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Avon Joins Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree Campaign

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Avon Products, Inc. announced its support for a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics by backing Humane Society International on its #BeCrueltyFree initiative.

The campaign is leading legislative reform to prohibit cosmetics testing on animals in all major global beauty markets by 2023.

Avon has committed to support #BeCruetlyFree to drive regulatory change in key markets around the world—predominantly in Latin America and Southeast Asia—towards the desired global ban. Avon will also support the recently launched Non-Animal Cosmetic Safety Assessment Collaboration (NACSA). NACSA aims to promote best practice in animal-free safety assessment among companies and government health authorities to promote faster acceptance and use of modern non-animal approaches, particularly in countries such as China, where cosmetic animal testing is still required by law for some products. By throwing its weight behind Humane Society International and joining its ever-growing network of supportive beauty giants, Avon believes an end to the era of cosmetic animal testing will be achieved more swiftly.

Avon was the first major cosmetics company to end animal testing 30 years ago and has decades of experience in developing non-animal approaches to product safety evaluation. It collaborates with partners across the world, including advocacy organizations and NGOs to accelerate the adoption of non-animal-test methods.

“Avon’s been working to end animal testing for 30 years, but as an industry there is still more to do,” said Louise Scott, chief scientific officer at Avon. “I’m proud of our contribution to driving change to date. But we’re even stronger if we work with others. It’s crucial that we open up more partnerships with other change-agents to end the unnecessary and unacceptable practice of animal testing for cosmetics. We’re confident that through collaborations with HSI and other committed partners we will accelerate the transition to alternative approaches to animal testing and result in a worldwide ban in the foreseeable future. It’s a future that we at Avon are committed to and that millions of Avon Representatives and their customers around the world demand.”

Cindy Monroe Inducted into UTC Business Hall of Fame

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Thirty-One Gifts founder and CEO Cindy Monroe was recently inducted into the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Gary W. Rollins College of Business Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Monroe, the founder of one the biggest direct marketing companies for women and the head of one the biggest minority-owned companies in Tennessee, attended the ceremony at her alma mater, where she had received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She joins more than two dozen other business entrepreneurs and managers that UTC has saluted since creating the business Hall of Fame in 1999.

“Each year, we come together to honor individuals who have made a lasting impact in and around Chattanooga,” said Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the UTC College of Business. “Collectively, the Hall of Fame members illustrate how the power of entrepreneurship can transform a city and this year’s inductees add to that story.”

Monroe launched Thirty-One Gifts in the basement of her home in Tennessee in 2003 with just two employees. She named the company for Proverbs 31, a chapter of the Bible that celebrates women’s strengths. Today, the company has more than 1,000 employees at its home in central Ohio and an independent sales consultant force of about 63,000 throughout the United States and in nine provinces in Canada.

Monroe has previously been honored as one of the Most Influential Women in Direct Selling (in both 2014 and 2017). She was the 2016 winner of the Women for Economic & Leadership Development Riveter Award and was named to Enterprising Women magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Thirty-One Gifts has donated more than $100 million in products and cash to nonprofits. Monroe has also established the Cindy Monroe Vision and Values Scholarship, available to any high school girl in Hamilton County, Tenn., providing $12,400 to attend a college or university.

Youngevity International Down Slightly in 2018

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Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018.

Revenues for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2018 decreased 12.0 percent to $36,114,000 as compared to $41,041,000 for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased 2.0 percent to $162,445,000 as compared to $165,696,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

“We are encouraged by the improvement in our gross margins and the significant turnaround in Adjusted EBITDA over 2017,” said Steve Wallach, chairman and CEO of Youngevity International.  “We are seeing revenue stabilization in the direct selling segment, and we anticipate a return to revenue growth in 2019. This is expected to be primarily driven by our commercial coffee segment and our new commercial hemp reporting segment.”

