Destination Nashville
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Online registration is available for the 8th Annual ITA Tanning World Expo that will be held Oct. 11-14 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Salons can register by visiting www.theita.com/Conference07 or calling (888) 377-0477.
This annual trade show is a must for those serious about the indoor tanning industry. Last year’s expo floor boasted more than 100 exhibitors and was host to thousands of attendees looking for the newest equipment and products.
Four Seasons Acquires National Tanning Supply
PARIS, Tenn.—Four Seasons Sales & Service, Inc. announces the acquisition of National Tanning Supply in Springfield, Ill.
“It’s a great fit,” says Ronnie Allen, chairman of Four Seasons. “Through each aspect of the acquisition, it became more apparent that bringing these two companies together was an excellent decision as both companies are near mirror images in operational design, structure and business philosophy.”
National Tanning Supply will continue to operate from Springfield under the direction and management of co-founders Dave and Annette Orlikowski. Customers will continue to work with their established sales representatives, while enjoying the added benefits of a diverse selection of products and services.
Four Seasons is excited to join forces with such a reputable company and is confident that the high level of service developed by the Orlikowskis and the entire National Tanning Supply team will accelerate efforts for both entities.
For more information, call Four Seasons at (800) 325-2769 or National Tanning Supply at (800) 359-8909.
ORANGE, Conn.—LightSources’ North American Director of Tanning Products, Christian J. Sauska, and his fiancée, Katherine Tebbe, welcomed a new addition to their family on June 15. Named after his father, Christian Paul Sauska was born a healthy 8 pounds, 8 ounces.
Congratulations from LOOKING FIT.
Suntan Supply Acquires T.W. Tan
AVON, Ohio—Suntan Supply announced the acquisition of St. Cloud, Minn.-based T.W. Tan in June. Suntan Supply President and Co- Owner Bill Gallagher says both operations will remain virtually the same, and customers will experience the best service possible thanks to more distinctive departments, where customer service will be top priority.
Suntan Supply will operate from its new 38,050-square-foot facility in Avon, Ohio and T.W. Tan will continue to operate from St. Cloud under the management of Jamie Carlson.
“The benefits to our customers are numerous,” Gallagher says. “There will be two shipping points for product, providing shipping times in three days or less, anywhere in the country. Customers also will notice a larger volume and selection of lotion products from which to choose.”
According to Gallagher, the companies’ purchasing power has increased, which will allow customers to select from a greater inventory while passing along a greater savings.
“Being a strong equipment distributor of Ergoline and Soltron equipment and adding T.W. Tan’s strength in lotion sales will only benefit our customers,” he says.
For more information, call (800) 994-8484.
INDIANAPOLIS—Australian Gold has selected Jessica Lowman as Miss Australian Gold 2007. Lowman, from Sherrill’s Ford, N.C., was one of four finalists selected from hundreds of candidates. In March, the finalists were flown to the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla., for the final round of judging.
Lowman will be featured in company trade ads and will attend the ITA Tanning World Expo in Nashville next month.
For more information, visit www.australiangold.com.
Vitamin D Deficiency Leaves Millions At Risk
MCLEAN, Va.—In a review article published in July issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D. explores the nature of vitamin D deficiency and concludes it to be one of the most commonly unrecognized medical conditions in the world—which leaves millions at risk of osteoporosis, fractures, several common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and heart disease.
In his review, Holick estimates that there are more than 1 billion people worldwide at risk for vitamin D deficiency, with 30 percent to 50 percent of children and adults in the United States at high risk for this potentially life-threatening condition.
According to Holick, the effects of this condition can be both immediate and far-reaching for women and children. For example, pregnant women, even when taking prenatal vitamins, are still at high risk for pre-eclampsia —a condition characterized by hypertension— fluid retention and protein loss in the urine. Low levels of calcium and vitamin D in utero and in childhood may prevent the maximum deposition of calcium in the skeleton and may increase the risk of developing serious chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In adults, recent evidence shows that vitamin D deficiency can put an individual at risk for developing a variety of deadly cancers.
