Editor's Letter: Honoring The Top 250

For the past nine years, this special issue has been dedicated to top tanning salons in the nation. The task of choosing only 250 salons out of thousands is a difficult one, and a decision not taken lightly. Our judges spent more than seven months gathering, organizing and sorting through more than 1,200 submissions, representing approximately 5,000 salons. Finally, when the field was narrowed to 300 potential top salons, we contacted each and every salon to verify and update their information. To find out more about our judging criteria, turn to page 12.

It seems that 2007 was another year of struggle for many in the industry due to increased economic worries and more anti-tanning attacks and legislative actions. Last year also saw more consolidation within the industry, which can be a good thing if it spurs growth and new ideas. Many salon operators we spoke with during the judging process are optimistic that 2008 will be a year of triumph for the indoor tanning industry.

Many salons introduced new services, such as light therapy, day spa amenities and hydrotherapy, to attract new customers. They also increased consumer education regarding the benefits of tanning and vitamin D out of the realization that they need to bring in new tanners who have not tanned indoors. Salons cannot bank on attracting customers from their competition; the only way to grow is to increase the total number of tanners nationwide.

While we never single any one salon out, I wanted to dedicate this editor’s letter to one of our favorite salon owners and a friend to everyone—Larry Fleschner, CEO and president of Florida Tan Centres and TAN ONE salon chains in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, and a founding member of the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA).

Larry passed away in September following a battle with cancer. He was a soft-spoken man of many attributes who regularly went out of his way to help others. He was a stellar businessman with a kind heart. Those of you who knew him realize the void he left; however, Larry was a fighter and would want everyone to continue to do their best and fight for the life of this industry. His brother, Steve, and the entire staff at Florida Tan Centres and TAN ONE will continue his legacy.

Congratulations to the thousands of tanning facilities nationwide that contribute to the professionalism of indoor tanning. Be sure to visit www.lookingfit.com to enter the 2009 Top 250 Salons.

Keep up the good work, 

Judie Bizzozero 
Group Editorial Director 

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