According to the company, revenues for the fourth quarter were derived approximately 90 percent from direct sales and approximately 10 percent from commercial coffee sales. Direct selling segment revenues decreased 9.2 percent to $32,418,000 in the current quarter as compared to $35,716,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. Commercial coffee segment revenues decreased 30.6 percent to $3,696,000 in the current quarter as compared to $5,325,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributed to timing of shipments in green coffee business.

Revenues for the year were derived approximately 85 percent from direct sales and approximately 15 percent from commercial coffee sales. Direct selling revenues decreased by $3,595,000 or 2.5 percent to $138,855,000 as compared to $142,450,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Commercial coffee segment revenues increased by $344,000 or 1.5 percent to $23,590,000 as compared to $23,246,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

To read the full Youngevity report, click here.

Young Living Takes to the Skies to Set World Record

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Young Living Essential Oils took to the skies in Seville, Spain, on April 12 in what could be the largest private hot air balloon launch in the world.

In total, 450 Young Living Diamond members boarded 43 hot air balloons displaying Young Living banners and soared above the plazas and neighborhoods of Seville.

Earlier in the week, Young Living Diamond members and executive staff, including Co-Founder and CEO Mary Young and President and COO Jared Turner, arrived in Seville for the company’s annual Diamond Retreat. Young Living offered these top member-leaders the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Seville from above in hot air balloons.

During this retreat, Diamond members also toured Young Living’s new Vida de Seville Partner Farm and Distillery in Almaden de la Plata, Seville, for a firsthand look at the roots Young Living is planting in Spain and around the world. In 2018, Vida de Seville joined the company as its newest partner farm. The company says that they are focused on bold, world-changing goals, like the 5×5 Pledge, in which the company plans to launch five or more new corporate-owned or partner farms—like Vida de Seville—each year for the next five years.

“What better way to kick off a record-setting year than with a record-setting event for our top leaders?” said Turner.

Ania Jakubowski Named Avon GM of Poland

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Avon Products, Inc. recently announced that Ania Jakubowski has been appointed general manager of Poland, effective April 23.

Jakubowski brings over 20 years of experience from global businesses in established and emerging markets across Europe, North America and Africa. She joins Avon from Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits, where she held the role of general manager for Poland and the Baltic states. She is also a member of the Supervisory Board for Bank Millennium SA, Poland and vice president and management board member for the International Advertising Association (IAA) in Poland.

“We are delighted to welcome a leader of Ania’s calibre to the team,” said Angela Cretu, global vice president, Central Europe (CE). “Poland is a key market. Avon is the second beauty brand in terms of awareness and third biggest beauty manufacturer in the country. With Ania’s breadth of experience in general management and commitment to developing and supporting strong teams, we look forward to driving growth across Central Europe.”

Jakubowski will report to Cretu and will join the CE Leadership Team.

Inaugural Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles Set for June 2

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Herbalife Nutrition will hold its inaugural Herbalife24 Triathlon in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 2.

The race—which includes a 1,500-meter swim, a 40k-bike course and 10k-run through the heart of Los Angeles—will begin at the iconic Venice Beach and conclude at the famed L.A. Live outdoor venue. Three other events will also be held: International Aquabike race (1,500-meter swim and 40k-bike course), Sprint Triathlon (750-meter swim, 14k-bike course and 5k-run) and Herbalife24 DTLA5k-run/walk.

Los Angeles is home to Herbalife Nutrition headquarters. The event will benefit the community through the company’s partnership with the Union Rescue Mission (URM), the largest mission in the U.S. and the official charity partner of the triathlon. Event participants and sponsors will be involved in fundraising to support URM’s ongoing mission to provide homeless men, women and children with much-needed food and shelter as well as education, medical, dental, counseling and long-term recovery programs.

Yesterday, Herbalife announced an addition to its Herbalife24® sports nutrition line: Rebuild Strength Vanilla Ice Cream flavor. The new flavor will be made available to all competitors at the Herbalife24 Triathlon. The company will also launch a limited edition Rebuild Strength Strawberry Shortcake flavor in June.

