OLSDMAR, FL – Devoted Creations was a proud sponsor of the 2005 “Baseball for Kids” Golf Classic at Avila Golf and Country Club last March in Tampa, FL. Proceeds of the event will help support All Children’s Hospital of St. Petersburg, a regional referral center for children with some of the most challenging medical problems.

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni helps put on the event every year, with ex-Major Leaguers such as Bob Feller, Harmon Killebrew, Wade Boggs, Fergie Jenkins, and Goose Gossage making appearances and joining the festivities.

“What a great time!” exclaimed Devoted Creations’ VP, Lewis Henry. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to help the kids while hanging out with your own childhood sports heroes.”

FALSE CLAIMS: ITA TAKES ON WHO

McLEAN, VA – The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched perhaps its most vehement attack against indoor tanning, and the Indoor Tanning Association was quick to respond.

On March 17, 2005, the WHO released a statement that targeted young Europeans between the ages of 16 and 24, warning them that their desire to obtain a tan could result in an “epidemic” of skin cancer within a decade. The group also claimed “recent studies have shown a direct link between UV radiation emitted by sunbeds and sunlamps and skin cancers.” This prompted the organization to call for more stringent controls, such as banning tanning for anyone under 18. The WHO went on to state, “regular sunbed use may cause disfigurement from removal of skin cancers and early death if the cancer is a malignant melanoma.”

Needless to say, such news made quite an impact on the many indoor tanning professionals in America who were highly offended by the WHO’s statement. The Indoor Tanning Association issued a statement that referred to the organization’s claims as “recycled scare tactics.” In its statement, the ITA said, “The recently issued World Health Organization note provides no new information on the link between UV exposure and melanoma; the research on this matter remains inconsistent and fails to make a compelling case.” The ITA’s statement, which is featured on the association’s website, further states that the U.S. indoor tanning industry believes in regular, moderate exposure to UV light and firmly believes that all overexposure should be avoided. “The WHO has tried to develop a one-size-fits-all approach to a very complex issue; an approach which is both ill informed and paternalistic,” the statement concluded.

To read the ITA’s response to the WHO in its entirety, visit www.theita.com.

CALIFORNIA TAN LAUNCHES E-NEWSLETTER

LOS ANGELES – On April 4 2005, loyal customers of lotion giant California Tan received the first edition of the company’s E-Newsletter.

The monthly newsletter will include Cal Tan product news, promotions and programs, as well as news on sister company California Tan Sunless™, and Matahari®, Zoe® and Emerald Bay®. In addition, expert sales tips and exclusive news about Cal Tan’s involvement with celebrity events will also be featured.

Commented Sabrina Little, California Tan Communications Director, “Cal Tan customers have continually expressed interest in receiving a monthly newsletter. This is our effort to keep them informed and provide them with expert care.”

SALON SUPPORT RACES FOR A CURE

BENBROOK, TX – On April 2, 2005 Salon Support owners, employees and their families laced up their sneakers to participate in the 2005 Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure.

Along with thousands of runners and walkers, survivors and families of cancer victims, Salon Support employees also brought their families to help raise the more than $1 million the race brought in this year. As America’s largest family-owned distributor, Salon Support continues to maintain an active role in their community.

The Race for the Cure is the largest 5K race in the world and has contributed more than $500 million to breast cancer research.

FIESTA SUN DONATES TO TSUNAMI RELIEF

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Lotion maker Fiesta Sun is set to donate one dollar of every sale of their Naked Man Beach Towel to the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief Effort.

“The supplier of our towel is located in Indonesia,” commented Stacy Kaufman, President of Performance Brands. “Amazingly, with everything going on in their lives, they are still concerned about getting us our beach towels.”

You can order the Naked Man beach towel from your favorite Fiesta Sun distributor.
Nice job, PBI!-IST

EUROWALLS-EUROLINE CONGRATULATES SALES STANDOUT

LOCKPORT, NY – Euroline would like to recognize Eurowalls Director of Salon Development, Chris Guercio, who has received the “2004 Sales Achievement Award.”

Chris has worked diligently over the past two years to help customers transform their salons with Euroline Salon In A Box® modular wall and reception counter systems. His efforts and tanning industry expertise have been great assets to new and existing salon owners.

CTS RAISES THE BAR

Hosts ATI Tanning Certification

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – CTS Complete Tanning Source hosted over 120 salon owners and key professionals on March 5, 2005 at their world headquarters in Farmington Hills, MI to heat up the selling season by offering certification training and product knowledge workshops.