Holick points to prospective and retrospective studies indicating that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a 30 percent to 50 percent increased risk of colon, prostate and breast cancer along with higher mortality among those diagnosed with these cancers, especially darker-skinned individuals (who have the highest incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S.). Vitamin D deficiency also has been linked to an increased risk of infectious diseases including tuberculosis and influenza as well as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
“Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in this country,” he says. “Sensible sun exposure and the use of supplements are the best ways to address this easily preventable condition.”
Holick is a Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and contributions to the study of vitamin D, calcium, bone and the biologic effects of light in dermatology, endocrinology and medicine.
PHOENIX—Since 1992, The National Tanning Training Institute has been training and certifying salon owners and operators nationwide. In 2001, NTTI became the FIRST tanning training program to offer an online option for industry certification and it’s clear that salon owners love the ability to learn on their own time. Now there’s even more to love as NTTI’s Web site, www.tanningtraining.com, has had a makeover and is looking better than ever with enhanced efficiency and streamlined navigation.
The new and improved site also features quick links to “My Account” sign-in and the mailing list, as well as a news section with the most current industry happenings and scientific research sponsored by LOOKING FIT® magazine.
NTTI Offers Ohio Recertification Special
PHOENIX—Reminder: Tanning salons in the Buckeye State are required to recertify employees every four years. Be sure to check your basic certification certificates to ensure you are in compliance. Since 2006, NTTI has offered a special $34.95 online recertification special that also includes a free NTTI membership.
Visit www.tanningtraining.com or call (800) 529-1101.
Anti-Tanning Bill Hits Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Another anti-tanning bill aimed at restricting teen tanning has cropped up—this time in Ohio. HB 230 seeks to amend current state regulations (which require parental consent for tanners under age 18) to completely disallow minors to tan unless they provide a medical prescription for ultraviolet radiation treatments.
Similar to anti-tanning legislation in other states, HB 230 only will add an overly-restrictive measure to the already-effective and well-enforced regulations in Ohio. Tanning salon operators and industry professionals opposing the bill were scheduled to attend a meeting in Marietta, Ohio on Monday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.
April Flinn of Hawaiian Tans organized the meeting in response to the proposed bill. Attendees had the opportunity to sign a petition to defeat the measure while at the meeting. Additionally, Flinn had planned to meet with Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison on July 23 to discuss the measure and hopefully gain the representative’s support in defeating the under-18 ban.
“If they ban teens from tanning in a salon, which is at least a controlled environment, it will only magnify the problem,” she says. “This bill won’t solve anything. It’s a scare tactic, and we should all know that those don’t work with teens. The government should be enforcing the guidelines they already have and teaching prevention of sunburn, not creating new, ridiculous rules that will do no good.”
The bill has been introduced to the Ohio House of Representatives by State Rep. Courtney Combs and is co-sponsored by State Reps. Jim McGregor, Edna Brown, Danny Bubp, Diana Fessler, Robert Otterman, Eugene Miller and John Domenick.
PHOENIX—It’s that time again! LOOKING FIT is taking submissions for the 2008 Top 250 Salons and our online survey submission process has been enhanced to make entering the Top 250 easier and more efficient.
Access the Top 250 Survey by visiting www.lookingfit.com/top250. The secure site allows you and only those you share your login information with to view your information. Once you register your salon, choose a login name and password, fill out the form (or forms if you have multiple salons) and submit your entry online—you can even amend information that changes before the Nov. 2, 2007 deadline.
Salons also can download a PDF of the Top 250 Salons Survey. Simply print it out, fill in the required information and mail or fax it back. The fax number is (480) 281-6026. The Top 250 Salons will be published in a special Feb. 15, 2008 issue of LOOKING FIT magazine. Salons must be in operation by the same owner for one full year by Nov. 2, 2007 to be eligible. For more information about the Top 250 Salons listing, contact Edie Palmo at (480) 990-1101, ext. 1603 or e-mail epalmo@vpico.com.
