Since 2012, the American Suntanning Association has been fighting for the rights of U.S. tanning salons by slowing or stopping punitive federal and state regulations and taxes.
The tanning industry is under constant attack, and without ASA’s solid representation, your business would undoubtedly have additional regulations and state taxes far beyond what exists today.
Melinda Norton, President
Federal Lobbying
Norton has spent six years as the industry’s association president, traveling to Washington, D.C. to build relationships with federal policymakers and regulators. Her face is well known in D.C. thanks to thousands of meetings in politician’s offices, Congressional hallways, lunches and fundraisers. She has succeeded at opening doors with top agency officials to educate politicians and bureaucrats about our scientifically supported issues. Here are a few inroads she has made on your behalf:
- Developed relationships with White House officials that helped open agency doors
- Met with top-level agency officials introducing our scientists to government decision-makers
- Created relationships with House committee chairpersons who have supported our issues
- Met with Senate leaders who have helped champion our efforts
- Developed relationships with business support groups and the Small Business Administration
Melinda’s biggest concern is the potential for very damaging industry regulations that are currently in play in Washington.
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Joseph Levy
Director of Scientific Affairs
State Lobbying & Scientific Policy
Since 2013, Levy has been on more than 600 flights traveling to 43 states and Washington D.C. to promote the professional sunbed community’s scientifically supported position, defending the industry against tan bans, state taxes, mandated literal interoperation of the FDA graduated recommended exposure schedule and other punitive regulation attempts.
Here’s an overview of ASA’s state lobbying accomplishments:
- Defeated more than 100 under-18 tan ban bills nationwide since 2013
- Defeated numerous attempts at state Tan Tax regulations
- Recently defeated several new attempts at under-21 tan bans
- Defeated several attempts to mandate literal interpretation of recommended exposure schedules
- Worked nationwide to get tanning businesses classified as non-contact retail stores to allow tanning facilities to open after COVID-19 shutdowns
Joe’s biggest concern today: Groups calling for under-21 tan bans and other punitive regulatory proposals that have become more prevalent in recent years.
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Matt Russell, Executive Director
Regulatory, Legal and PR Support
Russell has worked for the ASA since its inception in December of 2012. Over several decades, he has developed a historical salon database, as well as important industry data that plays an important role in all ASA efforts. His 40 years of industry experience is also helpful, as he works to support ASA’s frontline team.
- Worked with Melinda Norton, Joe Levy, and consultants to develop science-based goals, strategies, and tactics for state and federal lobbying efforts
- Created tanning salon outreach initiatives targeting specific state and federal policymakers, agencies, regulators and politicians with call-for-action requests
- Worked to get critical financial, health and business-related information to salons during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Matt’s biggest concern today is the continued decrease in consumer confidence due to government-driven misinformation regarding UV tanning services.
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Dale Parrott, Operations Director
Federal and State Lobby Support
The backbone of ASA’s operations, Parrott provides the frontline team with message delivery systems designed to target very specific individuals or groups to a very high degree. He has been improving these systems for nearly a decade, allowing our frontline team to communicate a high volume of messages quickly and effectively. Parrott’s operational expertise plays a critical role in getting our industry’s messages to the right people at the right time.
- Frequently develops salon listings by zip code, Congressional district, county and state for targeted lobby efforts
- Developed industry financial data to be included with state and federal lobby efforts
- Developed a detailed list of salons closed as a result of the onerous 10% Tan Tax
- Collected 10,000 postcards signed by industry members in less than ten days to be delivered to House leadership, making a major impression
Dale’s biggest concern today is tanning salon owners’ apathy toward supporting the ASA, leaving our industry wide open for another round of damaging regulations and taxes.
