With an upcoming national tradeshow and a recommitment to battling teen-tanning legislation, the Indoor Tanning Association is getting back to its roots. What a great way to ring in the New Year!
At its December 4 board meeting in Indianapolis, the ITA Board of Directors voted to once again host its annual tanning trade event in the fall. This should come as welcome news to all the tanning professionals who enjoyed attending this world-class event in years past. Because its members consider legislation age restrictions on tanning to be one of the biggest threats the industry faces, the board also voted to once again fight these proposed bills in various state legislatures across the country. Needless to say, it was a very productive meeting!
This fall, the industry can expect a thriving and successful national-level trade event, thanks to the ITA. Though an exact date and location have yet to be determined for the this year’s ITA World Expo, ITA Executive Director John Overstreet says that the tradeshow will be every bit as encompassing as those in years past… perhaps even more so. “After careful consideration,” Overstreet said, “the Board realized the need for a strong, national-level tanning event where the proceeds are used to support the industry. These shows were always a huge opportunity for salon owners and we’re proud to be hosting it once again!”
For those new to the industry, there’s much to expect from this year’s ITA World Expo. Try to imagine a tanning trade event where every major manufacturer, distribution company and related service provider are under one gigantic roof. All day long, various educational seminars are being conducted while an open exhibit floor awaits your visit. There’s also top-notch training and certification courses offered, parties and so much more. “The World Expo was always an amazing event and it will be again this fall!” Overstreet exclaimed.
The ITA was formed in 2000, a year in which the tanning industry was being attacked by anti-tanning legislation, particularly at the state level. The big trend of that time was under-18 tanning bans, which seemed as though they were being proposed in a different state legislature every month. The founders of the tanning association understood the importance of fighting these bills, and current board members recently voted to rededicate the organization to this ongoing challenge. Overstreet explained, “This year, we were fortunate to have some funds left over to dedicate to these battles. The board also hopes that the success of the future World Expo will provide additional funding going forward.”
While the board’s two most recent decisions are huge news for the tanning industry, Overstreet wants to remind everyone that these plans are in the beginning stages. An official date and location for the 2015 World Expo has yet to be determined and more work has to be done before the ITA can choose when and where to begin fighting for everyone’s right to tan in state legislatures. Yet, despite the tentative nature of everything, this is still huge news for the industry. Overstreet explained, “Everyone at the ITA is excited about these decisions and we’re all looking forward to doing all it takes to make them happen.”
Joining the ITA is now more affordable than ever before, thanks to a third item approved by the Board. Overstreet explained, “In its continued efforts to support salon owners’ interests, the Board reduced dues for salons to just $10 per location per month if paid by ACH, and $150 per location annually if paid in one lump sum. This is the lowest salon dues have been in many years and we hope many businesses take advantage of the offer and support us.”
This year is sure to be an exciting one for both the ITA and the tanning industry as a whole. This pivotal time provides the perfect opportunity for salon owners to make that all-too-crucial decision to join the organization. The ITA is an important association looking out for salon owners’ interests, so the organization deserves your support! “The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed more regulations,” Overstreet explained. “While we don’t know the details of the proposal, many of us believe the FDA is seeking a national under-18 tanning ban as well as regulations that allow them to oversee the way salons advertise to their customers.”
Because of the FDA’s proposal, the ITA is gearing up for what could become another battle at the Federal level. Salon owners are encouraged to join the ITA in reaching out to state and Federal lawmakers on these important issues. By getting to know their lawmakers on a first-name basis, tanning operators can form relationships that are very helpful both now and in the future. To join, contact the ITA today at 703.336.3632, email admin@theita.com or visit theita.com. ■
Executive Director’s Message
In 2014, the association started the New Year carrying a sizable debt. At its budgetary planning session one short year ago, the ITA board made some difficult cost cutting decisions designed to put the association back on firm financial footing.
This past year the association also ended its long term relationship with an association management/accounting/IT firm, instead opting to use more economical independent contractors to provide infrastructure, accounting services and temporary help. In addition, the ITA moved out of its downtown Washington, D.C. headquarters to offices in suburban Virginia.
I am pleased to report this effort accomplished the desired goal. Not only were we successful in eliminating our debt from 2013, but we enter 2015 with a small war chest that the board has set aside for our looming battles with the FDA.
In 2015, I fear we will need our war chest and more. The signals are abundant that we will have a watershed year in our dealings with the Food and Drug Administration. This will likely come in spite of a new Congress that is more resistant to expanded government regulation of business.
In passing the ITA’s 2015 budget, the board is anticipating locking horns with the FDA over the restricted device classification as well as amendments to the performance standard. To that end, the board is budgeting additional resources for our FDA war chest.
However, we cannot achieve long-term success without continued support from all parts of the industry. For our current members, we deeply appreciate your support and commitment in 2014. If you are not a supporter, please join our ranks. The ITA fights hard every single day to protect your business and by working together, we can succeed.
From the entire ITA Board, I wish you a happy and profitable 2015.
