Current Issue
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IN THE NEWS
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Results of the 2004 ITA Board of Directors Elections Announced JACKSON, MI – The Indoor Tanning Association is pleased to announce the election of five candidates to the Board of Directors for terms beginning October 1, 2004 and ending September 30, 2007. The results are as follows: Equipment Manufacturing Sector: Mr. Bill Pipp, ETS, Indianapolis, IN; Allied Products Sector: Mr. Christian Sauska, Jr., Light Sources, Orange, CT; Lotion Provider Sector: Mr. Frank Muscatello, California Tan, Los Angeles, CA; Distributor Sector: Mr. Chuck Robinson, Four Seasons, Paris, TN; Salon Sector: Mr. Larry Fleschner, Florida Tan Centres/Tan One, Terre Haute, IN. The ballots were received and counted by the independent accounting firm of Willis & Jurasek, P.C. during the first three weeks in September. “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.” The new members of the ITA Board will be introduced to the industry on Thursday evening at the opening of the 2004 ITA Indoor Tanning World Expo at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL. |
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Canadian Lynx Joins EYE PRO Exotic Animal List! TACOMA, WA - The Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, WA recently welcomed a new arrival — an adorable Canadian Lynx cub now calls the zoo its home, thanks to EYE PRO. Zoo guests will have “close encounters” with the new cub, named YUKON, who will also go to schools to help educate youth on the importance of protecting endangered species. “This is the sixth animal we’ve purchased or sponsored to help more people learn about exotic animals,” commented Brenda Fishbaugh, EYE PRO President and long-time animal activist. EYE PRO, Inc., is maker of Wink-Ease and VIEWkeepers! disposable eye protection, Fresh-Ease After-Tan Body Cloths, and UV BLOCKERS Maintenance Glasses. Each year, a portion of all EYE PRO product sales is donated to help protect endangered and exotic animal species. EYE PRO currently supports four different endangered animal sanctuaries worldwide, including Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo. |
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Website Update for Maximum Percentage ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Lotion maker Maximum Percentage has recently given their website a facelift. The new, user-friendlier site displays all the new products with detailed descriptions of each, including the new skincare line. The updated Maximimpercentage.com features detailed information and benefits of the high-quality ingredients used in all products, as well as a breakdown of what makes each product unique to the industry.
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Supre Delivers for 2005 Season ORLANDO – New products, ready to ship – that’s the excitement planned for the Supre exhibit booth #921 at the 2004 ITA World Expo. With 19 new products, including three new lines, six line extensions and two packaging re-vamps, Supre is geared up for a fabulous ITA show and 2005 season. All new products will be LIVE at the show, and sample packettes of new brands will be given out in sample bags. “Not only will we have live product and samples of new lines, but all new products will be available for shipment December 1,” says John Alexander, Vice President of Supre. “We’ve made some very positive staffing changes internally at Supre, and this has made dramatic improvements to our product planning and production schedules,” added Alexander. “We have improved our internal systems and that results in our bringing new products to market faster than ever before. We’ve been able to move up our schedules for everything from catalogue imaging and production to actual product delivery,” continued Alexander. “Of course, our ever popular male model, Dean will be with us at our booth again this year, signing posters and posing for photos,” Alexander said. |
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The Nailco Group Introduces Center for Industry Excellence FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – The Nailco Group has introduced the Center for Industry Excellence (CIE), a comprehensive consulting firm exclusively for tanning salons and spas. CIE’s mission “Making you the star” is delivered by providing solutions to reinvent the future of salons ad spas for long-term success. No matter the scope of the project or the size of the budget, CIE delivers customized solutions allowing business owners to outsource management needs, implement tools for maximum growth, and remain focused on their passion – the true artistry of their profession. Services offered include marketing and design, technology (HARMS specialist), space design and layout, business training, finance and capital, business development, and e-strategies. “Until now, there has never been a single source to access all the resources necessary to run a profitable business in our industry,” said Larry Gaynor, President/CEO of The Nailco Group. “Spa and salon owners had to turn to friends or find fragmented services, using valuable time that could have been invested in building their business. Now they can turn to CIE to make them the star.” |
