News Alert

Pro-Beauty Buzz

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) have merged to create one of the largest organizations within the industry. The new joint venture will represent manufacturers, distributors, and salon and spa owners. The goal of the merger is unity, according to Steve Sleeper, executive director of PBA. "By forming this strategic alliance, all facets of the beauty industry will now be represented by a more efficient trade association," he says.

"This merger will allow salon professionals to have access to more advanced education and opportunies to build their careers with integrity," adds NCA president Mark Goodman.

All PBA/NCA members will continue to enjoy existing benefits, such as education and training, access to in-depth industry studies and polls, networking opportunities, and free admission to major trade shows and events, such as the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) beginning in 2011 and the International Beauty Shows.

The PBA/NCA is once again promoting Dining for a Change throughout the month of March. The bi-annual initiative encourages industry professionals to stage networking/charity dinners to raise money for worthy causes in the cancer-research, domestic-violence-awareness and disaster-relief areas.

The PBA/NCA is offering its support and suggestions for those who wish to host an event in their communities. Sample forms and event ideas are listed on the organization's website.

"This grassroots fundraising initiative is based on a new and growing model of localized charitable work called giving circles—groups of individuals networked with other small groups to make a difference," says NCA leadership council president Mark Goodman. "Our members told us they wanted more opportunities to connect locally, and here's an opportunity to do just that."

Proceeds will benefit Look Good...Feel Better, the Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund's CUT IT OUT program, and the PBA/NCA Disaster Relief Fund.

In 2009, more than $100,000 was raised from beauty professionals and their colleagues during Dining for a Change events.

To take part in this event or for more information, visit www.ncacares.org/diningforchange.

Movers & Shakers

Jan Marini Skin Research named John Connors vice president of worldwide sales. In his new position, he will direct domestic and international sales efforts. "John's appointment reflects our continuing commitment to delivering excellent service to our valued resellers," says Jan Marini, president and CEO. "Our company is entering an important period of strategic expansion, and we're excited that an executive of John's caliber will help lead it into the future."

Linda Whitehurst is the new project director for Look Good...Feel Better (LGFB), a charity arm of the National Cosmetology Association. It helps individuals with cancer improve their self-esteem and appearance through spa and salon services.

Whitehurst, who owns the Parasol Hair Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a volunteer with LGFB for more than 20 years. She's served as an educational trainer, teen advisory-board member and national advisor. "I'm proud to be the voice of the volunteers and to have the opportunity to work closely with all the LGFB collaborators," Whitehurst says.

Spilo Worldwide appointed Jeff Werner as its new president. He joined the company in that role last November. He'll work with chief executive officer Marc Spilo and spearhead day-to-day operations.

The domestic and international business executive has 25 years of experience, including the role as VP of marketing for two Fortune-500 companies. "Jeff has diverse business and brand-building experience coupled with tremendous leadership skills," Spilo says. "He'll be a driving force in growing Spilo and taking the company to the next level."

Murad has extended its pop-culture reach even further. The global skincare brand has recruited singer and actress Deborah Gibson as the spokesperson for its New Resurgence line. "Since I started using Murad products, others have approached me, wondering how I stay so young and healthy looking," Gibson says. "It's exciting to know that with this partnership, I'll be able to help inform and educate others so we can all experience the best that life has to offer—at any age."

The actress' infomercial airs throughout the year. Gibson joins Murad celebrity spokeswomen Josie Bissett (Melrose Place) and Joan Lunden (ABC's Good Morning America).

On Demand:
Haircolor Tips, Tricks & Applications

• Simple techniques for spectacular results
• A realistic, salon-friendly approach to haircolor excellence
• Staying green
• Color challenges, quick-blonde techniques, brilliant transparent reds, avoiding "brown-outs" and more

Instructor: Gina Khan, owner of Gina Khan Salons in San Francisco and Walnut Creek, California, and creative director of the Hair Color Council of Intercoiffure America/Canada. She is an award-winning colorist, named Colorist of the Year by L'Oreal Logics.

On Demand: Special Occasion Hair

• 10-minute upstyles
• Fabulous finishes for short and medium hair
• Tips and tricks for fantastic hair design
• Pinning, spraying and teasing
• Adding unique details to upstyles

Instructor: Martin Parsons, regarded as one of the top long-hair stylists in the world. He received the prestigious NAHA Lifetime Achievement honor for his more than 30 years as an artist, educator and presenter. His educational DVDs, books and other products are available at martinparsons.com.

On Demand: The Marriage of Cut & Color

• Consultation skills
• Making color choices
• Color placement options to complement haircuts
• Ideas for encouraging clients to return to the salon
• Plus: tips on add-on services and maintaining great-looking color

Instructors: Christopher and Sonya Dove, known in the industry as The Doves, creative directors for Wella, North America, and owners of The Doves Studio in Santa Monica, California.

They were honored with the Master Stylist Award by the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) in 2001, as well as the Haircolor Award in 1999, 2000 and 2002. HairColor USA named them Most Inspiring Haircolorists in 2003.

Classes are $47.50 each or $120 for all three.

For more information, visit
www.beautylaunchpad.com/onlinesalonseries.

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