North America’s indoor tanning businesses have taken a keen interest in supporting charitable groups in their communities, with nearly nine out of 10 tanning businesses supporting community based charities with contributions, according to a SmartTan.com poll conducted this month.

According to the poll, 88 percent of tanning businesses support non-profit charities in their communities – keeping pace if not surpassing averages for all industry groups.

“This falls in line with what we know about the typical tanning business owner: For most of this market this business is not about profits – it’s about being part of a community, providing a service and feeling proud about what you do,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “That’s why it’s no surprise that when it comes to community involvement, tanning businesses are stepping up – even in a trying economy.”

According to Small Business/Management Guru Denise O’Berry, about 91 percent of small businesses volunteer, provide in-kind contributions or donate to non-profit charities. “That’s a wider definition of ‘support’ than what was in the SmartTan.com poll – so there’s no doubt that tanning businesses meet or exceed this standard,” Levy said. “The members of the tanning community can be proud of their efforts.”