Immunotec Inc., Blyth Inc., Educational Development Corp., Medifast Inc.

As always, it was a great pleasure to attend the USDSA Annual Conference in Miami, meeting old friends and learning of all the exciting new initiatives that are happening in the United States.

Spreading the desire to help people in need is at the core of the philanthropic philosophy of Stampin’ Up!

The Direct Selling Association annual meeting always re-energizes our spirits and elevates our appreciation for the direct selling business model. This year’s annual meeting, held June 5–7, attracted industry executives to a program built around general sessions, workshops and idea labs that covered 28 topics. Jason Dorsey, author of Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business, reminded everyone that getting the Gen Y message right is critical to the success of all direct selling companies. John Addision, Co-CEO of Primerica, brought the audience back to the importance of leadership in building companies. Ray Chambers, world-renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and humanitarian, delivered an uplifting message on the power of philanthropy in solving some of the world’s most challenging problems and the importance of direct selling as a channel of distribution. He said, “The direct selling business model can level the playing field and close the gap between the haves and have-nots.”

Michael Fallquist has always understood the responsibility of leaving the planet better than he found it. And his understanding has developed into the passion that birthed Viridian Energy in 2009.

Direct seller Arbonne has given itself a healthy, high-speed makeover that mirrors what the premium botanical ingredients in its product lines do for the company’s consultants and clients.

Neil Offen has been a fixture at the Direct Selling Association for 40 years. He has surmounted legislative hurdles, educated the public on direct selling and improved the industry’s reputation. He retires at the end of June, but his legacy will endure.

On April 27, VideoPlus continued its long tradition of equipping direct selling industry leaders with ideas, strategies and tools to promote growth and prosperity.

When we published the DSN Global 100 ranking last year, it was the first time in the history of the industry that a comprehensive list of the top 100 revenue-generating direct selling companies ...

In this issue, we release the final ranking of the Direct Selling News Global 100 for 2010. The identification of the Top 100 direct selling companies in the world is the culmination of hours of research and the cooperation of dozens of individuals. We extend our acknowledgment and appreciation to all who were a part of this endeavor. The industry comprises many privately held companies that certainly could have chosen not to share any information; however, overall, we found the cooperative spirit that makes this industry so unique and so very different from most. Many readers will benefit from a better understanding of the magnitude of the social and economic contributions that this channel delivers to individuals and communities throughout the world. Transparency will always be an essential component to greater understanding and acceptance of direct selling as a way of doing business. We believe the DSN Global 100 listing contributes to both.

In addition to having loving parents who started me off with firm guidance and an excellent education, it has been my good fortune to have several important mentors in my life.

It’s easy to get into direct selling. It’s easy to get out. Too many do. This is what you can do about it.