Annual Convention PowerPoints and Material Available
The AACS Annual Convention & Expo might be over—but we’ve made everything you missed available on our website for download! Watch the videos, view the pictures, read the daily e-newsletters and download the PowerPoint presentations. It’s all here for you to check out. In addition, we want to thank our attendees for completing the feedback survey. Jill Kohler from Penrose Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona was our winner chosen at random and will win a free registration to the Spring Retreat this May.

Six IRS Tips for Year-End Gifts to Charity
Many people give to charity each year during the holiday season. Remember, if you want to claim a tax deduction for your gifts, you must itemize your deductions. There are several tax rules that you should know about before you give. Here are six tips from the IRS.

Be a Swag Sponsor
Tis the season for swag. Many organizations including hotels, radio stations and community groups will soon be hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations that include complimentary "swag bags." Does your school have excess inventory to donate or perhaps gift certificates for attendees’ bags? Swag bag donations are a great way of getting your school’s brand in front of prospective students and salon customers. Contact the party sponsor’s marketing or community relations sponsor to inquire about "swag sponsor" opportunities.

4 Leadership Lessons from this NFL Season
On any given Sunday, there are two options: win or lose. But the season goes on either way. The 2014 NFL season has been a memorable one, full of incredible highlights, exhilarating finishes and touching moments, but also off-the-field controversy. Considering the incredible task of rallying players to put their bodies on the line in a weekly trench war, the season is always packed with examples of great leadership. But as a results-driven business, the game also leaves little guesswork when leadership goes wrong. With the playoffs right around the corner, we’re highlighting some of the best takeaways from the 2014 season. Continue reading this article from SUCCESS here.

Farewell Note from AACS' Jenn Lyles
(Jenn Lyles pictured in the center)
I have enjoyed serving the AACS membership for the past three years and it’s been a pleasure to meet so many talented people in different facets of the beauty industry. Tuesday, December 16 will be my last day with AACS as an employee, but I know I’ll continue my involvement within the association and industry. I’ve accepted a job to work in the communications and marketing department at Bellus Academy, a member school that is very active in the association both on the board and committee levels. I’m grateful to have worked alongside wonderful people who allowed me the opportunity to be creative and passionate about my work. I’ve mostly enjoyed getting to know the membership at our events where I’ve developed friendships on a personal level. I wish you all success in 2015 and hope to see you soon!