Eye Pro, Inc.

October 17, 2011— EYE PRO, Inc. president Brenda Fishbaugh, recently donated $1,000 to the Indoor Tanning Association’s (ITA) Political Action Committee (PAC).  The ITA PAC makes private contributions to politicians’ campaigns that will further the indoor tanning industry.  Currently, the PAC is funding politicians that are working to repeal the 10% Tan Tax.  All donations to PAC must be made from individuals, and cannot be made from companies.

“I’ve donated to the ITA PAC several times,” says Fishbaugh.  “It’s critical we fund a balanced view of indoor tanning and not let the medical community make unwarranted claims against tanning beds. If every salon owner would join the association and donate just $100 per salon, the Indoor Tanning Association’s PAC could be much more effective in lobbying for our right to tan.”

Donations can be made by contacting John Overstreet at the ITA (email: Admin@TheITA.com).

Fishbaugh has been active in the indoor tanning industry for 22 years.  EYE PRO, Inc. is the world leader in eyewear and makers of WINK-EASE, VIEWkeepers, and Fresh-Ease.  For more information on WINK-EASE and VIEWkeepers disposable eyewear and Fresh-Ease Refreshing Body Cloths visit EyePro.net or contact EYE PRO at 1-800-726-8322. You can also follow and “like” us on Facebook (Wink-Ease/Eye Pro) for special salon offers and promotions.

EYE PRO president Brenda Fishbaugh presenting $1,000 check to outgoing ITA president Dan Humiston at Oct. 15 Smart Tan Show event in Nashville

October 1, 2011— EYE PRO, Inc., world leader in eyewear and makers of WINK-EASE, VIEWkeepers, and Fresh-Ease is gearing up for season – the giving season that is!

‘Tis the Season to Give,’ and EYE PRO is proud to give back to the indoor tanning family that has been their home for 22 years.  “We heard a lot from salons helping our soldiers overseas this year,” said Jackie DeWald, Office Manager at EYE PRO.  “We are honored to have sent 1,000 Fresh-Ease refreshing body cloths to soldiers to use when in a no-shower situation—they have been very grateful.”

This year, EYE PRO created their 8-page ‘Tanner’s Guide to Eye Protection’ to help salons convince tanners to wear eye protection.  “We were thrilled to be able to provide this valuable reference guide absolutely free to tanning salons,” EYE PRO president Brenda Fishbaugh said.  “We’ve put over two decades of research and working with ophthalmologists into a handy booklet for salon staff—and it’s now available FREE to tanning salons.”

“EYE PRO’s leading charity has always been helping endangered animals,” states Renee Lofland, Director of Customer Support.  “Our owner, Brenda Fishbaugh, went to Kenya in 2009 to help stop the slaughter of rhinos.  They are killed because their horns are used in traditional medicines.  Brenda, and her husband, Steve, quickly realized that a little bit of money went a long way in protecting endangered animals.”  Able to make a real difference, Fishbaugh and her husband are heading back to Lewa Reserve in March 2012.

Fishbaugh has once again made a large contribution to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.  “We feel very lucky to have one of the Top 10 Children’s Zoos in the country right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana,” explained Fishbaugh.  “It runs 100% on donations—the state does not support Indiana zoos.”  To bring more awareness that a portion of every sale goes to help endangered animals, EYE PRO has created a collage so salon customers will know their contributions.  To get a signed 8 ½ x 11 animal poster to hang in your tanning room, go to EyePro.net/Promos and use the code word “collage.”

For more information on WINK-EASE and VIEWkeepers disposable eyewear and Fresh-Ease Refreshing Body Cloths visit EyePro.net or contact EYE PRO at 1-800-726-8322. You can also follow and “like” us on Facebook (Wink-Ease/Eye Pro) for special salon offers and promotions.

by John P. Ribner
Profile article featured in September 2011 issue of Island Sun Times

If you vote for disposable eye protection products and engaging education delivered by a dedicated and friendly crew, then you’ve elected Eye Pro, Inc. as one of your industry leaders! For nearly 30 years, Eye Pro, Inc. has built a solid reputation as a manufacturer of quality disposable eye protection and the ultimate source for the latest information and education about the importance of protecting the eyes while tanning. That’s quite a legacy for the Fort Wayne, IN-based company…and their story goes on…click here to view or download PDF of entire article.

