The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, held its annual Capitol Hill Initiative virtually this year, allowing independent direct sellers to attend congressional meetings through video calls.
In more than 60 meetings with Members of Congress from 24 states, direct sellers emphasized the importance of protecting independent workers and the flexible, entrepreneurial path that direct selling offers Americans.
“I enjoyed hearing direct sellers in Maine discuss their small businesses that contribute to their families and communities all over the state,” said Senator Susan Collins. “Many of these Maine small businesses have successfully used the independent contractor model, and they shared their concerns about potential legislative and regulatory burdens that would obstruct their entrepreneurship.”
The Capitol Hill Initiative is one action in a series of efforts taken by the DSA to collaborate with Members of Congress in policing, protecting and promoting direct selling.
“We welcome the opportunity to continue our annual Direct Selling Initiative on Capitol Hill with direct sellers and executives participating virtually from around the country,” said Joseph N. Mariano, Direct Selling Association President and Chief Executive Officer. “American consumers continue to be challenged by adversity in the United States and we look to the independent contractors who make up the direct selling sales force to help us foster connections in our communities with meaningful, useful products and services. As the economy continues to evolve, it’s important for our elected officials to see firsthand the value in direct selling, the industry’s differences from other independent work, and the sense of community and support it has provided so many during this time.”
