TAN LINES - By Max Recone

February was good despite the weather and March is off to a good start!

Last month I reported from the Pacific Northwest. This month I spent time in the Southeast and Northeast but still can’t get into the Midwest with the weather. So far results across the country run a wider than normal range of -6% to +8% depending on your weather.

There is no doubt that the weather (especially in the Midwest) has affected your tanning results to date. For those in the Central part of the Country you have had to deal with unprecedented weather. It is very frustrating to get some momentum and then get killed by two days of storms, two feet of snow and all of the issues that it brings with it. Having said that, our Member’s numbers are hanging in despite all of these conditions.

March Madness!
Historically this is when our Nation focuses on College Basketball pools. Even the President gets into the act with picking teams. It is also the first true month of busy season and by the time you receive this newsletter the month will be half over.

Most importantly that means you need to have your promotions ready for April and May, the last two months of the busy season. Those of you working with the Fab Four should already have your specials in place.
Indoor Tanning Association!

The Indoor Tanning Association is planning to have its next open board meeting in Washington D.C. with a planned day on Capitol Hill. I spoke with John Overstreet (Director of the Indoor Tanning Association) yesterday and he has invited all Professional Tanning Salon Owners to attend this event.

The ITA has also posted very helpful information on the Tan Tax. There is a link on their web site.
Lastly, please consider contributing to the ITA PAC Fund if you can. We are starting to make some real head way in Washington and getting our message across to Members of Congress.

For more information please go to www.theita.com <http://www.theita.com/>

Product News!
Word around the industry is that New Sunshine will be launching a new Sunless line up.

Have not seen it as of yet, but those who have say it is quite impressive and a real game changer for California Tan. I would contact my Fab Four Rep for more details.

JK North America continues to do well with their Red Light Therapy Collagen Unit. More and more retailers are taking a hard look at this as a potential business to get into. There is a lot of information available for you to review. Devoted Creations with their Collangenics line seems to have the best handle on the lotion side of things.

Interlectric is also providing VBG Members with valuable information and has been getting rave reviews on their Red Light Lamps.

Facebook Update!

As many of you know, Goldman Sachs recently invested $5 Billion in Facebook and many see this medium as having the impact on social marketing what AOL originally did to bringing us together. We continue to strongly encourage our Members to take a position and get aggressive with this medium. Some of the MRI Members are even planning on offering Facebook Member specials. For examples of this, please sign up to my Facebook Account you are going to see a lot of very clever marketing. (Facebook Member: Max Recone).
Good Luck this month. If the weather holds out we should do well this season!

Max