September 2011

 “Do I really need to wear eye protection when I tan?” Indoor tanners have asked this question of salon operators since indoor tanning began. Unlike our skin, our eyes don’t have the ability to tan (and thus, develop no protection), so they can suffer many types of damage from UV exposure. Here’s a quick-reference guide to what can happen to unprotected eyes over-exposed to UV light…click here to view or download PDF of entire article.

July 8, 2011 — EYE PRO, Inc., world leader in eyewear and makers of WINK-EASE, VIEWkeepers, and Fresh-Ease helped three salons “get lucky” in Vegas at the recent 2011 West Coast Tanning Expo at Caesar’s Palace.

Everyone who attended EYE PRO’s 15-minute presentation in Vegas at the show was entered into the $1,000 drawing. Angela Espinoza from Sun Kissed Tans in Fresno, CA won her choice of a thousand dollars worth of Eye Pro products. “Angela was so thrilled and excited,” said Brenda Fishbaugh, president of EYE PRO. “Angela was the lucky drawing winner, and likes our VIEWkeepers disposable eye protection best!”

EYE PRO also had two drawings at the booth for fun safari bags filled with EYE PRO products. Andrea Hall of Bronze Bay and Donna Hancock of Sunrise Salon were the lucky winners of the safari bags. “Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us in Vegas and filled out an entry form,” said Fishbaugh. “We love you!”

See more photos of EYE PRO in Vegas on the EYE PRO Facebook page (Wink-Ease/Eye Pro).  For more information on WINK-EASE and VIEWkeepers disposable eyewear and Fresh-Ease Refreshing Body Cloths visit EyePro.net or call EYE PRO at 1-800-726-8322.

July 2011

Research shows that only HALF of indoor tanners wear protective eyewear during a session. These tanners understand that they may be damaging their vision, but they still don’t wear eye protection. When asked why they don’t, they say, “I don’t want to get raccoon eyes!”…click here to view or download PDF of entire article.

May 2011

If you’re experiencing deja vu, yes, I’ve written about MO-based distribution company, Heartland Tanning, and their history of rescuing stray dogs (May, 2010). This fall, when visiting Heartland’s Atlanta facility, I was happy to see those two dogs are happy and healthy! When I visited the Missouri office, I was met by a  number of staffers who wanted me to know they had also rescued animals. It seems to be a company-wide policy! Here are a few stories of the “big hearts” on Team Heartland.  Click here to read more or view or download PDF of entire article…

April 2011

In my January column, I wrote about the passing of John Ratliff and how his wife, Sara, donated his organs to benefit others. At a January tanning trade event, I met North Carolina salon owners Robin and Steve Setliff who wanted me to know that living people can donate organs, too; the couple is learning about live organ donation the hard way. Read on to learn about their story…Click here to read more or view or download PDF of entire article…

The Setliff family includes (from l-r) Brittany, Steve, Robin & Brandon. The couple has co-owned two Island Tans salons in Winston- Salem, NC for 12 years

February 2011

If you’ve been a regular reader of my column, you know that I’m a big supporter of businesses that do good works. Of course, it’s helpful for your public image; but I believe you should choose a cause you personally believe in, and get involved because it’s the right thing to do.

I’m thrilled to highlight several tanning industry companies – a service provider, a product distributor and two salons – whose operators are doing the right thing for their communities…read more…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article

January 2011

On June 24, 2010, Sara Ratliff’s worst nightmare came true. Her wonderful husband, John, was dead of a heart attack at 39 years old. “That night, the organ transplant office called me at 2 am,” Sara recalled. “They asked if I would consider donating John’s organs – he hadn’t designated it on his driver’s license. Right then, I answered, ‘Yes’.”…read more…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article