Tan, Inc. Announces 2008 Free Product Rebate Program
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.—Tan, Inc.’s new 2008 Salon Instant Free Product Rebate program and chart will be available at the ITA Tanning World Expo. Pick one up to find information on all of the great product instant rebates, like free-with-purchase half gallons— perfect to help celebrate grand openings, anniversaries or host a Brown Sugar or Tan ASZ U special—facial creams, leg products, bottles and packets.
Tan Inc. thanks its distributors and salons for making the 2007 Salon Instant Free Product Rebate program a success.
For more information, call (888) 567-5630.
Bachelorettes Get Body Drench Goodies
LOS ANGELES—The bachelorettes on the new season of ABC’s The Bachelor will be sporting an unmistakable glow when they begin filming the next series of episodes—compliments of Body Drench, which contributed to the gift bags that contestants receive prior to each season. Each bag included Body Drench Whipped Chocolate, a delicious mousse formula that spreads beautifully and smells heavenly.
Need More Tanners In Your Salon?
SUNRISE, Fla.—Is your salon signed up with www.iwantafreetan.com, the Web site that offers a unique direct-marketing campaign geared toward helping you to connect with millions of potential tanners? The site is completely free, so log on to www.iwantafreetan.com and sign up for the opportunity to reach up to 20 million new customers.
MILFORD, Conn.—Denise Stabler, marketing manager for Future Industries, married John Gagne on May 19. The small ceremony was held on the beach in New Haven, Conn., followed by a reception for about 50 of their close friends and family. Denise’s children, Brendon (10) and Rachael (9) also were part of the ceremony. The couple honeymooned on a seven-day cruise to the Southern Caribbean.
June Webinar Available On Demand
PHOENIX—Did you miss the live Webinar—”Marketing Know-How For Today’s Tanning Salons”—held June 11? Simply download the free Webinar at www.lookingfit.com/webinars and listen to it at your leisure.
We received great feedback from participants and we look forward to providing future Webinars for the indoor tanning industry. Thank you to our sponsors—Photo Therapeutics, Inc., Lumière Light Thèrapie, Tanology and NTTI.
FITSO Announces New Officers
SARASOTA, Fla.—Jim and Shirley Mendolera announced their retirement as president and secretary, respectively, of the Florida Indoor Tanning Salon Organization (FITSO) this past June, naming Jim Carlton and Shelly Griffin as their successors.
Carlton owns two Florida businesses that deal in medically supervised skincare, including the use of ultraviolet light for cosmetic and health purposes. The Mendoleras expressed their extreme confidence that Carlton will take the FITSO presidency to new heights because of his belief in the use of ultraviolet light in a controlled environment and commitment to the rights of business owners and operators.
Griffin, owner of Wolff Tans in Tallahassee, will take the position of vice president/secretary.
Both Carlton and Griffin volunteered to take over the direction of FITSO and were appointed without a vote. They will be a sharing a two-signature account of the monies collected by the Mendoleras on behalf of FITSO from tanning salon owners, distributors and manufacturers to be used toward lobbying efforts, attorney costs and licensing fees.
FITSO was created for the purpose of opposing Florida inspection fee increases in 2002 and has since continued to be a leader in the fight against legislation that negatively impacts Florida’s tanning industry.
Sign Up For LOOKING FIT’s e-Newsletter
PHOENIX—Are you current on all the top industry news, marketing tips and business solutions? Make sure of it by signing up to receive LOOKING FIT’s monthly e-newsletter. Simply log on to www.lookingfit.com and fill out the “Sign Up For Free e-News” section. This no-charge tool will arrive via e-mail every month.
