Dear Readers,
Only one more issue of ist Magazine to go before the New Year! How can this be? You may have noticed the size of this magazine – it’s twice the size of last month’s! Our advertisers are showing you all the new products for the 2013 season, and there’s lots of great content, as well – just what you’d expect from the industry’s leading publication.
By the time some of you read this letter, the 2012 election results will be in the history books – I hope you were all able to exercise your right to vote. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that in January, we’ll have a new president in the White House who will lead our country back to pride and prosperity.
Speaking of voting, we’re very excited about announcing the Industry Choice Awards Nominees in next month’s issue. This year’s voting numbers were the highest ever – with only one exception, the number of salon pros casting ballots has increased each year since we introduced this recognition campaign in 2003. We’ll name the ICA winners in our January “Buyers Guide” issue.
Our team is already busy working on the 2013 Buyers Guide, which will highlight the newest offerings from all the industry’s product makers. It looks like it will be another exciting year for those of us selling tans!
You might not think about it, but salons are selling tans all over the world – be sure to check out the Cover Story, “Global Bronzing”. John “Ribby” Ribner interviewed representatives of top industry product providers to talk about their experiences while establishing a presence in emerging markets. We appreciate those who took the time to share their stories with us.
I personally appreciate the Indoor Tanning Association members who feel that I can be a valuable contributor to their Board of Directors, and recently appointed me to do so (see pg. 92). I am humbled and honored to join the group of industry leaders who have spent the last 15 years protecting “the freedom of individuals to acquire a suntan” and “… ensure that this freedom is not restricted.” I look forward to working with all of them for the next three years.
An ITA member company since 2001, Universal Insurance Facilities is our Company Profile subject this month. They’ve insured salon businesses for 20 years and also stress the importance of training and education. I’ve become close friends with President Randy Tipton and her daughter Jenny Bortman, who lead their team as a real family. In the Industry Close-up slot is Heartland Tanning VP of Distribution, Tammy Reed. She’s been a member of that family business since 1998 and is a friend to many in the industry. John Ribner got her to share her “life story”.
Like Heartland, many companies will be gearing up for the regional expo and symposium season – it’s just around the corner! Look for our Sun is Life® Training and Certification to be offered at many events and plan to get your staff trained and ready for success this season! If you won’t be attending an expo, our program is always available – 24/7 – online. In addition to being very effective, online training is now the most economical way to educate and certify your team.
On a final note, Team IST recently celebrated the birth of William Gavin Shurkey, the first child for Megan Shurkey, Circulation Manager (see pg. 70), as well as the engagement of our Executive Account Manager, Liz Wenstrom. I speak for the entire IST family when I say “Congrats!” to both ladies on their exciting news.
Thanks for reading!