“Rebuild Strength is the flagship recovery product in our Herbalife24 line, and we are extremely excited to give consumers more choices by adding new flavor offerings,” said Dana Ryan, Ph.D., Director, Sports Performance and Education, Herbalife Nutrition. “With our tri-core blend of protein, combined with high quality carbohydrates, it’s a quick and effective way to meet the immediate and long-term needs of both professional athletes and weekend warriors.”

Isagenix Legacy Foundation Raises CA$200,000 for Canadian Non-Profits

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Isagenix International independent distributors and customers in Canada helped the Isagenix Legacy Foundation raise CA$200,000 in 48 hours to support non-profits in Canada.

The pledges followed a call for donations onstage April 5 at the Isagenix Canada Celebration 2019 event in Ottawa, Ontario. One hundred percent of the donations will fund grants to Canada-based nonprofit organizations that further the foundation’s mission to provide healthy nutrition and support for underserved children, wellness education for all, and aid for those affected by natural disasters.

“Our Isagenix family shares the company’s passion for giving back, so I was not surprised to see our customers and independent distributors in Canada embrace the foundation,” said Isagenix Chief Executive Officer Travis Ogden. “We’re grateful for their generous and enthusiastic support, which will help us partner with nonprofits to make a tremendous difference in communities across Canada and around the world.”

The Isagenix Legacy Foundation expects to begin accepting grant applications from Canada-based nonprofits later this year. The first grants will be awarded in 2020. To ensure the grants—and all donations—have maximum impact, Isagenix is covering 100 percent of the foundation’s administrative costs.

Established in 2019 in Canada, the Isagenix Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create sustainable impact globally through charitable contributions focused on healthy nutrition and support for underserved children, wellness education for all and aid for those affected by natural disasters. The company’s commitment to contribution in Canada includes:

  • In 2018, the retail value of product donations to Canada food banks totaled CA$1.4 million.
  • Isagenix supported victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire in Alberta in 2016 and the British Columbia wildfires in 2017 with monetary and product donations as well as product coupons.

In addition, since 2012, Isagenix and its customers, independent distributors, and associates have raised over US$10 million in 12 countries for Make-A-Wish®, helping the nonprofit grant over 1,000 wishes.

4Life Announces New Vice Presidents

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4Life Research announced that Deborah Dixon has been named vice president of Marketing Communications and Erik Patterson vice president of North America.

Dixon’s background includes field training, business builder relationships, translation and interpretation, marketing, and cultural diversity and awareness. She began at 4Life as project manager in 2002 and has held positions as vice president of International Product Registration, director of Regulatory Affairs vice president of Field Development for Spanish Markets.

“Deborah’s connection with our distributors, creative communication strategies and strong work ethic are a few of the many great attributes that make her the perfect fit for this new and critical role at 4Life,” said Senior Vice President of Marketing Brian Gill.

Patterson came to 4Life in July 2018 as director of Southeast Asia. He has more than 25 years of experience in direct sales and international marketing. In his new role, his geographical responsibilities will include the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

“Erik is passionate, humble and well-versed in a variety of areas,” said 4Life President and CEO Danny Lee. “His leadership skills and accessibility will prove invaluable as he takes responsibility over our largest markets. This is an exciting time to share the 4Life opportunity as envisioned by David and Bianca Lisonbee more than 20 years ago.”

Bob Hipple Named ByDesign Technologies VP of Sales

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ByDesign Technologies, a leading provider of software for the direct selling industry, recently announced that Bob Hipple has joined the company as vice president of Sales.

Hipple brings more than 20 years of sales and leadership experience to ByDesign, including executive positions with direct selling companies. Since 2005, he has been a keynote speaker, author and owner of the direct sales consulting firm Direct Selling Today, where he and his team provided clients with strategic marketing, training, development, sales leadership, compensation plan creation and business management services.

“Having recently completed a full-time, 18-month church mission, I am delighted to be back serving in the direct sales industry,” said Hipple. “I have always been impressed with ByDesign’s rich culture of innovation, exceptional talent and outstanding client support. I am very excited to join ByDesign in their role of leading our industry into a new era of technology for direct selling companies.”

