Over the years, the American Suntanning Association has attended thousands of meetings in Washington, D.C. to stop the continued attacks against our industry and to change the federal government’s position on UV light. These meetings include members of Congress, Senators and officials from every major agency that impacts the indoor tanning industry. Plus, ASA continues to travel to attend dozens of state hearings, working hard to stop damaging state regulations and state tan bans. Currently, ASA is fighting for you in almost every state to ensure that tanning businesses are not grouped together with personal contact businesses as we experienced when businesses were allowed to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown. Our industry needs to be prepared for potential shutdowns this fall.
The amount of resources required to maintain such an effort is substantial. And, it’s not just the travel and labor required to attend all of these meetings. ASA also maintains a stable of experts who compile, review and process relevant science and data for materials used to defend our position at the various meetings, hearings and special events. And, though the ASA has a strong team working for you, there is still only so much this group can do without your help. To win this battle waged against our industry and your business, we need salon owners, whose businesses are being defended by these efforts, to get involved.
Supporting the ASA can be done in a number of ways. Step one is to become a member. Supporting your tanning association can cost as little as that latte you buy every morning. Becoming a member and making a financial contribution to the ASA is the single most important way to secure the future of your business. If you’re not an ASA member, you should stop what you’re doing and join right now!
Another way to contribute is to get involved. Becoming an industry advocate is easier than you think. This is not a part-time job working every week; but, can you attend a political function in your own backyard once a year? Can you send an email or letter or make an occasional phone call to your representative? This small effort is relatively easy – and the rewards will surprise you.
Whether you make contact with your representative in person, by phone or via a personal email, it will make a significant impact. Senators and representatives love hearing from someone from home. Local constituents have far more impact with these powerful politicians than any association or lobbying group representative. And, remember, you don’t need extensive knowledge of politics and relevant issues to meet with your representatives and make a positive impact. We will supply you with information and coaching that you need to feel comfortable and make your visit as successful as possible.
If you can’t make the commitment of time to support the ASA, that’s okay. A financial contribution through membership is the best way to keep your business protected in the future.
So, if you’re ready to get involved in securing the future of the business you have worked so hard for, then take the first step. Simply send an email to DaleP@americansuntanning.org right now. Let Dale know that you want to get involved with the ASA and help the industry. That’s all it takes.
ASA is the only organization working to stop the state and federal government from overregulating your industry and putting you out of business.
