third parties and sold in a handful of upscale Cynthia Rowley boutiques in the US. In Japan, where the firm has a licensing deal with ITOCHU, there are about 45 shops. Rowley's merchandise is also sold in high-end department (Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's) and specialty stores in the US and abroad, as well as online. The namesake company is owned by Cynthia Rowley.

Tom's of Maine hopes that natural health will lead to corporate wealth. The company has made its living, and its reputation, by selling its flagship toothpaste brand (responsible for more than half of company sales), as well as mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, soap, and shaving cream made from natural ingredients and distributed in environmentally-friendly packaging. The firm gives 10% of its pre-tax profits to charitable organizations and encourages its employees to use 5% of their paid time doing volunteer work. CEO Tom Chappell and his wife, VP Kate Chappell, founded Tom's of Maine in 1970. Seeking entry into the specialty toothpaste market, Colgate acquired the company for about $100 million in 2006.

Jockey International has nothing to do with horses and everything to do with the classic men's brief (its invention). The more than 130-year-old company makes men's, women's, and children's underwear and loungewear. Its products are sold through thousands of department and specialty stores the likes of Bloomingdale's and JCPenney. Jockey International licenses and distributes its apparel in more than 120 countries and holds numerous licensing agreements. Chairman and CEO Debra Waller and her family own the company. Jockey International was founded by Samuel Cooper in 1876 as a hosiery company intended to relieve lumberjacks of blisters and infections resulting from shoddy wool socks.

Inviting Real Estate Agents, Job Placements Agents, Educational Institutes, Software Service Providers, Real Estate Builders, Marriage Bureaus, Travel Agents, Restaurant Owners, Health & Fitness Centers and other Local Businesses to Post a FREE Classified Advertisement on Cootera.com Classifieds Website.