One of two new titles closed by Virgo Publishing

Business Publisher, Nov 30, 2003

Virgo Publishing (Phoenix, AZ) has begun the publication of Spa 20/20 magazine with a Winter 2003 issue. Also, the company has ceased publication of a second title, Forensic Focus, that was launched with a November issue.

Taglined "covering the emerging sunless tanning & skincare markets," Spa 20/20 will be produced quarterly and distributed on a controlled basis to 10,000 dermatologists, estheticians and professionals at resort/destination spas, day spas and multi-service salons offering sunless tanning services. The mission of the magazine is to educate readers on the "bottom-line benefits" of spray-on tanning.

Virgo said editorial for the title will feature successful salons offering sunless tanning, skincare, body care and anti-aging products to their clients as well as an onging buyer's guide covering airbrush tanning, sunless booths, sunless solution, and sunless tanning products. It also includes information on industry sectors, franchising, family operations, operations management, finances, and industry options.

Forensic Focus was taglined "advancing the forensic science and criminal justice communities" and had a circulation of 8000 lab directors, crime scene investigators/photographers, forensic scientists, medical examiners/coroners, government personnel and forensic specialists. The first and last issue carried stories on: equipping and funding a crime lab; legislative updates on the DNA analysis backlog; crime scene clean-up; and trace evidence.

Virgo said that "diminishing returns, a disappointing response from the industry and disinterest from industry vendors" forced the company to close the magazine, two related web sites and cancel a planned "Forensic Focus" conference. Virgo publishes nearly 20 trade magazines in a variety of fields, including such titles as Forensic Nurse, EndoNurse, Modern Car Care and Today's Surgicenter