Herbalife announced on Mar. 16 a record 10-year extension to their existing agreement with the 2011 MLS Cup-Champion LA Galaxy that will see the global nutrition company continue as the official presenting sponsor and jersey sponsor of the Galaxy. The extension, valued at over $44 million, will run through the 2022 MLS season.

Natura, the Brazilian cosmetics giant that placed No. 3 in last year’s Direct Selling News Global 100 ranking, was recently named one of the most ethical companies in the world for 2012.

Nu Skin President and CEO Truman Hunt was recently honored as a CEO of the Year by Utah Business magazine.

Kangzen-Kenko International Co., Ltd., a Thai direct selling company offering beauty, nutritional and household products, recently opened business in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Dallas, Texas-based Mary Kay announced that the company is setting a goal of 1 million hours of community service in honor of International Women’s Day, which was commemorated on March 8.

Tupperware Brands Corporation has once again been recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE in its annual report on corporate reputations. The global direct selling company was ranked No. 2 in the Home Equipment and Furnishing category, moving up four spots from last year.

Nature’s Sunshine Products, a direct seller of nutritional and personal care products, recently reported its fourth quarter 2011 and full-year 2011 financial results.

Direct selling is alive and doing well in Peru. The industry, which is the largest category within non-store retailing in the country, has allowed hundreds of thousands of Peruvians to create their own business opportunities, and also helped to reduce poverty. And, according to industry leaders, the future looks bright.

When Kay Napier took over as CEO of Arbonne International in August 2009, she discovered that poor business practices had left the company on the verge of debt. Five months later, Arbonne officially declared bankruptcy. But even as the company set about restructuring its infrastructure, Napier focused on instilling confidence in her employees and consultants. How did she do it? Through a well-devised crisis communication plan that had everyone excited for the future.

A recent ChinaDaily USA article stated that improved living standards in urban cities and the belief that vitamins contribute to better health have created a huge demand for nutritional supplements in China in recent years.

Herbalife, the global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products, recently announced record sales of $105.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, as well as record net sales of $3.5 billion for the year ending December 31, 2011.

In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks with Rip Mason, CEO of LegalShield, about leadership, branding and setting high expectations for oneself.