FDA Status
As previously reported, there are two rule-makings affecting this industry currently pending at the FDA. One is a package of amendments to the performance standard (21CFR 1040.20), which has been percolating at FDA for years and which the reclassification order last May warned would be forthcoming. The other is a proposed rule that would make sunlamp products “restricted devices.” We learned about this last October when FDA sent the proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for signoff.
At the end of May, we saw some troubling signs coming out of the FDA. We learned that both of these proposed rules have cleared OMB, making each eligible for release at any time. The challenge is that we do not know the details of either proposal and we will not find out the particulars until they are published for comment in the Federal Register. However, experience teaches us to expect the worst from our government, so we are already preparing to respond.
While we have the best regulatory counsel in Washington on standby to prepare our response to anything coming out of the FDA, there are significant costs involved. This is why the Tanning World Expo in September is so important. Every penny the ITA makes on this show will be used to fight these battles; therefore, please support the Tanning World Expo!
State Issues
What had been a successful spring went south on us in May when the North Carolina legislature quickly passed another under-18 ban. This was particularly frustrating because business owners in North Carolina pooled resources to hire a local lobbyist to fight the ban.
Several trouble spots still remain with efforts to ban teen tans in Massachusetts and New York ongoing.
On the positive side of the scorecard, the Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma legislatures adjourned without taking action on similar bans, killing those bills for 2015. ■
Tanning World Expo Update
The elements for an outstanding tradeshow and education conference continue to fall into place. The ITA board is extremely pleased to welcome Jeffrey Hayzlett as our keynote speaker. Jeffrey is a frequent television business commentator on networks such as Bloomberg, MSNBC, and Fox Business and is prepared to provide business advice you can take home and implement immediately. Many of you may recognize him from his numerous appearances as a judge on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump.
Jeffrey will tell Expo attendees that in business, the most dangerous move is the failure to make a move at all. His appearance at our event happens to coincide with the release of his new book, Think Big, Act Bigger: The Rewards of Being Relentless, which is focused on this theme.
In addition, we have plans for breakout sessions on Saturday and Sunday designed by salon owners for salon owners, including topics chosen specifically for owners. Saturday’s sessions for owners and managers will include “Interviewing for Sales Rock Stars” and “Motivating the Millennials.” On Sunday, the schedule includes an “owners only” session planned to delve into salon revenue and expense numbers.
For salon staff, our breakout sessions will focus on such topics as selling lotions and EFT sales, as well as real world examples of salon specials and promotions that work. Sunday’s agenda will conclude with a discussion of social media marketing and ways to increase spray-tan session revenues.
Check tanningworldexpo.com regularly for updates on the conference and please join us this fall in Columbus.
Thanks,
John Overstreet
