CONTACT: Debra Locker                                                                                        Aug. 15, 2005
International SPA Association                                                                                   
T 1.859.226.4374
F 1.859.226.4445
E debra.locker@ispastaff.com
www.experienceispa.com

ISPA TO RECOGNIZE JOHN AND GINNY LOPIS
AS VISIONARIES IN THE SPA INDUSTRY

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two designers, developers, managers and innovators in the spa industry will be honored during the 2005 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 in Dallas, Texas, United States. John E. Lopis, Ph.D. and Ginny Michel-Lopis, founders of JGL Inc., are the recipients of the ISPA 2005 Visionary Award.

“As two of the eight founders of ISPA, the vision shared for the association by John and Ginny Lopis is profound,” said ISPA Chairman Kate Mearns. “As visionaries, they lead by example and encourage others to transform words into actions. ISPA is pleased to have the opportunity to recognize John and Ginny Lopis as tremendous visionaries for the spa industry.”

The ISPA Visionary Award is given to an active ISPA member who has contributed significantly toward both the definition and positive movement of health and wellness over the lifetime of their career

John and Ginny Lopis had the following to share about being chosen as the recipients of the ISPA 2005 Visionary Award, “We are truly honored to be recognized by our friends and colleagues, many of whom have unselfishly contributed to our success, and in our minds, share in this award. We are amazed and humbled to receive this special and unexpected honor - there are so many deserving people who have contributed so much to ISPA, and to the spa industry, over the years.”

The Lopises have not only supported ISPA since its inception, but have also continued to contribute time and expertise to the association. In 1991, John Lopis served as vice president on the first elected ISPA Board of Directors and the couple served as the first ISPA Conference chairs. More recently, John Lopis served on the ISPA Nominations Committee.

This multi-talented pair is one of the foremost spa design, development and management teams in North America.  An extensive background in both the academic community, and in resort spa design and operations, enables the Lopises to bring a unique combination of proven talents and expertise to their projects. As spa experts, this couple is also frequently quoted in consumer and trade publications.

John and Ginny Lopis will receive the ISPA 2005 Visionary Award on Saturday, Oct. 1, during that day’s General Session. Recent past recipients include the late Edwin Neill II, former chief executive officer, Neill Corporation and Frank van Putten, president, SpaSmart Inc.

In its 15th year, the ISPA Conference & Expo is the spa industry’s proven resource for education and networking. For additional details on the Conference, visit www.experienceispa.com.
 
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA’s membership is comprised of more than 2,500 health and wellness facilities and providers from 73 countries. ISPA strives to advance the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of the spa experience to society and to be the authoritative voice of the spa industry.

Spas are entities devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

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A special thank you to our 2005 ISPA Conference & Expo Sponsors
Corporate:
Precor

Platinum:
Bare Escentuals
CreativeSpa
Murad
Physiodermie
Sanijet Pipeless Hydrotherapy
SpaBiz
TRUE
Universal Companies

Gold:
Actifirm
B. Kamins, Chemist
Baronesse Cosmétiques USA Inc.
Bodyworkmall
Decleor USA
Germaine de Capuccini, S.A.
Hormeta Mineral Skin Care
Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd.
Julique
MD Skincare
Payot
Skin Authority

Silver:
Acara Partners
Aromafloria
Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier
Bradford Products, LLC
Britanne Corporation Maker of Aquis Microfiber Towels
CBI Laboratories, Inc.
California Tan Sunless
Comphy Co.
Diamond Lotus Essential Oils
Disc Marketing
Dragonfly Spa
Geligne
HTI Collection, Ltd.
Hay House Lifestyles
Jen Morgan Co.
Jimmy Belasco LifeStyle Collection
Joey New York
Kashwére, LLC
Mālie Kaua'I
ME! Bath
Miraval Life in Balance
Mystic Tan
Naturally Clear
Repêchage
Rivage Dead Sea
Silhouette Optical Ltd.
Sootheze
Spa-Addicts.com
SPA Magazine
Spa Revolutions
SpaSoft/Springer-Miller Systems
Suracell
tao freedom of  the body - UTOWA
Technogym USA Corp.
Willow Stream The Spas at Fairmont
Xela Aromasticks