Premier Designs Co-Founder Joan Horner Dies at 85, CieAura, Beachbody

Take a moment to imagine a world free of hunger, pain and sickness. A world where children don’t have to suffer because they aren’t receiving healthy meals or the medical treatment needed just to fight off a common cold. Just imagine the impact of seeing children smiling and playing, instead of crying and oftentimes dying from hunger. Can you see a world that free?

Last month in this space, Neil Offen, DSA’s President, gave his analysis of the direct selling industry. He promised that I, as his successor in that office, would share my thoughts this month. I’ve worked with Neil for 25 years and generally have found his insights and observations to be spot on. But this time (in an obvious effort to be at least a little bit controversial and interesting for our readers), I am going to disagree with Neil.

As I approach retirement on June 30, 2011, I am getting more nostalgic about the 40 years I will have spent at DSA, and more analytical about the things that over these past decades have made an impression on me. I thought I’d share some thoughts and observations with you today. Next month, my successor, Joe Mariano, who becomes president and CEO of DSA on July 1, will share his vision for the industry’s future. Here are a few hypothetical questions on the industry for your consideration:

In the fall of 2009 Silpada Designs Co-Founders Bonnie Kelly, Teresa Walsh and Co-Founder and CEO Jerry Kelly began to consider partnerships that would help their sterling silver jewelry company continue to thrive for years to come.

For direct sellers, going international is a bit like taking your first dive into the pool. It is something you really want to do, but it takes time to get over the trepidation.