Editor’s Letter: Legislative 411

One of the things I like best about LF’s Top 250 Salons Issue is all the great statistical information we glean from the surveys we receive. It’s a great way to learn interesting facts about what salon owners actually are doing in their salons. This year, though, one statistic really stood out in my mind—and not in a good way. Salons reported that anti-tanning campaigns affected their season by 25 percent. That’s up from 16 percent in 2006.

To me, that indicates an increased need for tanning salon owners and operators to pay attention to proposed regulation changes at all levels—not only to make sure that compliance is met, but also to ensure a voice in the process. I know, we’ve said that before. But we’re going to keep saying it until all salon owners actually heed our advice! Flip to page 38 for a summary of regulatory and legislative issues on the international, federal and state levels in 2007 and those that have carried over or been introduced during the first few months of 2008. See what you can do to fight any active legislation in your state or on the federal level … the only way to take the ammunition out of the hands of the anti-tanning coalition is to spread the message of moderate, sensible and responsible exposure to sunlight, so get out and do something!

On the bright side of legislative matters, Dan Humiston, owner of the Tanning Bed chain and president of the ITA, is running for office in New York. Maybe we’ll finally have someone who supports indoor tanning weighing in on legislative matters that affect the industry … what a novel idea. Check out what Humiston had to say about his plans for the future on page 36.

On the completely non-regulatory, non-legislative side of things, don’t miss the marketing articles in this issue. This month’s Salon Startup (page 30) has some quality tips for creating a direct-mail marketing program and Contributing Editor John Carlisle put together a great article about vehicle wraps on page 50. Finally, flip to page 52 for ideas on how to take advantage of impulse buys with countertop displays and point-of-purchase sales, including a page of POP product recommendations.

P.S. It’s April … which means that my one-year anniversary with LF is this month! I can’t believe the time has gone by so quickly. Here’s to many more years working with you all.