Don Smith

FYI:

Both of the other two websites are currently "bashing" the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) because of real or imagined sins of either (or both) ommission or commission (one of them "removed" the ITA banner ad).

Just plain STUPID!

Now, don't get me wrong. There are times when the ITA and I "lock horns" (like over Amendment 3 - Definition of a Manufacturer) and times when we disagree (because I ALWAYS take the tanning salon owner's side while ITA must consider a larger constituency) but, ON BALANCE, I wholeheartedly support their activities.

Moreover, keep in mind that there is too much work to be done for any one individual or organization to do it all. Thus, we should value and recognize what individuals and organizations (like ITA) DO and not "***** and moan" about what they DO NOT DO!

The same thing is true of Smart Tan.

Bashing Smart Tan has become the "blood sport of choice" at the "over there" website (there is no there, there, over there!) and, that too, is just plain STUPID! As I hope everyone knows, Smart Tan has done a great deal to improve the professionalism of the indoor tanning industry and it is just plain STUPID to criticize them for what they did not do.

I spent an hour on the phone this week with Joe Levy of Smart Tan (talking about Omaha and Canada, among other things) and an hour today with Dan Humiston, President of ITA, and I can tell you "first hand" that both of them are doing everything in their power to improve the industry. In particular, Dan has some GREAT ideas regarding how to "recognize and reward" tanning salon owners who exemplify professionalism.

So, folks, pay attention to "Old Don" and (1) support the activities of both ITA and Smart Tan that you agree with and let Joe and Dan know about the things that you do not agree with. That's the way to be "part of the solution" instead of being "part of the problem" like the other two websites are doing.

Lead, follow or get out of the way!

Don [ This Message was edited by: Don Smith on 2002-05-10 04:48 ]

Soakinuptherays

I am one of the worst offernder at bashing the ITA.

I actually when to one of the early meeting of the Tanning Equipment Manufacturers Association meetings in Orlando.

The ITA to me is still stamped from the mold of what is good for manufacturers is good for the tanning industry.

It started as a way to gain control over the number of trade show and the labor union expences at trade shows. Both were out of control.

As a small manufacturer working with salons, I realized that salon owners need their own voice. I hope that I was helpful with TSO and solid supportor of it's current operations.

Don, If you say that I should now become a memeber of ITA then I would do that. I would ask them to develop a mambership fee strucuture that reconizes that Soakin' Up The Rays, Inc. and Supre should not be asked to pay the same amount.

If you ask me to stop posting about them then I will follow you wishes. You know better than me, what is politically the best decisions.

I have never had a difference with Smart Tan. I count Joe Levey as one of my friends. Thier organization is doing a great job to educate salon onwers.

Don Smith

Greg:

Stop "bashing", yes; stop "constructively criticizing", no.

ITA must develop a fee schedule that is fair and equitable to small manufacturers and distributors. Moreover, they must (IMHO) INCREASE their fees to tanning salon owners in order to be fair to manufacturers and distributors.

Here is how I would "reorganize" ITA (and what I recommended at the very start). Set up the fully autonomous "constituencies" of (1) Sunlamp manufacturers; (2) Sunbed manufacturers; (3) Lotion manufacturers; (4) Miscellaneous manufacturers; (5) Trade publications; (6) Tanning salon owners (and maybe others).

Then, each of the "constituency" groups would meet quarterly or semi-annually to discuss the matters of interest to that group. In summary, each "constituent" group would be charged with looking out for that groups best interests.

Each "constitutency" group would "elect" their representative to the ITA BoD who would meet monthly or quarterly TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE ENTIRE INDOOR TANNING INDUSTRY and to resolve the differences and/or conflicts between the various constituencies (in essence, the ITA would serve as a "supreme court" for disputes).

We MUST preserve the right of each "constituency" to look out for it's own "best interests" and we MUST ALSO find a way to look out for the "best interests" of the indoor tanning industy. That is the "paradigm change" that must take place.

In summary, the present "structure" is (IMHO) unworkable and inherently unfair and I believe the above recommendations would be the best for all "constituencies" and for the indoor tanning industry.

Comments anyone?

Don[ This Message was edited by: Don Smith on 2002-05-10 09:36 ]

fungirlz

I am speaking from my own opinion now..
The ITA was here in Orlando Wednesday this week supporting Salon owners about the out of sight Fees that want to be charged to us who own tanning facilities.
ITA has pledged to HELP us solve this problem and match our $$ers spent in doing so.
The ITA was here fighting for us..

Thanks ITA!!!
Christine'

Sheila in Minnesota

~ ~ Don . . . be still my heart!!

I may have to remove your "former lover" status


Sheila

MJ

Don, Chris and anyone else who cares ..
I have put my recent opinion aside (of the ITA)and Paid the dues...
Since the ITA has been helpful as of LATELY ON ISSUES UP TO AND INCLUDING THE RECENT FLORIDA MEETING..
I still am leary of the Smart Tan..issues they are facing though.
This does not mean I will Attend Nashville. That is a STRONG DEFINATE NO.
Mj

Soakinuptherays

Don,

Thank you for the advice.

I will join ITA if they ever get around to offering a dues structure that is based on gross revenue instead of what your compnay does.

I agree with the changes you suggest. I would go further and say that the board need to be weighted to all salon onwers to have an at least equal foot with all manufacturers.

Without salon onwers the manufacturers would not be in business.

Robbie

Greg,

I would go a different route than you and Don. One fee, all members, one vote. No constituencies. Just one big happy organization serving the rights of customers and recognizing than there is never a conflict of interest between two rational parties.

Fee structures based on category or revenue streams are indefensible. Further, you make for differences between parties when you pit them against each other.

One group. One fee. One mission.

Robbie

Don Smith

Robbie:

Interesting concept.

1. How would you resolve the inevitable conflicts between the different segments of the indoor tanning industry?

2. How would this "paradigm shift" organization be structured?

3. Would it have a trade show as the primary fund raising tool?

4. What do you think are the 3 or 4 major problems that this new group must focus on?

Lay it on us, Robbie!

Don

Sheila in Minnesota

~ Robbie . . . I am renaming you ~


You are now ~


The Nectar of the Gods . . . .

And Don cannot get enough

Actually ~ I am also eager to see your thoughts on this . . . the goddess knows clearer minds are needed . . . .

Do share.

Sheila