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Future Industries Expands Marketing Dept. STRATFORD, CT – In response to their recent growth in the marketplace, Future Industries of Stratford, CT and Los Angeles, CA is pleased to welcome Denise Stabler as Marketing Coordinator. Denise is uniquely suited for this new position and comes to Future Industries from Inline Plastics Corporation with more than ten years of experience in marketing and graphic design. Her extensive background in the design of catalogs, marketing campaigns, brochures and website development will be a tremendous asset to Future Industries in their effort to increase industry recognition of the AUVL X-Treme Tanning brand. “I am very exited to be a part of this energetic and creative team, and look forward to working in this dynamic industry,” expressed Denise. Commented Twan Bentlage of Future, “As Future Industries/AUVL continues to expand, it is essential to have someone with Denise’s high level of skill on the team.” |
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Sybaritic Introduces New Technologies, Booth at Cosmoprof MINNEAPOLIS – Sybaritic, Inc. attended the Cosmoprof North America show in Las Vegas, NV last July with an innovative new booth design and a sampling of state of the art technologies for the spa industry. Sybaritic’s new booth highlights innovations including body treatments, skin rejuvenation, detoxification, weight loss, and temporary cellulite reduction. The new booth was home to five newly launched technologies: Dermalife™ SpaJet™ and Spa-Oceana™ including Hydrofusion™ (the combination of steam and infrared heat), Vichy showers, pre-set programming, chromotherapy, aromatherapy and more for a complete spa experience. Exclusive to the Spa-Oceana™ model of Dermalife™ Spas is the 53-gallon hydrotherapy tub with underwater LED chromotherapy lights. Dermamax™ for facial rejuvenation protocols and OxyOasis™ for oxygenated facials were also launched, as well as MDXcell3000, the latest endermatic massager to aid in the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite, was also introduced. Minneapolis-based Sybaritic, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer and innovative leader of the worldwide aesthetic revolution focusing on providing unique products and services to the spa and salon communities. |
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Fiji Blend Receives Award for Best Packaging MANHATTAN – The fifth annual IPDA awards ceremony (International Package Design Awards) was held in late September at the Hilton in New York City. Shades of Darkness, by Fiji Blend, won the IPDA award in the Personal Care category. In receiving this prestigious award, Fiji Blend joins ranks with such industry leaders as Avon, Kanebo, and Revlon for excellence in packaging innovation. The selection process for the IPDA awards began with a committee of 100 industry executives reviewing all 147 entries and selecting five finalists in each category. These finalists were then presented to a panel of judges made up of the heads of design groups from major marketing companies, who then selected a leading package. The results where then revealed at the awards ceremony on the evening of September 28. Upon receiving the coveted lead-crystal IPDA statuette for Best Innovative Packaging in Personal Care, Fiji president Terry Katz stated, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this honor from such an esteemed group of industry professionals. Innovation is one of our main objectives at Fiji Blend, whether it is in product formulation or packaging so this is a wonderful affirmation of our hard work from our peers.” Shades of Darkness, a perfect example of “form meets function” design, utilizes a personal dial system in which the client can adjust the package to customize their tanning experience. The product is also sold with refills, an ecologically responsible feature that meshes beautifully with Fiji Blend’s commitment to larger world issues. Through packaging and formula innovation, Fiji Blend has consistently brought to market only the highest quality products while maintaining their socially conscious commitment to One World Under the Sun. |
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Twilight Teeth Updates WebsiteLONGWOOD, FL – Twilight Teeth, the “original teeth whitening system for the tanning industry,” recently updated its website. The improved site now allows visitors to view recent news coverage from CBS and FOX News, and also features a new and improved secure product ordering system.
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American Sun Systems Sets the “Pace” in Virginia
GREENSBORO, NC – Tanning distributor American Sun Systems, Inc. recently welcomed Kris Pace to their team of equipment sales specialists. Pace will head the company’s satellite operation based in Richmond, VA. Headquartered in Greensboro, NC, American Sun Systems is the exclusive distributor of Ergoline/ Soltron/SunDash tanning systems for the Mid-Atlantic states. Previously the District Manager of Palm Beach Tan, Pace has hands-on experience with Ergoline equipment, in-depth industry knowledge and total salon management skills. Said American Sun Systems president, Chip Stroud, “Kris will prove to be a tremendous asset, not only to American Sun Systems, but to all our customers in Virginia as well.”