SUNRISE, Fla.—Congratulations to the Broward Buccaneers traveling boys basketball team and its coach, Stacy Kaufman, for its recent No. 1 ranking in the state of Florida. Kaufman, a collegiate football player, has taken his love of sports and honed his natural leadership abilities to inspire a great team of young men. The Buccaneers travel nearly every weekend to tournaments throughout Florida and several other states.
Kudos to Kaufman who balances his time as president of Performance Brands, Inc., coach, husband and father of two teenage boys.
COLOGNE, Germany— SOLARIA, the No. 1 international trade fair for tanning products and equipment in Europe, will be held Nov. 1-3. Approximately 160 companies from 18 countries including the “Who’s Who” of the industrial sector are expected to participate in this year’s event. The show is expected to attract some 8,000 visitors from 53 countries.
Held every other year, SOLARIA is the world’s most important platform for the tanning industry. It is where supply meets demand, where innovations are presented and trends are born.
The focus of this year’s event is a student salon design competition called “Wellness Visions: The Tanning Centre of Tomorrow” (hint: these designs can be a real source of inspiration, so take notes). Other events include a conference program, competitions and the popular SOLARIA Chill-Out nighttime event held in Germany’s renowned Rhein-terrassen. The building also will be the site of the gala awards night, in which prizes from the various competitions will be awarded to Europe’s top tanning salon operators.
For more information, visit www.solaria-cologne.com.
Lectric Beach Hosted ‘Tan For Hunger’ Food Drive
The salon chain also heated the competition up by offering a free tanning session or upgrade to any current Lectric Beach club member. In addition, individuals who brought in the most “preferred” items—such as tuna, peanut butter and baby formula—were in the running to win a membership of three months, two months or one month, or 10 free tanning sessions.
The hunger drive has been a community service performed by Lectric Beach Tanning Club many times over the past 20 years and each year thousands of pounds of food are collected. The Hunger Relief Fund, a coalition of the state’s leading anti-hunger agencies, pools resources and expertise to provide nutritious food to those that need it most: children, the elderly, veterans and working families.
“One hundred percent of the donations go to fight hunger statewide, locally and in our own backyard,” says Lectric Beach Tanning Club owner Dion Borkowicz. “It’s just one way we work to give back to our own community.”
Log On To TanResponsibly.com
PHOENIX—LOOKING FIT’s consumer Web site, www.tanresponsibly.com, helps your customers or potential customers find handy tanning tips, the latest trends and answers to many questions regarding sensible, moderate and responsible tanning. Judging from the tremendous response to The Bright Side Blog and our Web exclusive articles, we know we’ve designed a place where tanners and others interested in your salon’s professional services can go for information on tanning, fitness & lifestyle, health & nutrition, skincare, movie reviews, sun-sign predictions and much more.
Tell your customers about this site, where they can look up everything they want to know about the tanning process and the professional products that can help them achieve their tanning goals. There is a lot of competition for tanners’ attention in the “virtual world” and the “real world”, so make Tan Responsibly your customers’ homepage.
Tanning And Toes Body Spa Owners Choose ETS
MONROE, N.J.—Tanning and Toes Body Spa opened this summer, choosing to exclusively feature the Solaris 542, Velocity HP1000, StarPower 548 and SolarForce 652 tanning beds manufactured by Indianapolis-based ETS Tan.
The salon also carries skin products and lotions by Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty and Caribbean Gold, all sister companies of ETS Tan. Owners Richard and Samantha Widmer opened the Tanning and Toes Body Spa with the goal of combining tanning with a multi-level express spa experience.
“Being that this world has become so fast-paced, people don’t have time to spend hours at a spa on a daily basis,” Samantha Widmer says. “We believe everyone deserves an affordable, express spa experience without the inflated prices.”
She and her husband chose to exclusively offer ETS Tan tanning beds to their customers because of the design of the beds and because of ETS Tan’s exceptional customer service.
For more information, call (732) 251-9000 or e-mail info@tanningntoes.com.
