PUB NOTE A Legacy of Advocacy and Education Joe went on to lead the development of Smart Tan operator training for many years, and since 2012, he’s been the face of the industry at the political level with the ASA. His advocacy, based on sound science, has been crucial in preventing states from restricting access to professional tanning services without improving public health outcomes. Joe is also leading the industry’s federal lobbying efforts, providing sound scientific data to agencies and regulators. This month’s cover feature article on page 35 showcases how ASA has successfully navigated the complex landscape of sun care regulations. Joe's testimony from a hearing in Ohio, which he shares in the article, is a testament to the power of informed, science-backed advocacy. His ability to present nuanced arguments that highlight the benefits of professional sunbed use, while emphasizing the critical role of sunburn prevention, reflects the depth of expertise that he and the ASA bring to the table. Meanwhile, Smart Tan’s training programs, developed and refined over decades, continue to set the standard for professional sunbed facilities. Our certification programs ensure that operators are equipped with the knowledge to manage UV exposure safely, tailored to individual skin types, and always with a focus on preventing sunburn. Our Interactive UV Tanning Certification also goes beyond the old knowledge-based training you might be used to and focus on key learning objectives that your employees will utilize in real-life salon interactions. As we look ahead, Smart Tan remains committed to supporting the industry through continuous education, rigorous training, and steadfast advocacy. We are proud of the legacy we have built and continue to be inspired by the achievements of leaders like Joe Levy, whose work ensures that our message of responsible sun care reaches policymakers, industry professionals, and the public. FOR nearly 40 years, Smart Tan has been a cornerstone in promoting the scientifically supported position of our industry. Our unwavering commitment to education and advocacy has empowered professional sunbed facilities to operate responsibly, ensuring the highest standards of safety and sunburn prevention. Over those many years, no one person has played a more important role for the U.S. tanning industry than Joe Levy, first with Smart Tan and now with the American Suntanning Association (ASA). As many of you may already know, Joe started working for Smart Tan in 1991 to perform an ambitious research project that would tell me if the people attacking the tanning industry actually had a leg to stand on. I knew that if what they were claiming was true, this wasn’t an industry I’d want to continue to be in. Well, as you can see, we’re still here all these years later. Joe’s tireless work vindicated tanning in our eyes then, and he and I have continued to be fierce advocates for UV light and the tanning industry ever since. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your continued dedication to promoting safe, balanced sun care practices. Matt Russell , CEO, Smart Tan CONNECT WITH US! @SmartTan @SmartTan youtube.com/SmartTanVideos MAGAZINE Chief Executive Officer, Matt Russell Senior Vice President, Joseph Levy Vice President Smart Tan Canada, Steve Gilroy Publisher, Justin Warren Operations Director, Dale Parrott Editor, Curt Holloway Art Director, Mel Bice Accounting Manager, Lisa Cavender Certification Specialist, Jan Coppock Membership Account Manager, Michele Hemminger SMART TAN (ISSN 2154-0381) is published monthly by International Smart Tan Network Inc., 3101 Page Ave., Jackson, MI, 49203-2254 for $60 per year in the US and its possessions; $80 per year for other countries. Periodicals postage at Jackson, Michigan and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Smart Tan, 3101 Page Ave., Jackson, MI, 49203-2254. Smart Tan is copyrighted © 2023 by International Smart Tan Network Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited, except by permission of publishers. 3 SMART TAN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2024 SMARTTAN.COM
Smart Tan Magazine September 2024: Page 6