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5th Avenue Tan Spa “Lights the Night” for Charity NEW ROCHELLE, NY – On October 1, seven members of the 5th Avenue Tan Spa staff participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societies’ Light The Night Walk, held at Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, NY. Team 5th Avenue Tan raised over $2,800 for the cause by placing donation boxes/cans in each of their two salons. They also sent letters to friends, family and customers, and held a raffle for a $100 gift certificate and tanning lotion package. Said company representative Lisa Silva, “We invited our friends and family members to join us on the night of the walk. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to another successful event next year.” Great job, folks! – IST
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Global Sun Light Strengthens Team JONESBORO, AR – Global Sun Light is pleased to announce new management and employees to build upon its stellar team of dedicated staff. Stephanie Brown and Laurie Johnson from Sun Ergoline have joined the sales staff at Global Sun Light. They are already well known in the industry from their experience in Ergoline and Sundash bed sales. Alyssa Turley has been promoted to Operations Manager and will oversee the sales and daily operations. Marie Groves takes over as Logistics Manager and supervises all freight that moves into or out of Global Sun Light. Leading the entire Global Sun Light workforce is Graham Goy, Vice President/General Manager. Together, these Global Sun Light team members have more than 25 years of combined tanning industry experience. “We are excited about what is happening at Global Sun Light,” said Alyssa Turley, Operations Manager. “We have the same personal service and the same teamwork, just some new players with positive attitudes working to assist our customers.” “I am excited about managing Logistics,” said Marie Groves, Logistics Manager. “It’s been my privilege to work for this company for nearly 10 years and I’m passionate about providing our customers with outstanding service through open communication and timely, economical shipments.” This new, strong team at Global Sun Light recognizes opportunities and is expanding to meet the growing needs of the tanning industry. It’s business as usual at Global Sun Light as they continue their existing goals of superior quality products as well as unmatched customer relations. Global Sun Light, featured prominently at this year’s ITA Expo, has never been stronger than it is now. Everyone at Global Sun Light looks forward to working with the show’s new attendees as well as their existing customers for many years to come. “Great team, great products and great attitude,” said Graham Goy, Vice President/ General Manager. “Recent changes are enabling us to support our policy of continual improvement to our customers.”
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John Abaté International™ Expands Family SCOTTSDALE – Courtesy of company VP Frank Abaté and his wife Carolyn, JA™ is experiencing new growth and development with the arrival of Frank Abaté, Jr., aka “Frankie.” Weighing in at a robust seven pounds, five ounces, the healthy, blond and blue-eyed Frankie measured 20.75 inches when he made his much-anticipated debut at Scottsdale Healthcare’s Shea campus at 10:34 p.m., September 22, 2004. Commented proud grandfather, John, “Frank and Carolyn produced a beautiful grandchild to hopefully continue the tradition of our family and come to work for the business. Even though he is blond and blue-eyed, I can see so much of my son in his features and demeanor.” Added Frank, “I am very happy to have a healthy, beautiful baby and can’t wait to have more. For that matter, I am going to take advantage of a little paternity leave and spend some quality time with my son before the season kicks in, as we are going direct to salon owners this year.” The joyful mother, who endured the rigors of more than thirty hours of labor, said of her firstborn, “He is beautiful, and he is as sweet-natured a baby as he is handsome. I think that he will be a lady-killer; but, then, that runs in the family!” Congrats to all! – IST
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The Nailco Group Saves Lives
American Red Cross Blood Drive Hosted at World Headquarters FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – Knowing that one donation can help save the lives of up to three people, 83 employees from The Nailco Group (TNG) enthusiastically donated blood to the American Red Cross last August. Inspired by the company’s theme “Livin, Lovin, Learnin” and eager to help the community, 24 employees were first-time donors. Seven employees were double red cell donors, donating blood filtered exclusively for red blood cells to potentially save up to six lives for each pint. In the end, 61 units of blood were collected, potentially saving 167 lives. “Inviting the American Red Cross to The Nailco Group is yet another demonstration of our employees’ commitment to reach out to the community. We believe that community is one of our key customers and the Blood Drive has now become a TNG tradition,” said Larry Gaynor, President and CEO of The Nailco Group. Founded in 1985, The Nailco Group is a worldwide leader in providing professional beauty products and superior service to the salon, spa, tanning, and beauty industry. The Nailco Group is ISO 9000 Certified, the international standard for excellence in quality assurance.