Get Synergy Tan Promos, Tips
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.—Sign up to receive Synergy Tan’s e-mail alerts and never miss a promotion again. Visit www.synergy-tan.com and register your salon. Each time Synergy Tan offers a promotion, a professionally designed e-mail alert will be delivered directly to your inbox. In addition to offering tremendous savings, each alert contains a fantastic tanning tip that can be passed on to your clients.
For more information, contact gina.evans@synergy-tan.com.
Win A Free Relamp, Compliments Of URI
BROOK PARK, Ohio—Ultraviolet Resources International is having a free relamp giveaway contest. No purchase necessary. Any salon that has an I.SO ITALIA L33 Matrix; or any tanning laydown or standup made by I.SO ITALIA is eligible to win. The winner will be announced at the 2007 ITA Tanning World Expo in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information, call (800) 247-3251.
People On The Move
Sportarredo USA, Inc. (Arlington, Texas) announces that Gianluca Dianese has left his position as company CEO after three years of serving the tanning industry. Sportarredo wishes him the best as he pursues new and challenging opportunities. The company also welcomes two new team members. Emmanuele Codega is vice president and director of operations and will assure continuity in the effort to keep improving Sportarredo’s core values of quality and reliability. Matteo Tagliabue has joined the company as its marketing manager. Tagliabue’s experience with the international environments of Spain and the United States make him an asset to the team. (866) 899-4826
Mystic Tan (Farmers Branch, Texas) congratulates Ricky Croft, who has become the vice president of business development, stepping up from his previous position as vice president of operations. Other company promotions include David Block, who is taking on the role of vice president of administration and manufacturing; Mike Aponas, who is the new vice president of sales; and Wolfgang Manz, the newly appointed director of worldwide sales and managing director of Mystic Tan Europe. (877) 668-8826
Highline Capital (Boulder, Colo.) has hired Ann Wiggins Noe as vice president of sales for the tanning division. Her background within the industry includes several years of consulting with salon owners regarding all facets of salon ownership as well as equipment sales. She also is a salon owner. (800) 422-4100
Ryco Tan Supply (Maryland Heights, Mo.) welcomes Ashley Ballantyne to its team. Ballantyne is the account manager for Ryco’s Oklahoma office and assists customers with questions and orders as well as performs marketing research. (800) 775-7926
Growth & Development
Gulf Management Systems (Clearwater, Fla.) is celebrating its 15th year anniversary with a bash in Tampa, but would like to extend the celebration beyond its office by showing appreciation for its customers and employees. Since 1992, Gulf Management Systems has been serving small- to medium-sized businesses and plans to take this time to commemorate and reflect upon the company’s journey of success. (727) 669-7644
Salon Professional Product Package information from Set-N-Me- Free Aloe Company (Portland, Ore.) is now available on its Web site, www.set-n-me-free.com. Click on “Quick links to Set-N-Me-Free” to view the drop-down menu and select “Professional Packages”. Double-click on the product photos to view them at a larger, more detailed size. (800) 221-9727
Worldwide Specialty Lamp LLC (Austell, Ga.) thanks the following department coordinators for their loyalty and dedication over the years: Fred Braue (16 years), Charlotte Groves (7 years), Beth Balsor (5 years) and Charlene Murray (3 years). The company also welcomes its newest members, Lacey Ronquillo and Melvin Jackson. (800) 547-9191
Infinity Sun (Beverly Hills, Calif.) revamped its Web site to incorporate many new features. Among the new additions are updated technology pages with enhanced and new product images as well as links to recent press and press releases. www.infinitysun.com
TanAmerica (Rancho Cordova, Calif.) recently redesigned its Web site—www.TanAmerica.com—to make it easier than ever to navigate. Features include a full online parts catalog and a download center for marketing images. (800) 350-2826
Body Décor (Mastic, N.Y.) has enhanced its Web sites. Check out www.bodydecorinc.com and www.myspace.com/bodydecorinc to see advertisements that take place across the United States and to get more information about the Body Décor movement of smart tanning knowledge. (866) 426-7546
