HAMMOND, LA (August 8, 2006) – The world-renowned Vidal Sassoon company is bringing its salon industry mastery to Louisiana stylists thanks to a $1.3 million Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) grant bestowed by the state of Louisiana.

The Hammond-based Neill Corporation, AVEDA product distributor for Louisiana and nine other Southeastern states, received the IWTP grant from the state to assist in developing the skills and increasing the productivity of its employees. Vidal Sassoon Creative Directors will descend upon Hammond Aug. 13-14 to conduct a training session for stylists from Neill Corporation’s nine corporately owned Paris Parker Salons and Spas and Lockworks Salons. The fashion-forward training will transform live models willing to drastically change their look on stage. The hair will continue to fall as stylists emulate what they have just learned.

Vidal Sassoon, one of the most influential hairdressers of the 1960s and beyond, is considered the father of modernist hairstyle and a key force in turning the art of hair cutting into a multi-million dollar industry. The man who moved society away from the shampoo sets of our “Leave it to Beaver” past still directs style today with a hairstyle dynasty of premier training institutes and cutting edge Creative Directors constantly driving the iconic brand. 

“Vidal Sassoon created modern hair cutting,” says Michael Baker, Creative Director of the Paris Parker salon group and North American Hairdresser of the Year nominee.  “He changed the salon industry, and the company he created continues to drive style and lead our industry.”

Via its growing salon and spa brand, Paris Parker Salons and Spas, Neill Corporation hopes to continue initiating business leadership by cultivating a culture of strong salon and spa businesses in the southern Louisiana economy. With this training, Neill Corporation brings the cutting edge of style and hair fashion to the cities of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hammond and Mandeville.

“It’s time we put the Louisiana salon business community on the map,” says Baker.

The training will take place from 9:30am to 5:00pm, Sun., Aug. 13 – Mon., Aug. 14 in Hammond, LA on the Southeastern Louisiana University campus – Kate Education Center, 1200 N. General Pershing St. Hair models are needed for the training. Interested men and women open to a haircut and style should contact Leigh Doody at 1.888.634.5570 x1294 by Aug. 11. Press passes are also available. For more information, visit www.vidalsassoon.com, www.neill.net and www.parisparker.com.

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About Neill Corporation
Neill Corporation is an AVEDA distributor serving a 10-state region in the Southeastern United States. Its services include product distribution, technology, education and retail design. Integral to the Neill Corporation mission is the belief that business development and personal development are completely interdependent and are responsible for creating opportunity and inspiring evolution.

About Paris Parker and Lockworks Salons
The seven Paris Parker AVEDA Salons and Spas have locations in Hammond, Mandeville, Baton Rouge and New Orleans and the two Lockworks salons are located in Baton Rouge. Staying true to the AVEDA philosophy of infusing nature’s elements with beauty, while emulating responsible environmental ethics, the salons feature the AVEDA line of pure plant and flower based products, as well as AVEDA signature salon and spa services and complimentary AVEDA rituals. AVEDA products are known for their commitment to the earth and revolutionary botanical science.

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