In his new role, Hipple will focus on expanding the adoption of ByDesign’s Freedom Solution in North America. Jerry York will focus on accelerating ByDesign’s international opportunities.

“We’ve been very busy this past year with record sales and the interest in our products has grown exponentially,” said Daryl Wurzbacher, CEO of ByDesign Technologies. “ByDesign is dedicated to meeting these challenges by delivering the platform, the technology, the innovation, the expertise and the support needed to fuel long-term growth for direct selling, MLM and party plan businesses of all sizes.”

AdvoCare Hosts Tennis Clinic; Donates $10,000 to Miami Parks and Recreation

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AdvoCare International recently hosted an after-school tennis clinic with AdvoCare endorser and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) player Cici Bellis at Shenandoah Park in Miami.

The Plano, Texas-based health and wellness company, the official nutrition partner for the premier tennis event, the Miami Open, also donated $10,000 to the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department to help ensure children have a safe and healthy place to be active and exercise.

“We’re truly grateful to AdvoCare for helping introduce our local youth to the lifelong sport of tennis through one of its great young ambassadors, Cici Bellis,” said Lara Hamwey, director of the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation. “Our department shares AdvoCare’s commitment to encouraging active play and good health among residents of all ages, and their generous monetary donation will help us to continue that important mission here in the City of Miami.”

Cici Bellis is a ranked WTA player and was named 2017 Newcomer of the Year. Bellis will also be making an appearance at the Miami Open as a part of the AdvoCare team.

“I am beyond excited to work with children from the City of Miami Parks and Recreation after-school program at Shenandoah Park,” said Bellis. “I love the idea that with my help, kids will be able to experience tennis in a fun, interactive way.”

“AdvoCare’s mission is to truly make a difference in people’s health and wellness, including our Foundation’s focused mission to eradicate childhood obesity in the U.S. By involving our endorsers in exciting events like an after-school tennis clinic, it helps us see the real impact healthy activity can have on a community,” said Allison Levy, executive vice president and chief legal officer at AdvoCare.

Mary Kay Inc. to Sponsor 14th Annual Conference on Crimes Against Women

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Mary Kay Inc., a corporate leader in the mission to end domestic violence, announced its sponsorship of the 14th annual Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW). 

Mary Kay Inc., a corporate leader in the mission to end domestic violence, announced its sponsorship of the 14th annual Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW). 

 

Taking place in Dallas from April 8–11, CCAW is a national conference that trains attendees on best practices regarding the identification, investigation and prosecution of all violent crimes against women.

 

“Through the Mary Kay Foundation, Mary Kay is committed to ending domestic violence,” said Julia Simon, chief legal officer and corporate secretary of Mary Kay Inc. “We strive to educate the public on this epidemic and partner with advocates like the CCAW to provide helpful tools and resources to the public.”

 

CCAW offers more than 160 workshops, case presentations and hands-on computer classes that are taught by local and national experts who delve into the complexities of crimes committed against women. The conference provides relevant and creative tools that attendees can immediately utilize in their professions.

 

In addition to sponsoring and supporting the Conference on Crimes Against Women, The Mary Kay Foundation has also focused on the prevention and elimination of domestic violence through programs such as The Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants program, which has provided millions in funding to domestic violence shelters in all 50 states. To date, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation have donated $57 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention while raising awareness of the issue.

 

As part of Mary Kay’s ongoing Pink Changing Live initiative, the global beauty company recently shared results from their annual “Truth About Abuse” survey, revealing that the #MeToo movement has likely contributed to young women—and men—feeling more comfortable reporting harassment experiences.

2019 Best Places to Work in Direct Selling – Nu Skin

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“Nu Skin continually pushes the boundaries in our efforts to improve the lives of our employees, helping create a happy, loyal work atmosphere.”—ANDREA CHRISTENSEN OD PROGRAM AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Company / Nu Skin Enterprises
Headquarters / Provo, Utah
Number of Full-Time Employees / More than 1100
Year Founded / 1984

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN DIRECT SELLING?

