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Old 03-06-2013, 02:40 PM   #1 (permalink)
Robert K
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ITA Update 3/6/2013




Indoor Tanning Association, Inc., 2025 M St, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 · Phone: 888-377-0477 · Fax: 202-367-2142



Member Update 03/06/2012:
In This issue:
President's Message
Industry Summit in DC
State Issues Affecting the Industry


President's Message

The ITA Board met in Tampa last week and had a productive day-long meeting. Although we have made some adjustments regarding how we will use our time and resources, the board unanimously agreed that the ITA's primary focus will continue to be on Washington, the Congress and the regulatory agencies that oversee our industry.


The board reaffirmed that our lobbying team will continue to work on the repeal of the tan tax and to make sure that our detractors don't make any progress in their attempts to force the FDA to place additional restrictions on our industry.


Regarding the tan tax, in an effort to make the repeal of the tax bipartisan, we are working hard to secure Democrat support for the repeal efforts. In addition to that, our team is reaching out to new Members of Congress to introduce the industry and define ourselves before the other side does so for us.


Perhaps the biggest news from our board meeting is that we are scheduling a second Capitol Hill Day for May 21-22. This event will be similar to the successful fly-in two years ago and will be open to participation from the entire industry. I hope industry leaders from every state will join us and make it a success.


Save that May date and stay tuned for more information about our May Capitol Hill fly-in.


Thanks, Rob
Answer the Call! Industry Summit in D.C. May 21-22, 2013

By John P. Ribner, Island Sun Times


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Salon owners, manufacturers and distributors … the Indoor Tanning Association wants you to help repeal the Tan Tax. Interested? Then make sure you make room on your calendar for a trip to Washington, D.C. on May 21-22 for the ITA's Industry Summit!


Tired of paying the Tan Tax? Then, it's time to join the ITA in Washington, D.C. and tell your elected officials all about it. The organization that protects everyone's right to tan has scheduled its Industry Summit, which provides salon pros the opportunity to help garner support for a proposed bill to repeal the Tan Tax. "Rep. Michael G. Grimm (R-NY) has agreed to reintroduce his bill to the House of Representatives while we are there, and members of this industry can help him recruit co-sponsors,” said Rob Quinn (TanPro), ITA President. "Since the purpose of the Summit is to match tanning industry professionals with elected officials from their home states, this creates the perfect opportunity for them to tell their Congressmen and Senators about the devastating impact the Tan Tax has had on their businesses. We will provide plenty of information for attendees to share with lawmakers during their meetings.”


Beyond just repealing the Tan Tax, Quinn says there is good reason for industry professionals to become acquainted with their elected officials at the Federal level. "Politicians are being influenced by outside interests every day and, unfortunately, most of what they hear about our industry comes from our detractors,” he commented. "By participating in the Industry Summit, tanning pros can ensure that their voices will be heard in Washington, D.C.”


The Industry Summit is a two-day event planned and coordinated by the ITA. "Attendees will meet with members of the ITA on the morning of May 21 for a primer on the intricacies of the next day's meetings,” Quinn said. "From there, everyone will be given a personal meeting schedule, key talking points and a fact sheet to help them make a personal connection with their home-state elected official and ask for their support in repealing the Tan Tax. We're also asking that each salon owner who plans to attend brings information about the impact the Tan Tax has had upon their business.” After the planning session, attendees can join the ITA at the exclusive Capitol Hill Club for a fundraising event hosted by the organization's Political Action Committee.


This year's Summit is inspired by a similar event held in May of 2011. "We've always said that speaking with elected officials can have a huge impact on how lawmakers view our industry, so we organized this event to further our cause,” Quinn said. "Two years ago, about 80 people from various industry sectors came to Washington, D.C. to participate, and more than 200 meetings with 120 Congressional offices – that's more than 20 percent of Congress – were planned. I can honestly say that everyone did an excellent job representing the indoor tanning industry to Federal lawmakers, and we're certain that it had a positive impact.”


Vince Lorraine, IST Publisher, attended the ITA Tanning Summit in 2011, and he'll be doing so again this year, as well as encouraging other tanning professionals to get involved. "It was a great opportunity to meet other people in the industry who cared enough about it to take part in this opportunity,” said Lorraine. "I had the opportunity to meet with four Congressmen – Dave Camp (R), Dale Kildee (D), Thaddeus McCotter (R), and Mike Rogers (R) – from my state, and their chiefs of staff, to inform and enlighten them about our industry and the role we play in our community. I came away from the experience feeling that this was one of the most productive and positive things our industry could have ever done.”


Quinn and the ITA's Board of Directors wish to encourage tanning industry professionals to attend this year's Summit. "There are between 80 and 90 new Congress members and Senators who might not know anything about our industry and how it operates,” he said. "This will be a very important step in what will be a long process that will continue through this year and beyond. Everyone who earns their living in this industry in encouraged to participate.” Those considering getting involved are urged to contact the ITA for more information.


Rob Quinn, Dan Humiston, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Marty Gallagher at the 2011 Summit
Vince Squillace, Rob Quinn, Dan Humiston and Marty Gallagher on the steps of the United States Capitol in 2011


State Issues Affecting the Industry


Bills affecting the industry are still being introduced in the state legislatures with several popping up in the last few weeks. There are now 39 bills in 26 states. If you have a business in one of the states with legislation pending and want to get involved, contact us at admin@theita.com and we will point you in the right direction.

Click here to see current State Legislation for 2013





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