The American Suntanning Association has been fighting for the rights of U.S. tanning salons since 2012 by slowing or stopping punitive federal and state regulations and taxes. Without ASA’s solid representation, your business would undoubtedly have additional regulations and state taxes far beyond what exist today. These are the leaders of Team ASA:
Melinda Norton
ASA President,Federal Lobbying
Melinda Norton has spent five years as the industry’s association president, traveling to Washington, DC two weeks each month to build relationships with federal policymakers and regulators on behalf of salon operators. Melinda’s face is well known in DC thanks to thousands of meetings in politician’s offices, congressional hallways, lunches and fundraising functions. Melinda has been successful at opening doors with top agency officials to educate politicians and bureaucrats about our scientifically supported issues. Here is a list of just a few inroads Melinda has made on the industry’s behalf:
- Developed relationships with White House officials that helped open agency doors
- Met with top-level agency officials introducing our scientists to government decision-makers
- Created relationships with House committee chairpersons who have supported our issues
- Met with Senate leaders who have helped champion our efforts
- Held thousands of meetings with bi-partisan members of the House and Senate
- Developed relationships with business support groups and the Small Business Administration
“My biggest concern is the potential for very damaging industry regulations that are on the table at various federal agencies.” – Melinda Norton
Joseph Levy
ASA Director of Scientific Affairs, State Lobbying & Scientific Policy
Since 2013, Levy has been on more than 500 flights traveling to 43 states and Washington, DC to promote the professional sunbed community’s scientifically supported position, defending the tanning industry against tan bans, state taxes, mandated literal interpretation of the FDA graduated recommended exposure schedule, and other punitive regulation attempts. Levy presents a constructive approach to the market’s outreach efforts – customizing different strategies in every state based on the DNA of that state’s legislature, but always based on being scientifically accurate and elevating the perception of professional tanning facilities.
Here’s an overview of ASA’s state lobbying accomplishments so far:
- Defeated more than 100 under-18 tan ban bills nationwide since 2013
- Defeated numerous attempts at state Tan Tax regulations
- Recently defeated several new attempts at under-21 tan bans
- Defeated several regulatory attempts to mandate literal interpretation of recommended exposure schedules
- Worked nationwide to get tanning businesses classified as non-contact retail stores to allow tanning facilities to open after COVID-19 shutdowns
“I am very focused on groups that are calling for under-21 tan bans and other punitive regulatory proposals that have become more prevalent in recent years.” – Joe Levy
Matt Russell
ASA Executive Director, Regulatory, Legal and PR Support
Russell has worked for the ASA since its inception in December of 2012. As Executive Director, Matt works to coordinate efforts between Melinda Norton, Joe Levy and ASA’s federal and state lobbying consultants, as well as the ASA legal and PR teams. Over several decades, Russell has developed a historical salon database, as well as important industry data that plays an important role in all ASA efforts. Matt’s 40 years of tanning industry experience are also helpful, as he works to support ASA’s frontline team-members.
- Worked with Melinda Norton, Joe Levy and consultants to develop science-based goals, strategies and tactics for state and federal lobbying efforts
- Created tanning salon outreach initiatives targeting specific state and federal policymakers, agencies, regulators and politicians with call for action requests
- Developed historical industry data to be used for state and federal lobbying
- Worked to get critical financial, health and business-related information to tanning salons during the COVID-19 shutdown
“I am concerned with the continued decrease in consumer confidence due to government-driven misinformation regarding UV tanning services.” – Matt Russell
Dale Parrott
ASA Operations Director, Federal and State Lobby Support
The backbone of ASA operations, Parrott provides ASA’s frontline team-members with message delivery systems designed to target very specific individuals or groups to a very high degree. Parrott has been improving these systems for nearly a decade, allowing our frontline team to quickly and effectively get a high volume of messages to target individuals or groups. Dale’s operational expertise plays a critical role in getting our industry’s messages to the right people, at the right time.
- Developed detailed list of salons closed as a result of the onerous 10% Tan Tax
- Frequently develops salon listings by zip code, congressional district, county and state for targeted lobbying efforts
- Developed industry financial data to be included with state and federal lobby efforts
- Collected 10,000 postcards signed by industry members in less than ten days to be delivered to House leadership making a major impression
“The tanning salon owners’ apathy toward supporting the ASA, leaving our industry wide open for another round of damaging regulations
and taxes, is very concerning to me.” – Dale Parrott
The tanning industry is under constant fire! Now, more than ever, ASA needs your support to help keep our attackers at bay.
About the ASA
Founded in 2012, the American Suntanning Association is committed to defending and growing the industry through a detailed and proactive plan directed by an all-salon board and executed by more than two dozen management and consulting team members who specialize in this type of work.
