Dear Readers,
In both our professional and personal lives, December is a very significant month. As businesspeople, we tend to reflect on what we accomplished during the year and what goals we fell short of, and finalize plans for the upcoming year. Of course, that is combined with the upcoming holiday season and all the great family time it brings, as we try to find a balance. On both levels, we should consider those less fortunate and find ways to effect change in their lives by giving all that we can, counting our blessings and sharing our prosperity.
Prosperity was on the minds of all who attended and participated in this year’s National Tanning Expo. It turned out to be one of the best trade events of the year, a fine job by Team Four Seasons. Almost without exception, the vendors I spoke to reported that the St. Louis show was enormously successful for them. Sun is Life® was chosen to do a presentation and provide salon operator certification, both for the merits of the program and the fact that the Sun is Life message and content are focused on professionalism – not medical claims. If you haven’t made plans to get your team certified and trained, how can you expect positive change behind the counter coming into busy season?
The busy season is always on our minds, and every year we reach out to our fellow tanning pros to talk about how their peak months turned out. I want to thank IST Head Writer John Ribner and all the salon professionals and manufacturers who took the time to talk to him and participate in this year’s “Season in Review” Cover Story.
For many in the industry, the “busy season” never ends. Product makers are busy creating their next best thing, their teams are busy helping to promote it, and trainers travel the country helping salon teams to sell it. For the past 11 years, IST Magazine has honored the industry’s favorites in all sectors with our annual Industry Choice Awards. This year, you’ll see many returning honorees and a few new names. Be sure to consider these top vote-getters and their products when forming your business partnerships for the upcoming season. If you get a chance, send them a note of congratulations. One shout out from me to Lisa Parsons, our 2014 Person of the Year. She has certainly made a name for herself in our industry. Congrats to all!
On behalf of Team IST, I want to express my appreciation for our loyal readers and to our advertisers for their continued support of IST Magazine. We wish you and your families healthy and very happy holidays.
Thanks for reading.7
