Current Issue
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SOLDIERS FOR THE INDUSTRYby Nikki Brand
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ITA members elected/reelected five industry representatives to serve on its Board of Directors for terms beginning October 1 and ending September 30, 2007. The results were announced Sept. 24 after the independent accounting firm of Willis & Jurasek, P.C, counted the ballots. The entire board of 15 will have their first meeting in November at the opening of the ITA Indoor Tanning World Expo at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL. Board members represent each part of the industry, including the allied products, distributor, equipment, lotion and salon sectors. “The industry owes a debt of gratitude to these men and the others who serve on the ITA Board,” said John Overstreet, executive director of the ITA. “I don’t think most people realize how much they contribute to the success of our industry.”
Christian Sauska, Jr., director of tanning for Light Sources, Inc. in Orange, CT, took over Gino Ciancanelli’s term this past year and is happy to be elected to continue serving on the board. “I’ve enjoyed being on the board and learned a lot about the ITA and how they are working hard to benefit and protect the industry,” Christian said. He has served on the Revenue Generating Committee for the past few meetings. “I believe the ITA Board is going to work hard to increase our membership and the number of salon owners involved,” Christian said. “We need to get as many ‘soldiers’ as possible involved in protecting the industry, like the salon owners who helped fight the recent bill restricting the tanning age in California.”
Chuck Robinson, CEO of Four Seasons Sales & Service, Inc. in Paris, TN, has served on the board for several years and is happy to be reelected. “I’ve had the opportunity to be involved almost since the inception of the ITA,” Chuck said. “This organization is something the industry needs. I am the treasurer and serve on the Executive Committee.” He is looking forward to the ITA’s participation in the World Summit in January. “It is important to pull together the efforts of people in the indoor tanning business from other countries to ensure a good future for the industry,” he commented. He said the ITA has spent extensive time addressing state regulations and dedicated interest, time and funds to research that supports tanning.
Bill Pipp, CEO of ETS, Inc. and Helios, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN said he is proud to be reelected to continue serving on the board that he helped found in 1999. “The board has come a long way in the past few years and I believe it will continue to grow stronger,” Bill said. “We work hard on our mission to deal with legislative and regulatory issues on the state and federal levels, and to fund research to prove the positive effects of UV light.” Bill was the first president of the ITA and has since served on the Revenue Generating and Executive Committees. “The Executive Committee collects facts and sorts out details for the board so that when they meet, the meeting will run more efficiently,” he explained.
Frank Muscatello, president of California Tan, Inc. Los Angeles, CA said he is pleased to be reelected and to contribute to a great organization. He said that since the board’s inception, the members have become more proactive, better organized, and had some great victories over state regulations that would hurt tanning salons. “It’s up to all of us to continue to work hard to earn the confidence of people in the industry and increase participation,” he said. “We need more involvement at the salon level. Salon owners need to realize how powerful they are. They need to get out and speak to government officials and let them know that tanning is a legitimate business. They need to get to know these officials so that when a problem arises, they aren’t introducing themselves to the officials for the first time.” Larry Fleschner, president of 16 Florida Tan Centres and Tan One salons in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio was elected to the board, and has served a term in the past. “I am very excited about serving on the board and believe the ITA does an excellent job protecting and promoting the industry,” he said. Larry lent his expertise as a licensed attorney to help the ITA address regulatory issues in Ohio a couple of years ago. “The ITA is going to have a full plate of legislative issues in the upcoming months, and will continue to promote and fund research into the positive effects of UV light to present to the public and the scientific community,” Larry said. The board will work hard to support the ITA’s slogan: “Protecting Your Right To Tan.” Congratulations and best of luck to all! – IST ITA Board of Directors • Oct. 1, 2004-Sept. 30, 2007 Karen Bentlage Future Industries Larry Fleschner Florida Tan Centres and Tan One Jerry Frank Cosmedico Light, Inc. Brad Grossman Designer Skin Michael Hadjinian Ergoline, Inc. Greg Henson Heartland Tanning, Inc. Julie Howell Club Sun Dan Humiston Tanning Bed, Ltd. Frank Muscatello California Tan, Inc. Rick Norvell Norvell Bill Pipp ETS, Inc. Chuck Robinson Four Seasons Sales & Service, Inc. Christian Sauska, Jr. Light Sources, Inc. Jim Shepherd KBD, Inc. Chip Stroud American Sun Systems ITA Mission Statement The Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) is an organization founded to protect the freedom of individuals to achieve a suntan, via natural or artificial light. Through the leadership of our members, who are professionals from every sector of the indoor tanning industry, the ITA seeks to work with federal, state and local governments to ensure that this freedom is not restricted. The ITA also will strive to strengthen and advance our position through research and education efforts that promote indoor tanning and by working cooperatively and supporting other organizations whose efforts further the ITA’s mission.
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Allied Products Sector
Distributor Sector
Equipment Manufacturing
Sector
Lotion Provider Sector
Salon Sector