There is a reason employees refer to themselves as part of the ‘Nu Skin family’. We continually push the boundaries in our efforts to improve the lives of our employees, helping create a happy, loyal work atmosphere where people enjoy spending time and feel needed and appreciated.

IN A RECENT GLOBAL EMPLOYEE SURVEY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF EMPLOYEES CITED NU SKIN’S FORCE FOR GOOD MISSION TO IMPROVE LIVES AND THE COMPANY’S GENEROSITY AS MAJOR FACTORS IN THEIR JOB SATISFACTION.

As a Nu Skin family, we not only work together, but also play together. This is especially apparent in Nu Skin’s over-the-top company events such as a summer party at Lagoon, holiday parties, luncheons and bonuses for local employees who have been with the company 10 or more years. Nu Skin’s generosity helps create a positive work atmosphere where people are dedicated to their work and feel appreciated for it.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY WHEN IT COMES TO MAINTAINING A GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT?

We work to create a fun environment and empower employees to do their work. One of our goals is to help Nu Skin employees grow as individuals and be their best selves. We do this by helping them enjoy what they do and by having activities and events throughout the year and creating the work/life balance employees want and need.

One way we create a fun work environment by embracing March Madness. We invite the Utah Jazz Dunk Team to come and perform for our employees and then we play the basketball games on seven of our big screens throughout our building. Employees are invited to come and relax, watch the games, and eat while enjoying March Madness. We also fill out brackets online and offer prizes for the best.

WHAT UNIQUE OR UNUSUAL PERKS DO YOU ALSO OFFER?

For more than 20 years, Nu Skin has promoted a healthy environment for its employees through its Nu Health program. This program rewards employees for healthy lifestyles, tests for risk factors, and offers health counseling, and health insurance premium discounts for those who participate in the Nu Health program. Part time employees can earn additional vacation days by living a healthy lifestyle and tracking exercise hours.

We also offer select employees a chance to attend an employee service trip in Malawi. The group of employees works on projects at the School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI) and
experiences firsthand the impact Nu Skin has had on the families in Malawi.

HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS IN THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

Nu Skin cares about employees’ futures. Our commitment to our employees goes beyond their working lives; we have a goal for all of our employees to retire financially stable. We set aside up to an additional 10% of every employee’s annual salary to contribute to their 401k. We also provide financial education and estate planning education and resources for all of our employees.
Nu Skin also often sends employees to conferences for professional development and brings in trainers for a broader group of employees.

HOW DO YOU DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN TRUST BETWEEN ALL LEVELS OF YOUR COMPANY?

Our key is open communication. Once a year, Nu Skin holds a company-wide meeting where employees hear firsthand from the management team. Company executives hold meetings throughout the year where they visit and take questions from employees in various departments. At all times, the management team is very open and available to address any concerns or questions that employees may have.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST FUN DAY OF THE YEAR AT YOUR COMPANY? WHY?

There are many fun days at Nu Skin, but I think most employees would say our kick off to March Madness. Trying to get work done during the opening days of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament can be challenging in many workplaces. At Nu Skin, we embrace it and use it as a way to boost morale and inject added enthusiasm into the workforce. The Utah Jazz Dunk Team comes and puts on two performances in which executives and employees can participate. Nu Skin also provides hotdogs, popcorn and seven large TV screens to watch the all-day hoops action. It’s an effort to keep workers engaged and on campus as much as possible, when they may otherwise be distracted. Employees love it and they look forward to coming to work on those days because of the fun work environment that has been established.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW THAT YOU’VE ADDED IN 2019 TO ENHANCE YOUR WORK PLACE?

Last year we adjusted our sick and vacation time policy for full time employees and now offer an unlimited number of days for vacation and sick leave. Employees work directly with their managers and are allowed to take whatever they need in terms of vacation hours during the year. We want to provide the flexibility to our employees to ensure a proper work/life balance.