brand-logo
Subscribe

FTC Lauds Establishment of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council

by Leave a Comment

Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the Division of Marketing Practices, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lauded the establishment of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DS-SRC) at the Direct Selling Association (DSA) Fall Conference in Arlington, VA.

In addition to providing an overview of the January 2018 FTC Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing, Associate Director Greisman characterized the launch of the DS-SRC as a “really terrific step.”  She noted that DSA members are “perfectly situated to get it right and promote consumer protection” and “competition in the marketplace.”  She underscored her belief that self-regulation will benefit all direct selling companies.

Ms. Greisman outlined how the structure and independent monitoring initiatives such as the DS-SRC provide a “great framework” that have both “transparency and teeth.”  She reiterated her standing offer to continue pursuing productive dialogue with direct selling, adding that she looks forward to seeing the program in action.

DSA President Joseph N. Mariano stated that “direct selling has the responsibility to raise the bar to protect consumers, and will help the channel maintain the sharpest competitive edge for the independent contractors who are our businesses’ lifeblood.”

He added that the Association “appreciates the FTC’s acknowledgment that the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council is a good step forward for the channel.  The stronger the channel’s self-regulatory efforts and reputation, the better positioned every direct seller will be to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Secretary Acosta Recognizes Independent Contractors’ Important Role

by Leave a Comment

Photo: U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta at DSA Fall Conference

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta recently recognized the important role independent contractors play in the American economy.

Secretary Acosta presented the Trump Administration’s views on independent contractors at the Direct Selling Association Fall Conference held Nov. 12–14 in Arlington, VA. He highlighted the spirit of entrepreneurship, which is a priority for the current Administration.

The Secretary also stated the U.S. Department of Labor helps Americans like direct sellers by ensuring a clear regulatory environment. He underscored the importance of Association Health Plans and Association Retirement Plans to help direct sellers with the building blocks of running businesses on their own terms.

“The freedom and flexibility that have attracted millions to direct selling, together with how technology has enhanced career choices, are driving an even larger segment of the American workforce to become independent contractors,” said DSA President Joseph N. Mariano. “Secretary Acosta and the Trump Administration’s recognition of this reality and the advance of healthcare and retirement plans for independent contractors are positive for direct selling. We look forward to continuing our work with Secretary Acosta and the U.S. Department of Labor on these initiatives.”

SeneGence Mexico Launches with Grand Opening Celebration

by Leave a Comment

SeneGence International® recently launched its Mexico offices with a two-day event that included a grand opening ceremony and a welcome reception.

“This is a very exciting time for SeneGence,” said Joni Rogers-Kante, Senegence president. “International expansion into Mexico is part of our overall growth strategy, and based on the response we received, I know it will be an extremely successful venture for the company and our new independent distributors. Over the course of the two-day event, we welcomed  distributors to our family.”

For the event, SeneGence also sent US distributor trainers Lisa Tippen-Morris, Kasie Lofton Smith and Lacey Ivancevic to provide current and potential independent distributors the opportunity to ask questions about the brand and its products, as well as meet the team behind the anti-aging, long-wearing cosmetic line.

Isagenix Celebrates America Recycles Day

by Leave a Comment

Photo: Erik Coover, senior vice president of global field development and culture, Isagenix International.

Isagenix International celebrated America Recycles Day by kicking off a three-month recycling campaign.

The campaign is designed to educate employees about recycling and inspire them to reduce waste in the workplace and in the community. The campaign begins with a special employee event at global headquarters, where an employee recycling competition will launch. City of Phoenix Zero Waste Coordinator Lucas Mariacher will speak at the event, offering valuable recycling tips and explaining how Isagenix employees can make a positive impact on the environment.

The recycling campaign is the latest example of the company’s commitment to sustainability. Earlier in the year, Isagenix announced a goal to convert all packaging components to be made of recyclable, reusable, compostable or recycled materials by 2028. Another recent sustainability milestone is installation of photovoltaic solar panels on parking lot shade structures at the 162,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Gilbert, Arizona.

“At Isagenix, we are always striving to do more to positively impact our planet and improve our future,” said Erik Coover, senior vice president of global field development and culture. “We want to serve as an example of how companies can achieve corporate objectives while also honoring and protecting the earth’s natural resources.”

Jim O’Reilly Named ARIIX Australia GM

by Leave a Comment

ARIIX recently announced that industry veteran Jim O’Reilly has joined the executive team as general manager of Australia to the ARIIX Executive Team.

“Jim’s professional experience and dedication to the MLM industry demonstrates a commitment to meeting customer needs,” said Mark Wilson, ARIIX president and founder. “His attention to detail has led to extraordinary success in markets all around the world, and we are pleased to see him bring his talents to ARIIX Australia!”

