Here we are! It’s another new year, another new measurement period and another new opportunity to dust ourselves off, reflect on the past and chart a new course toward a new vision for what can be. The brilliance of the calendar makes possible the opportunity for renewal, and for many, the opportunity to hit the restart button is most welcomed.

One year of business in the direct selling industry means more than revenue, success and networking.

Univera Inc., 4Life Research, Medifast Inc., Stella & Dot , North American Power, LiveSmart 360,

GeneLink Inc., LifeVantage Corp., ForeverGreen Worldwide Corp., Tupperware Brands Corp., Blyth Inc., Primerica Inc., Lightyear Network Solutions Inc.

As 2011 comes to a close and corporate boardrooms reflect upon the past year, there are some wildly varied perceptions of how Wall Street treated the direct selling sector over the past year.

A prominent technology executive recently shared with me his view of RIM’s (the maker of BlackBerry mobile devices) dramatically rapid collapse of market share.

It isn’t easy to follow a legend. I was excited and honored to be asked to take the helm of the Direct Selling Association earlier this year, and after 26 years working on behalf of direct sellers I felt I was more than prepared.

For many years, direct sales companies have shown enormous potential for generating income and social change, stimulating entrepreneurship and promoting interpersonal relationships.

Herbalife Ltd., a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products, has welcomed medical experts from the United States, Chile and France to its Nutrition Advisory Board.

I am going to start this note by referring to thoughts first brought up in my “From the Publisher” piece in the December 2008 issue. We reflected there on the challenges of a recessionary economy and revisited the discussion in 2010’s December issue, focusing on whether or not the nation was actually moving toward recovery.

As 2011 ends and everyone prepares for the new year, this nation’s shortage of jobs will continue to dominate the political and social conversation.

When race horse owners breed two champion thoroughbreds, they hope to produce the next Secretariat. In direct selling it’s no different for companies.