Dear Readers,[gap height=”15″]
I’ll begin with a comment on the recent dissolution of YOUR industry trade association for nearly two decades – the Indoor Tanning Association.[gap height=”15″]
Since 1999, the ITA led the charge for our industry on the legislative front, addressing burdensome, mostly unsubstantiated regulations. It was our industry’s only association for over 13 years. I was at the group’s first meeting in 1999, and at its last meeting as a board member. It was with a heavy heart that I voted, along with rest of the board, to dissolve the Association due to lack of financial support from the industry it was created to protect. I want to thank Executive Director, John Overstreet, for his 15 years of service; read his final “ITA Update” on p.34. It’s disappointing that this dedicated group couldn’t generate the support needed to continue its important work on behalf of YOUR business.[gap height=”15″]
On that note, another industry association – the American Suntanning Association – was formed in 2012. I have not supported it for several reasons, one being different views of our industry. But, for the sake of our future – in which I’ve been heavily invested for nearly 40 years – I’m ready to consider their mission. As you can see by the ad on p.9, the ASA has started supporting IST Magazine. In addition, a meeting was scheduled (at this writing) for late July between IST and the ASA to see if we can find common ground. I’ll approach it with an open mind and report back to our readers in September. I’m optimistic that we’ll find a way for our remaining industry representatives to effectively represent us all. [gap height=”15″]
Along those lines, we offer the “IST Watchdog” – a recurring column written by industry veteran, Joe Schuster, in which he searches for and finds false reports about indoor tanning and responds to those detractors with facts and statistics. His informed and topical update continues on p.14.[gap height=”15″]
As publisher of IST Magazine for 20+ years, I’ve been proud of the content that my team puts into every issue. We are certainly the industry’s No. 1 magazine, both printed and digital, and have been for over a decade. Our contributing writers have over 100 years of cumulative industry experience! One tan biz veteran of over 35 years is Jerry Deveney, who shares his expertise in monthly articles. Why would you read anything written by someone who has never owned a business in our industry?[gap height=”15″]
IST writers and contributors are the leaders in their fields. Whether it’s eye protection, salon insurance, sunless practices or any type of UV system … we have the experts. Need sales tips? We have three articles for you this month. Working on social media marketing? Check out p.36. We all can use more management know-how: see p.30. And if you need some “in your face” inspiration, mega-mogul Grant Cardone drops some of that on p.44.[gap height=”15″]
Bottom line: IST is here for YOU. [gap height=”15″]
Thanks for reading, [gap height=”15″]
