Many small business owners believe that they can’t change what happens in Washington, so they bury their heads and hope for the best. But I’m here to tell you that’s not the case at all. I know, first-hand, the frustration of dealing in politics, because that’s my job.
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As president of the American Suntanning Association (ASA), I meet monthly with dozens of politicians, federal agency representatives and government groups, and I share OUR story with them in every meeting. I’m proud to say that I’m probably the best person you can find to do this job for you. You see, I lost all of my tanning salons thanks to the federal government’s unfair attacks against our industry. My 15 salons closed one at a time until my business was completely gone. Only people like you can understand the impact that losing your business has on you, your family and your life.
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So, I tell everyone I meet in Washington about my loss, the thousands of small businesses that have closed, the tens of thousands of women who have lost their jobs, and the lives that have been devastated by government run amuck. And with very few exceptions, every person I’ve met with is sympathetic to our issues and expresses sincere concern.
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Unfortunately, their concern isn’t enough to reverse the damage that has been done. But, I do believe that their awareness is certainly enough to help keep us from getting railroaded again. Since we began five years ago, the ASA has held more than 3,000 meetings in Washington. We have built relationships with hundreds of Washington insiders who now understand the unfairness we have experienced and are now watchful for whatever may be coming at us in the future.
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For more info about how you can help repeal the Tan Tax, email info@americansuntanning.org
or call 855.879.7678.
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Changing Course
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Can we reverse some of the damage that has been done? Absolutely. But it takes ten times the work to reverse actions made in Washington than it does to prevent them from happening in the first place. The ASA has put in tens of thousands of hours pounding the pavement in Washington to get the Tan Tax repealed and to prevent potential damaging regulations. So, we have already built the foundation for this change. Now, we need you to help give the ASA’s efforts a boost and get us across the finish line.
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What can you do? Plenty! ASA frequently emails our members requesting that they send emails, letters, or call their Representative or Senator. We have streamlined the effort so that it takes just a few minutes to complete. You might think, “Well, I’m kind of busy today and my letter won’t make a difference, anyway.” Or, “Somebody else will probably do it, so I don’t have to.” Know this: Your letters DO make an impact on your representatives! In fact, messages from small business owners in their community mean more to a politician than anything else that can be done.
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When I walk into a representative’s office, I hear about the letters that constituents back home have sent. They recognize the time and energy spent to get them this information and they become far more motivated. The issues these representatives hear about the most are the issues that they must focus on – the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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So, don’t push these requests to the back burner or delete them. Take a few minutes to send the emails and/or letters. In fact, have your staff, friends and family do the same for you.
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About the ASA
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Founded in 2012, the American Suntanning Association is committed to defending and growing the industry through a detailed and proactive plan directed by an all-salon board and executed by more than two dozen management and consulting team members who specialize in this type of work.
