FLINT, MI – This month, IST Magazine has published issue No. 301!
Originally titled Island Sun Times, the Flint, MI-based magazine was founded in 1997 by tanning pioneer Vince Lorraine, whose Tropi Tan salon chain celebrated 42 years in 2021. The magazine has been committed to growing the industry with a publication designed to help salon operators succeed.
“As with any entrepreneurial venture I’ve pursued, I always want to do it better than the other guy does,” the publisher commented. “We’ve grown so much – from producing top-notch trade events to creating the industry’s premier salon operator education. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved with IST.”
Managing Editor, Sherron Barden, has been on Team IST since the beginning. “Much has changed through the years, but the one constant has been the great people who work in this business,” she stated. “I have so many special memories and relationships with the staff of the product providers and our excellent contributing writers. I’m still having fun!” Lorraine continued, “I speak for everyone on our excellent team when I thank all the industry experts who have contributed to our content, and all the loyal product providers who choose to support our publication.We’ve helped each other enjoy success and it’s been a really great ride!”
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“Congratulations on 25 years of excellence in the indoor tanning industry! We are grateful and honored to be a part of the IST Magazine history. IST helps salon owners stay abreast of new opportunities to improve their daily operations. Through the years, IST has helped Four Seasons grow stronger and better than ever. We look forward to the next 25 years!”
Team Four Seasons
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“IST and JK are longtime business partners and we are thrilled that they are celebrating this milestone. IST’s commitment to the industry is unmatched and we look forward to many more years of information, education and excitement from them in the future.”
Brynn Scarborough
President & CEO, JK North America
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“Decades may fly by, but recognizing the significance of this anniversary surely won’t! It’s truly been my pleasure to be affiliated with IST Magazine in one capacity or another for almost the entirety. All the best for many more!”
Joe Schuster
Contributing Writer/Sun is Life® Director
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“It is quite extraordinary to still be here and to be relevant and helpful to those in the tanning business. A big shout-out to IST and their 25 years of supporting the industry!”
Leif Vasstrom, Principal
Supra® Brands Group
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“I remember being 16 and working in salons that received the magazine. I would see the beautiful ads for tanning products and pictures taken at the big industry events and think to myself that I was looking at ‘tanning celebrities’. I would read articles and think how cool it would be to one day be in the magazine. I am so fortunate now, 20 years later in my career, to have worked closely with IST and it is amazing to see that no matter what happens in our industry, the magazine adapts, grows and creates relevant content. Salon staff tell me they read my ‘Notes from the Road’ articles every month, so things have come full circle! I am proud of the work IST does and that is why they have been a staple for 25 years, and will continue to be a leader for the next 25. Congratulations, Team IST! Keep doing what you do … you never know who you are inspiring in the process.”
Lisa Saavedra
Director of Brand Development
Devoted Creations
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“Congratulations to IST for 25 years of serving, supporting and documenting the growth, success and evolution of our amazing industry. Looking forward to 25 more!”
Jerry Deveney
President, SunForce Marketing
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“Wow! 25 years! This milestone not only celebrates your success, but also honors the many relationships you have built and nurtured within our industry. Thank you for your service and creating an amazing venue to spotlight so many of us, whether as a subject or contributor. Cheers to another 25 years!”
Marie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant/Marketing
Tanning Supplies Unlimited
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“‘Nothing stays the same.’ An overused statement, but truer words were never spoken. The tanning industry is certainly an example. So, any entity celebrating 25 years in our world deserves a hearty salute. IST Magazine has changed with our industry and continues to be a solid provider of news, product information and trends that impact all of us. Given the pressures print media face in today’s digital environment, 25 years and going strong is even more reason for congratulations. I have very fond memories of the IST Solar Seminar 2002 retreat in Cancun … what I CAN remember, that is! Vince, Sherron and staff, Team Heartland acknowledges your effort and celebrates your success!”
Brad Henson
Partner/COO, Heartland Distribution
