Dear Readers,
You may have noticed on the cover – we’re celebrating our 18th anniversary! Yes, ist Magazine has certainly changed and evolved. I’m very proud to still be producing a valuable, well-read and award-winning publication for the industry that I’ve loved and been dedicated to for 35 years. My team works hard to create this magazine – hundreds of hours go into each issue. We’re grateful to our many contributors for sharing their wealth of expertise, but I have to brag about Team IST with over 90 years of combined tan biz experience. They keep us in the No. 1 spot!
And, many thanks to our advertisers – providers of all the products you use in your business every day – for helping us send you this publication free of charge. Some of you may take it for granted that your ist Magazine will just magically arrive in your mailbox every month. I hope you support those who invest so much in our industry and contribute to your livelihoods. They make it possible for us to offer you the latest tan biz info and articles that help you succeed.
In our industry, “success” can come and go. At press time, we’d only been through half of January, but numbers were up at my salons for both tanners and revenue. Putting outside factors aside (Mother Nature among others), early indications are good for the 2015 season. One reason we’re moving in a positive direction is an increase in professionalism – Sun is Life® Training has played a key role in that. I’m happy to say that we’re educating, training and certifying over 100 salon employees per week and they now represent our industry in a more professional way. Training is playing a key role in their success and the Sun is Life goal is to get every person working behind the counter in a tanning facility trained and certified. Owners who realize the importance of a trained team will be happy that they invested in their future.
As I mentioned last month, after a seven-year hiatus the ITA Board of Directors, of which I am a member, has decided to bring back the industry’s premiere national trade event! Although our industry’s makeup has changed since 2008, the excitement that surrounded the last years of the ITA show has not been duplicated. The ITA is promising to reignite the energy this year in Columbus, OH. Why Columbus? Within a 400-mile radius of the city, a huge percentage of salons are within driving distance, making it very accessible. A successful show needs robust attendance that gives the sponsoring vendors all-important face-to-face opportunities with salon operators. The committee that chose the venue is confident that attendees will enjoy the city’s weather, nightlife and facilities. The ITA considered every detail – from the keynote speaker, to the entertainment and educational opportunities. Mark your calendars and book your hotel rooms early. The world class tanning show is BACK! All the details are coming soon.
On that note, there is plenty of great stuff in this issue – many members of the industry sharing their expertise. You can count on us to continue offering you the industry’s most valuable trade publication.
Thanks for reading,