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Performance Brands Finds More Success Down Under SUNRISE, FL – For the third straight year, Performance Brands National Sales Director, Brandon Cardinal, was on assignment in Australia to attend the Sydney Beauty & Tanning show. “The show gets better every year, giving me a chance to visit with our distributor network and hundreds of professional salon owners,” commented Cardinal. He also set up a training seminar for all of his distributors after the show, which highlighted many of the new Performance Brands products that will be arriving for the 2004-2005 season. In addition to taking in the beautiful landscape, Cardinal also flew to many other Australian cities, stopping to sign up and train new distributors in Perth and Adelaide. Adam Taylor, owner of Solaire in Melbourne, continues to be Performance Brands’ main Australian importer. “They put in many hours of training and customer service to satisfy their distributors and salon partners, and it clearly shows,” said Cardinal.
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Salon Family Fun At Six Flags Over Texas
FORT WORTH, TX – “Salon Support Day at Six Flags” was held on September 12th at Six Flags Over Texas, hosted by Salon Support co-owners Jane and Tony Ford. This first-of-its-kind event was held to recognize hard-working salon owners and employees in a relaxing family atmosphere. More than 600 salon owners and employees joined the Salon Support staff and manufacturer reps for a fun-filled day in the park including lunch, a mini-tradeshow and door prizes in the picnic pavilion. The lucky Grand Prize winner was LisaMarie Elefonte of Tanz-N-Handz in Garland, TX. LisaMarie won an Ovation tanning bed by America’s Best Tan, plus free professional installation provided by Salon Support.all!” |
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Biddiscombe Welcomes Robert Alfonzo ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Biddiscombe Laboratories recently welcomed Robert Alfonzo to their company as Quality Assurance Director. In this role, he will assist in keeping Biddiscombe compliant with FDA, GMP and ISO standards. Alfonzo was previously employed by Vax-D Medical Technologies, and brings 6 years of experience in analytical services and research and development to his new position. He will assist Biddiscombe in their focus on developing innovative products for the indoor tanning and skincare industries.
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Michigan Salon Chain Celebrates Silver Anniversary FLINT, MI – Founded in 1979 by IST publisher Vince Lorraine, the Tropi-Tan Tanning Salon chain celebrates 25 years in business this month. It was during a trip to California in 1978 when Lorraine encountered people lining up to use “tanning salons” in land of perpetual sunshine. He brought the concept home to Michigan and opened his first salon in 1979. The rest, as they say, is history. Currently, the Tropi Tan chain includes 10 corporate-owned salons and three franchise locations. Three corporate salons have opened within the last six months, and several new facilities are scheduled to open in the next six months. In 2001, Lorraine decided to create a new business model for his salons, and sought the help of an international design firm out of Columbus, OH. “For about 20 years, I had been basically reinventing my salons with each new location. I knew that my franchising plans would soon be moving to the next phase, and I wanted to consult with professional designers. It was a very exciting process.” The Tropi Tan business model features laminated portable wall systems, satellite music and several tanning levels, including the Avantgarde by Ergoline. The interior design includes custom made mirrors in the tanning rooms and wall-sized graphics in the lobby. “My thought process was that tanning is about beauty; it’s about fashion and looking good,” explained Lorraine. “This salon concept has that feeling and our customers have really responded to it.” “I’ve spent virtually my entire professional career in this business, as a salon owner, distributor and trade magazine publisher,” said Lorraine. “I always knew I could make something of it, but I don’t think I ever imagined that it would bring me the level of success I’ve achieved. I still love coming to work every day, and that’s pretty amazing.” Congratulations, Tropi Tan! – IST
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Stylz Products Celebrates Staff Anniversaries ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Senior Account Representative Lynn Anderson and Lotion Sales Trainer Ryan Thompson recently celebrated 1 year of membership on the Stylz Products team. Lynn is a senior account representative for Stylz Products Caribbean Mist division. “I really enjoy working with Stylz because I believe in our product,” she said. “With pride and confidence, I look forward to coming to work every day.” Commented Ryan, Sales Trainer for Stylz lotion division, “I focus on the education of the tanning industry and I truly believe in the high quality products we sell.” “Lynn and Ryan have been valuable assets to Stylz,” commented Mark Girone, Sales Manager. Ryan and Lynn look forward to the continued success of Stylz Products for years to come.
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