American Tanning Institute (ATI) initiated a comprehensive training and certification program focused on understanding the technical and medical aspects of indoor tanning. The fast-paced, interactive format satisfied most states’ certification requirements.

Representatives from California Tan and Australian Gold offered inspiring presentations on the range of their products and advances of tanning formulas in the marketplace. Additional presentations included Fiji Blend, Performance Brands, and UV World. Over $12,000 of retail product and equipment was awarded throughout the day, including two California Tan TurboBronzer sunless spray systems valued at $2,000 each.

“The dedication of professionals in the tanning industry continues to amaze me,” commented Frank Hutton, Vice President of CTS. “Their passion for providing safe, effective tanning uplifts our commitment to deliver solutions and experiences that inspire beauty.”

Featured in thebeautybook Spring 2005 edition from The Industry Source (a division of The Nailco Group), CTS’ extended tanning solutions section exclusively serves tanning professionals and includes new equipment from Soleil Systems.

MANAGEMENT CO. TO HEAD ITA WORLD EXPO 2005

McLEAN, VA – PGI The Strategic Event Agency is the event communications agency that has been contracted by the ITA to handle World Expo 2005 in Nashville. “The board did extensive research to find the perfect company to help produce this year’s Expo, and many top companies were interviewed during that process,” said John Overstreet, ITA Executive Director. “After reviewing several companies and receiving proposals from two of the finalists, the board moved to accept PGI’s proposal, and contract with them to help host this year’s Expo.”

With PGI on board, ITA World Expo 2005 is bound to have a few surprises, according to Jim Duda, PGI Senior Vice President of Exhibition. Duda attended World Expo 2004 in Orlando to gain a greater understanding of both the event and the tanning industry as a whole. He reports that he was impressed with the industry and plans to keep within its spirit while managing the World Expo. “This is already a very successful show, and we’re planning to help take it to the next level,” Duda commented. “We’re still working out the details, and we expect to announce the new features planned for this year’s show very soon.”

SONNENBRÄUNE ANNOUNCES PHASE 2 RECONSTRUCTION

RINGGOLD, GA – To accommodate the latest technological features of their tanning equipment for the upcoming season, SonnenBräune has begun Phase 2 of their production facility reconstruction.

Customized stations will feature the manufacture of more in-house components and allow for stricter quality control.

“We have one of the best quality ratings in the industry,” commented Ricky Gray, SonnenBräune President. “Our craftsmanship has been legendary for years and the changes we are making will ensure that it stays that way. We’re excited about the production facility improvements and the new technologies that are coming.”

Phase 2 reconstruction is scheduled for completion by Fall 2005.

SALON SUPPORT ANNOUNCES APRIL “DREAM VACATION” WINNERS

BENBROOK, TX – Salon Support awarded four more dream vacations to diligent customers in April. Congratulations to: Scott Ortega of Mirage Tanning Salon in Santa Fe, NM; Chris and Nicole Moore of Ultra Tan Extreme-Irving in Irving, TX; Lisa Rice of Body FX in Columbia, MO; and Don Brooks of Sun Palace, Northport, AL.

For 2005, Salon Support, America’s largest family-owned distributor, unveiled the “Live Your Dreams” program, giving 20 lucky salon owners the opportunity to choose from a list of dream vacations. For more information on the dream vacation packages, or to participate, contact Salon Support. You could be one of the next lucky winners!

NEW DIRECTOR OF LAMP SALES FOR GLOBAL SUN LIGHT
Market Leader Hires Lamp Expert

PLYMOUTH, MN – Graham Goy, Acting President/CEO of JK North America, Inc., has announced the appointment of Dan Shine as Global Sun Light’s new Director of Lamp Sales. In this position, Dan will be responsible for growing aftermarket lamp sales and service through existing distributor networks and other channels. He will work closely with distributors and branch locations as well as national accounts and he will also supervise and coordinate the efforts of Global Sun Light’s sales staff.

“While already a superior distributor of lamps and accessories, I am confident that Dan Shine will further improve sales and service at Global Sun Light,” said Graham Goy. “In addition, Dan’s knowledge and expertise will provide the focus and leadership necessary for Global Sun Light to remain a world-class facility.”

Dan gained extensive experience in previous positions at three lamp manufacturers, most recently at Light Emission Technologies. He earned an MBA in Marketing from the University of New Haven and has more than 23 years of experience in the sale of tanning lamps and gas-discharge specialty lamps.