Stearns, the marine safety equipment company, has reached a partnership with FLW Outdoors. In 2007, Sospenders will be the official personal flotation device of FLW Outdoors, and Stearns DryWear will serve as the organization's official rain gear.

Per the agreement, Stearns and Sospenders will have a presence on all 12 tournament trails administered by FLW Outdoors. Stearns' products will also receive placement in the Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors” TV program on FSN as well as prominent advertisements in FLW Outdoors Magazine and at FLWOutdoors.com. Other marketing opportunities will include displays and participation in the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments and public- relations materials. Both the Stearns and Sospenders product lines will be used by the FLW Outdoors operations staff.

According to Paul Ebnet, president of Stearns: “We are pleased to be affiliated with the FLW Outdoors organization as the official sponsor of Sospenders PFDs and Stearns life jackets and rain gear. We feel this is a perfect fit with Stearns as the world leader in marine safety equipment partnering with the world's premier tournament-fishing organization.”

FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Evans said: “The safety of our anglers is always our foremost concern. We believe Sospenders PFDs are the best PFD for a competitive angler. We encourage them to wear it because it keeps them safe while allowing them to participate in the sport they love without restriction. Stearns' rain gear is also an excellent selection for keeping an angler dry amid the worst of conditions. In my mind, this partnership makes perfect sense.”