O’Reilly has more than a decade of experience in the network marketing industry, including several director-level positions. He has worked in markets across the globe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

“Of all the opportunities I’ve been exposed to, ARIIX is like no other,” said O’Reilly. “The ARIIX philosophy and the way we are shaking up the industry is just so exciting. Acquisitions of companies like NuCerity and the amazing portfolio of ARIIX products, combined with our incredible representatives, will set the Australia market up for success.”

M.Global, Jamberry, Avisae Merge into BeneYOU

by Leave a Comment

Direct selling companies M.Global, Jamberry and Avisae have joined together to form the newly launched BeneYOU, LLC.

The move is the culmination of a series of strategic moves that have occurred throughout 2018, including M.Global’s June acquisition of assets from Jamberry, which offered beauty and skin care products, and the recent welcoming of Utah-based Avisae, a health and wellness company.

“As a relatively young company, we’ve made several strategic decisions during 2018 that position us for dynamic expansion and provide our Associates and Customers with personalized growth opportunities along with a product mix that offers a total approach to wellness and beauty,” said BeneYOU President and CEO Ryan Anderson. “We love that this new company communicates our commitment to helping people around the world become ‘a better you.’”

The company also announced the appointment of Dave Wentz as board chairman of BeneYOU. Wentz, the former CEO of USANA Health Sciences, has also served as chairman of the Direct Selling Association Board of Directors and chairman of the Direct Selling Education Foundation.

“I’m excited to join the team at BeneYOU,” said Wentz. “Our synergistic product mix—coupled with an individualized approach to wellness and entrepreneurship—presents us with the opportunity to become a powerful force in evolving the direct-sales industry in the new gig economy.”

Avisae founders Brooks Yates and Brent Ririe will also have leadership roles at BeneYOU. Yates will serve as the company’s executive vice president of IT and Finance, while Ririe will engage his skills and experience to drive business activity as a top field leader.

Anderson said the existing brand names for each product line will remain the same. For the immediate future, BeneYOU will also retain the websites for each product line.

LifeVantage-Sponsored Anthony Robles Sets New World Record

by Leave a Comment

Anthony Robles, the athlete and long-time LifeVantage consumer, broke the world record for pull-ups in a single minute this past weekend.

Robles, the one-legged wrestler who won the 2011 NCAA 125-pound title, cranked out 62 pull-ups Sunday during the NY Jets–Buffalo Bills game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, besting Harvard Professor Adam Sandel’s previous record of 61. The record is pending final Guinness verification.

Robles’ world record attempt was sponsored by Nike, Freemotion Fitness, and Sandy, Utah-based LifeVantage.

“Anthony embodies so much of what LifeVantage and our biohacking community are about,” said LifeVantage CMO Ryan Goodwin. “This is someone who, against all odds, has optimized his body and physical performance at the highest possible levels. His is a truly inspiring story.””

Robles’ NCAA title attracted worldwide attention and helped earn him ESPN’s “Jimmy V Award for Perseverance” and a second Espy Award for “Best Male Athlete with a Disability.” A movie about Robles’ life is currently in the works.

Plexus’ Annual Walk Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

by Leave a Comment

Plexus Worldwide™ recently announced its annual walk to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) raised $10,000 dollars in donations.

The event helped to raise awareness for PCH’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. More than 500 people walked 1.2 miles in the Pima Center Business Park in the Step Up with Phoenix Children’s walk on November 9. Participants included employees from the community and six Scottsdale businesses: Plexus, Ross Brown Partners, Firetrace International, Import Genius, Luxury Auto Collection and Ag Junction Inc.

“Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope for so many families experiencing a traumatic life event, and we wanted to show our support by raising awareness and donations,” said Tarl Robinson, founder and CEO of Plexus. “Plexus is an on-going partner with PCH and we will continue to support this important community staple through fundraising, volunteering and awareness campaigns.”

Plexus donated 100 percent of the proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Youngevity Q3 2018 Revenue Down 12%

by Leave a Comment

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)  reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Revenues decreased 12.0 percent to $39,082,000 as compared to $44,395,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The company derived approximately 88 percent of its revenue from direct selling sales and approximately 12 percent from commercial coffee sales. Direct selling revenues decreased by $3,674,000, or 9.7 percent, to $34,280,000 as compared to $37,954,000 for the same period last year.

“The third quarter’s revenue was negatively impacted by supply chain challenges experienced predominantly in our international markets and a policy change implemented by our finance company within the coffee segment; however, despite these challenges, our year-to-date numbers continue to improve over last year in key financial metrics including revenue, operating income and adjusted EBITDA,” said Steve Wallach, CEO and co-founder.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenues increased 1.3 percent to $126,331,000 as compared to $124,655,000 for the same period last year. The company derived approximately 84 percent of its revenue from direct selling sales and approximately 16 percent from commercial coffee sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, direct selling segment revenues decreased by $297,000 or 0.3 percent to $106,437,000 as compared to $106,734,000 for the same period last year.

