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8/17/99

The PBF Names Board of Directors and Officers, Takes First Positions on Key Issues Political Action Committee Board also Appointed

Washington, D.C.--August 5, 1999-- The Professional Beauty Federation, a new organization formed to encourage legislation that will positively affect the professional beauty industry, while pro-actively fighting that which could have a negative impact on industry business, held its inaugural meeting today. On the agenda: appointment of the board of directors, election of officers and appointment of the board of directors of the industry's first Political Action Committee (PAC). In addition, the Professional Beauty Federation made its position clear on several key issues.

The founding members of The Professional Beauty Federation represent all segments of the professional beauty industry, including independent and chain salons, beauty schools, distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers' reps. They include the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), The Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI), The International Chain Salon Association (ICSA), the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and The Salon Association (TSA).

Mark Gross, CEO of NACCAS, was elected president of the Board of Directors, Mike Spano, executive director of BBSI, was named as vice president. Dan Coniglio, president of ICSA, will serve as secretary/treasurer.

The Board of Directors appointed Patton Boggs, a leading lobbying firm from Washington D.C., as the Professional Beauty Federation's representatives. Patton Boggs will carry the professional beauty industry's message to key Senators and Congressmen and their staffs. The agency will also help facilitate relationship building with key committee members and alert the Professional Beauty Federation board to legislation that might affect the industry. Morehouse Communications, Inc. Jayne Morehouse will serve as the Professional Beauty Federation's public relations agency.

The Professional Beauty Federation voted unanimously in support of the following positions:

  • to support HR 2100, the anti-tampering legislation recently introduced in the House. If passed, it would help stop the diversion of professional products;
  • to further investigate the issue of tip compliance and associated legislation and regulation;
  • to respond to the Department of Education regarding its proposed regulations resulting from the ReAuthorization of the Higher Education Act last fall;
  • to support a new bill introduced by Ron Mezzullo (IL) that removes the burden of scholarship reporting from the schools;

Finally, the Professional Beauty Federation is investigating the status of the appointment of the assistant secretary of education to the Department of Education, as designated by the Santorum Amendment to the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act last fall. The goal is to achieve the appointment of an individual who is favorable to the cosmetology profession.

In addition, the Professional Beauty Federation Political Action Committee was formed and its bylaws were adopted. Those appointed to the Board of Directors include Frank Schoeneman, Malcolm Bonawits and Mark Mitchel from ICSA, Bill Gray from BBSI; Janice Dorian from AACS, George Schaeffer from OPI and a representative to be named at a later date from TSA. They will appoint their executive committee during their first meeting.

The Professional Beauty Federation PAC will raise money from members of the Professional Beauty Federation's members to support candidates who champion the professional beauty industry's key concerns.

Formed in 1999, The Professional Beauty Federation represents the political interests of the professional beauty industry, which conducts more than $50 billion in service and product commerce annually. Members include The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), The Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI), The International Chain Salon Association (ICSA), the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and The Salon Association (TSA). Through its members, The Professional Beauty Federation represents 21,500 independent and chain salons employing 135,000 licensed beauty professionals; 1,500 beauty school; 400 distributors of beauty products; and 700 manufacturers of products used and sold in beauty salons. All beauty industry groups are welcome to participate and have their members serve on advisory committees that will address specific areas of interest and concern.

The Professional Beauty Federation was formed to:

  • Create an all-industry, unified voice in Washington, D.C., to address both all-industry issues and support individual industry segments when needed.
  • Strive to develop a positive view of the beauty business on Capitol Hill.
  • Educate the professional beauty industry about the political process.
  • Help the professional beauty industry become proactive--not reactive--in regard to issues and legislation.
  • Develop a grass-roots system to educate the public about beauty careers and opportunities.

For more information or to become involved, call (703)600-7600 extension 33 or email us at mkgross@naccas.org