Chairman's Update

February 2007

As spa professionals, we, by nature, believe in the importance of relationships. After all, ours is a business based on the healing power of touch. We care about the whole person, not just the contribution they can make to our bottom line. Relationships make the spa industry the nurturing and healing industry it is today. They are also the basis of your association.

I recently returned from a couple of ISPA events in San Francisco. We held a Knowledge Network and Marketplace as well as a meeting of the association’s board. This was an opportunity to expand relationships with board members and attendees through networking. This is a grassroots example of how members are forging relationships, now let me tell you about some relationship-building on a global scale.

I’m pleased to announce that the association has partnered with two exceptional groups to promote the sustainability of the industry and broaden your member benefits on a global scale.

The first relationship is with Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, commonly known as LOHAS. The alliance focuses on educating environmentally-conscious consumers and businesses on the numerous opportunities within the spa industry, and in turn, connecting ISPA’s members with this group. This is a relationship that has come full-circle; for three years, I served on ISPA’s sustainability task force which created the association’s sustainability statement. The power of possibilities is incredible between ISPA and LOHAS. You’ll be hearing much more about this relationship in just a few days.

The second partnership is also a “long-time coming.” ITEC France (organizer of the International Beyond Beauty Paris trade show) and ISPA have formed a strategic partnership. The board has been talking with this group for several years about working together and ensuring that this relationship makes the most sense for both groups. The collaboration enables ISPA and ITEC France to offer the global spa industry enhanced opportunities for education, networking and research in Europe. This global alliance reinforces the validity of the spa lifestyle in all parts of the world and will inevitably lead to the sustainability of the spa profession. Stay tuned for more information.

Moving now across the globe - the association continues to offer education and networking in Asia for spa professionals. ISPA Asia 2007 is set for June 7-9 in Shanghai, China. Speakers are currently being chosen for this event and there are more details available at www.experienceispa.com.

To complete our trip around the world – from Israel, to the Ukraine, we continue to communicate with spa professionals who are interested in ISPA’s resources. We have been in touch with individuals and groups from more than 12 countries within the past three months. It’s exciting that these dialogues are happening and that relationships are forming.

These relationships are being built because of you. You have asked for the association to engage in partnerships to sustain the industry. We heard your voice and are taking action. And, we want to continue to hear your voice. You should have received the member survey by e-mail. It’s critical that you take 10 minutes to share your thoughts. The staff and board will thoughtfully review your responses and use the information gained from them during our Strategic Planning session in March.

The board will welcome past ISPA chairmen, Foundation board members and task force co-chairs to Strategic Planning in what promises to be an engaging two days of meetings. This is the largest group to date to attend ISPA’s Strategic Planning. These dedicated volunteers are focused on the purposeful actions needed to ensure your ISPA experience is the best it can be. Please join me in looking forward to the possibilities and opportunities!

Warmest regards,

Jim Root
ISPA Chairman