Editor's Letter: Take Control Of Your Future

It’s hard to believe that another new tanning season is upon us. As an industry, we must find a way to be successful at every level and take control of our destiny to ensure our future. Last year, we faced major anti-tanning legislation in a number of states as well as the traditional onslaught of anti-tanning rhetoric from our dermatology foes.

A few months ago, our ’07 State of the Industry Report urged the industry to join together and become more active in anticipating, monitoring and fighting these tanning restrictions. That same message of taking a proactive approach to our critics was further driven home the very next month at the ITA Tanning World Expo during a powerful presentation given by Rick Berman, president of the Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm Berman and Co. That evening, the industry rallied behind his proposed campaign and has since raised more than $400,000 to support it.

Berman and Co.’s work in public relations and issue advocacy challenges commonly held assumptions and encourages people to make up their own mind about controversial issues. The long-term goal of the campaign is to increase the demand for indoor tanning— Berman and Co. plans to achieve this by jumpstarting a backlash against the current anti-tanning “hype,” and increasing awareness of the positive benefits of vitamin D. If you would like to make a donation to ensure the future of the industry, please contact the ITA at admin@theita.com or call at (888) 377-0477.

Included in this issue is our 2008 Annual Buyer’s Guide & Directory, which provides the most current listing of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of tanning equipment, products and services. If your company was omitted, log on to www.lookingfit.com/buyersguide and enter your information online.

Since it is the beginning of the season, many salon owners are reviewing their equipment lineups to ensure they are providing clients with a wide selection of high-quality beds, standups, automatic sunless booths and spa-related units. Turn to page 36 to see the newest showcase of popular equipment in every category, created to ensure that you are fully equipped and ready for a great 2008.

We look forward to a prosperous 2008 tanning season. For the most current information about the indoor tanning industry, please log on to the new-and-improved www.lookingfit.com for all your favorite content in a revamped format—designed to make it even easier for you to stay current on industry news and events.

Here’s to a profitable season,

Judie Bizzozero
Group Editorial Director
jbizzozero@vpico.com