To view the complete Youngevity Q3 financial report, click here.

Young Living Products Now Available in China

by Leave a Comment

Young Living Essential Oils recently celebrated its official expansion into China.

To celebrate the availability of its products there, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Young Living Guangzhou Experience Centre in Guangzhou, China, on October 19.

“Making our products available in China is a major step toward fulfilling Gary Young’s mission to bring Young Living Essential Oils to every home in the world,” said Mary Young, co-founder and chief executive officer, Young Living Essential Oils. “It’s fitting that we’re beginning Young Living’s journey in China with the people of Guangzhou. Botanicals in our essential oils such as Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, and Sandalwood were an important part of the ancient spice and Silk Road trade here and have been used by the local community for thousands of years.”

The China headquarters (also known as Youlefang, 悠乐芳) will be based in Guangzhou in Southeast China. Customers in China will have access to a dedicated Young Living China support team, a division of Nanjing Joymain Development Co., one of the largest direct selling companies in China.

“We’re excited to open new paths toward health and wellness for the billion people in China,” said Young Living Asia-Pacific Regional President Tai Tolman. “For the first time, Young Living is able to deliver the purest essential oils and essential oil products under our Seed to Seal® commitment to quality to the most populous country in the world.”

Reliv Sales Down 8.25% for Q3 2018

by Leave a Comment

Reliv International, Inc. (NASDAQ:RELV) recently reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2018.

The company reported net sales of $8.3 million for the quarter compared with $9.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Net sales in the United States decreased by $583,000, which represented an 8.2 percent decline in net sales when compared to the prior-year quarter.

Net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by $149,000, or 7.5 percent, compared with the prior-year quarter. Net sales in Asia and Mexico increased by 4.8 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively, offset by decreases in all other regions. Net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by 3.3 percent during the third quarter of 2018 when the impact of foreign currency fluctuation is removed.

Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were $26.8 million, which represents a 15.9 percent decrease from the same period in 2017.  Net sales in the United States decreased by 17.3 percent and net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by 10.9 percent in the first nine months of 2018 compared with the same period last year.

To view the complete Reliv Q3 2018 report, click here.

Avon Announces Support for UN’s LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business

by Leave a Comment

Avon announced its support for the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business to tackle discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people.

According to the company, expressing support for the UN Standards on LGBTI is a continuation of Avon’s longstanding commitment to social progress and freedom of expression—principles that underpin its business and brand proposition. Avon’s founders were pioneers of women’s financial empowerment long before women’s rights were recognized, and Avon was one of the original signatories to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. This commitment to the LGBTI Standards is a natural extension of Avon’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Avon has a strong track record of standing up for LGBTI rights and has championed LGBTI role models including Brazilian pop star and drag queen Pabllo Vittar, and singer and transsexual activist Candy Mel. A recent campaign in Brazil, Avon’s biggest market, included a series of testimonials from Avon ambassadors and beauty entrepreneurs from the LGBTQIA+ community, including local artist Rosa Luz, Brazilian model Bia Gremion and Avon Sales Executive Gaby Varconti.

In Mexico, Avon recently collaborated with the beauty influencer and transgender activist for tolerance, Victoria Volkova, to create Aura, a fragrance that seeks to convey the importance of self-confidence and the belief that true beauty comes from within. The fragrance has been one of the most successful launches of the year for Avon Mexico.

“Avon is an open company, and our underlying principles of respect for rights apply to everyone,” said CEO of Avon Jan Zijderveld. “Discrimination is not welcome at Avon in any shape or form. We want to be a fully inclusive company for LGBTI employees, associates and representatives, and also for our customers and suppliers. Challenging stereotypes is at the heart of many of our campaigns, and we will work to promote positive representations of LGBTI people across our business. Creativity and innovation are unleashed when everyone can flourish. That is the environment in which Avon as a business was built and will thrive.”

The UN Standards were produced in collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Business and build on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They reflect the input of hundreds of companies across diverse sectors. Over 200 companies worldwide have expressed support for the Standard.

Fabrice Houdart, United Nations Human Rights Officer and co-author of the Standards said: “It is particularly meaningful to have Avon join the early supporters of these Standards as Avon has always been about inclusion, and this is a natural extension of that practice and philosophy. Avon is demonstrating a leadership role in fostering greater inclusion of LGBTI people in the many places it does business. We hope more businesses will follow globally.”

To read more about the UN Standards, click here.