ITA Update: Public Education Campaign Launch

In March, the ITA launched its much-anticipated public education campaign. Complete with national ads running on cable television and a national newspaper ad, the ITA is focused on confronting the anti-tanning propaganda that currently pervades the public’s perception of the industry. The campaign is designed to incite a debate attacking the “junk science” that our opposition in the dermatology and sunscreen industries continue to push.

We feel it is time we defend our industry and the services we provide.

The ITA also has provided its members with a CD of all campaign ads—both print and video—so salon owners and members of the industry have the ability to show them in their local markets. This CD also includes a public relations guide, vitamin D poster artwork and a collection of newspaper clips that members can print out and provide to their customers as handouts.

While the ITA pushes this national debate, we also continue to encourage salons to do their part by educating their customers and their communities regarding the benefits of UV light and vitamin D. Our research shows that many clients—those same people who love the services provided in tanning salons—still believe the negative press about tanning. We need to re-educate them about the facts and continue to give them “permission to tan.” The customers that don’t feel comfortable telling their friends and family that they tan today are a lot less likely to be our customers tomorrow. The good news continues to be the flood of new research that confirms what we all know—sunlight is good for us.

Legislative News On The State Level

The introduction of new legislation has slowed to a crawl this spring, with the total number of bills for 2008 now standing at 12. Although there have been some tough fights, we now have two key victories on our slate.

At the Nebraska hearing for NE 1163, salon owners from across the state traveled to the capital to help defeat the proposed legislation, leading to the bill’s failure in committee. In Maryland, the combination of the ITA’s successful letter-writing campaign and presentations by salon owners describing the best practices of Maryland businesses led to a key amendment in HB 1358. The requirement for a doctor’s prescription as well as the requirement that a parent be present each time a teen tans have been deleted. Now, parental consent will be required only on the first visit.

We see a common theme in these state fights. Because the American Academy of Dermatology has no hard data, it overstates the alleged problem and tries to build a case based on half-truths and guilt by association. The bills are defeated when legislators are given all the facts.

We still have several major problems to resolve, including the proposed teen tan bans in Ohio, Massachusetts and Vermont. However, with the continued active involvement of local salons, we are optimistic about the outcomes.

We encourage you to continue to support our efforts in the states. In unity there is great strength. Please become a member today. For membership information, visit www.theita.com or call (888) 377-0477.