I opened my tanning salon in 2006 and have since regularly attended trade shows to gain better knowledge and understanding of our industry. At that time, I did not see the value of a tanning association; therefore, I joined a national small business association with hopes that they would be able to help battle the federal Tan Tax brought on by the Affordable Care Act. I have since learned that the American Suntanning Association (ASA) does so much more than the aggressive work they were doing in Washington, they also battle proposed legislation in each state to protect the indoor tanning industry.
When the Governor of Kansas approached me to apply to be a representative on the Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC), I was hesitant. I reached out to a childhood connection and now mentor, Daryl Ringler, who previously held the position. He connected me with fellow tanning salon owner Roger Holmes, who was then the current KBOC member and an ASA Board member. With the encouragement of two strong industry veterans, I decided the KBOC was a good investment of my time to help further strengthen our industry.
Thanks to my newfound position on the Cosmetology Board, I learned that a bill was being considered to add state sales tax to all beauty services, including tanning. With a 10% federal excise tax already hurting my business, I knew an additional tax from the state would be devastating, and my business would suffer more than it already had. I immediately contacted the ASA, alerted them to the bill and joined with them to put a stop to this damaging state tax.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the way to protect your business is not sitting on the sidelines and hoping someone else will solve your problems.
Despite the short time frame we were given before the bill went to committee, the ASA was ready! With the help of ASA’s Joe Levy, I held meetings with several representatives along with Joe. I also presented the tanning industry’s position on taxation to the committee, giving them a first-hand perspective from a local tanning facility owner. At that meeting, there were only two representatives of the tanning industry there – Joe Levy from the ASA and Yours Truly.
The ASA provided all the literature and written testimony that was needed to fight the bill. I was there to speak from a business owner’s perspective regarding the impact this would have on small, women-owned businesses in Kansas. We managed to dodge the state tax for tanning salons; but I can honestly say that nothing would have been done to stop this tax from becoming a reality if it weren’t for my work with the ASA. Their experience, development of critical information and materials and most importantly, their presence at the state capitol were critical in facing this damaging bill.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the way to protect your business is not sitting on the sidelines and hoping someone else will solve your problems. That’s why I am now a proud member of the ASA. If you’re planning for a future in the indoor tanning industry, you should be, too.
