megatanman

That's the problem right there..like neon said..you need to be proactive..not reactive.You can't put the sh*t back in the donkey.

The best defense is a strong offense.I think if the ITA showed more aggression,it might be easier to rally support.The members in charge of the ITA are also business owners or managers who cannot dedicate 100% of their time.The industry really needs a full time lobbyist.

Robert K

The nature of the ITA business is defensive which in turns makes it a defensive organization. The ITA was formed many years ago knowing that this day may be coming. There is not a lot for the ITA with its buget to be proactive about. It reacts when needed to protect the rights of salon owners and others. How would you suggest it be proactive with its limited resources?

__________________
Robert Klem
Superior UV Technologies
(888) 526-7712 x77
robertk@superioruv.com

megatanman

Well for starters,the representatives can start doing some ground work..which will cost them nothing more than their time.They are scattered from east to west coast,so accessibility is not a factor.

If you want to sell an idea,you need to be creative and persuasive.If these "reps" would take the time to visit some salons and talk to the owners,maybe they can convince them the cause is worth their time.

Once they get enough owners involved,the next step is to secure some political push..and Im not talkin some schmuck.We need a heavy hitter,maybe a house/senate minority or majority leader.

It may be that these individuals are already getting huge contributions from the medical industry,which would put the ITA at a financial disadvantage and impossible to compete with.

Which leaves positive education regarding UV light and take no prisoners bashing of dermatology and medical associations.Including advertising in magazines and newsletter that they utilize but do not own.

I keep hearing all this craap about how derms are in bed with sunscreen makers and how derms want to take the tanning back over for themselves..WELL..WHERES THE EVIDENCE?..Or are these people just talkin out of their azzes?If its the truth..let it be publicaly known?

Has anyone done any scientific research on the benefits of tanning?Does the industry have access to these credible findings?

....I have a friend that tragically passed a way a few years back.he was not a tanner,but he was a salesman and a passionate one.

His tactics were anything but conventional.He was the kind of person that if you opened the door just enough..he would jam his foot in it..If he couldn't get an appt to see them,he waited for them in the parking lot..Found out as much as he could about the person,favorite sports,teams,brought free tickets,invited people to golf outings all expenses paid etc etc.He was very good at winning people over.

The ITA does not have anyone that is capable of of this,because most of the members are running their business or anothers.The ITA needs someone who is dedicated to do this kind of work.

If the ITA could get just 20K members to give $10 a month,thats 200K ,multiply that by 12 and you have 2.4 million....hire someone for 100K a year to handle the legwork and at the same time recruit new salons,which will bring more funds which can be used to buy politicians.

The idea of if you build it..they will come no longer exists,The ITA needs to start doing a better job at marketing themselves..They need a salesman to pitch the benefits of the organization and show that they are getting things done.

eileen

You know salon owners can also take steps on their own then let the ITA know of their progress like we're doing. My husband has probably spent 12 hours and 1 f2f meeting with Senators and Representatives in the last few weeks. I also got to speak with a few of them but my husband has previous experience with lobbyist and legislation so he understands what's going on more then I do. Our Senator spoke with us on Friday and wants us to forward him some more information to view.

__________________
"under exposure to UV rays is as dangerous as overexposure....this is D life" eileen

Robert K

I am confused? What represenatives are you talking about? The board members? They are to put there jobs on hold and travel the country visiting salons?

20K members? Based on what? I doubt there are even that many salons left in the US. It would be amazing to get 5k members let alone 10K. Now your budget is down to 1 million. That does not go very far in Washington!

This industry needs to stop waiting for someone else to do it and someone else to pay for it.

GREAT Job Eileen!

__________________
Robert Klem
Superior UV Technologies
(888) 526-7712 x77
robertk@superioruv.com

DB Hottie

After following the conversation here, I finally jumped in with some thoughts. No one here had solid information to provide me.

•Plan of action- including all details (how, who, what, when, why, where) for each objective.
•Costs associated with each objective.
•Weekly updates on progress for each objective.

After going back and fourth without answers, Brian and RobertK suggest I call John Overstreet.

I talked to John last week about the things I suggested. He said that he receives calls and emails like mine each day. He spoke to me with sincere industry intentions, but seemed to have an, I don’t know what else I can do tone when it came to salon owners not knowing what’s going on at the ITA. He stated that he puts ads in the industry magazines and members receive monthly updates. He said he can only do so much and that they do employ one part time young girl.

He does not feel that most salon owners would want the finer details associated with each objective they are fighting.

He went on to talk about the 3/25 meeting, the law firm they have hired, the tan tax, and the MANY teen bans that are popping up across the US.

He emailed me a couple of the most recent member updates so I could take a look at them.

He also forwarded my email, with a subject line of typical email, to the board members. I received a response from Bill Pipp at ETS. Bill echoed what John said and added that 80% + of the ITA funds are spent on legal and lobbying efforts related to these Federal, State and Local legislative battles. Bill attached a PPT presentation for me to review as well. If I could figure out how to upload it here, I would.

John ended our conversation by saying that he hoped to have our support, but if we chose not to support the ITA that the ITA would still support us.

There are many things that could and should be different with the ITA.

The ITA should consider sending member updates to non-members.

•It would open up communication (Something salon owners want from the ITA)
•It may encourage new memberships/funding (Salon owners could see what the ITA is doing)
•It may initiate salon owner involvement.

Most of us did not have our salons handed to us, nor did we open thinking that we would get enough donations to keep us afloat. It took money we all secured in one way or another to engage our target audience. So yes, divert a designated amount of the funds to employ someone- as megatanman said, a salesman.

In support of the industry, our salon, and all salons in the US- we will be joining the ITA today. In 2010 it is inevitable that our industry (equipment manufacturers; lotion manufacturers; distributers; salons; salon staff; salon clients) will face challenges of great magnitude. The proposed changes on the horizon for the industry are real and have real potential of negative impact for us.

We have been here for too long not to stand behind our industry association. I’m skeptical and uncertain of the ITA’s ability to defeat what is before us. However dark it looks, we’re jumping in to strengthen the whole.

__________________
Find your zipper

Robert K

Glad to hear you are onboard!

__________________
Robert Klem
Superior UV Technologies
(888) 526-7712 x77
robertk@superioruv.com

leifvasstrom

I want you to know that I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness
vis-a-vis your post, the last piece of which is posted below.

I would be glad to further discuss the ITA - and the matters at hand - with you. Please call me at 415 725 6666 at any time.

"We have been here for too long not to stand behind our industry association. I’m skeptical and uncertain of the ITA’s ability to defeat what is before us. However dark it looks, we’re jumping in to strengthen the whole."

Best Regards,

Leif Vasström


SUPRA® Brands Group LLC / OY SUPRA® Brands AB
SUPRA® Technologies
LV Direct 415-725-6666
( 800-959-1255
7 415-520-5318
* lvasstrom@supratechnologies.com

__________________

SUPRA® Brands Group LLC / OY SUPRA® Brands AB
SUPRA® Technologies
LV Direct 415-725-6666
( 800-959-1255
7 415-520-5318
* lvasstrom@supratechnologies.com
www.supratechnologies.com

crovine1

I have recently joined the ITA. $20 bucks a month for a glimpse of hope. I hate being powerless, but being a member of the ITA makes me feel I have something more than I did before I joined. We all need to do something. everyone should just join!!!

Brian Oshman

See, now EVERYONE should take this attitude. Nice job!

__________________