In meetings with more than 100 U.S. Senators, Representatives, and staff, leading network marketing executives successfully made the case for supporting the nearly 16 million MLM entrepreneurs across the country, who collectively contribute close to $30 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
The billions of dollars on the table were persuasive, but perhaps more compelling were bonds formed over shared stories.
Pamela C. Dean, CEO and founder of Avalla, shared the stories of many amazing women entrepreneurs as well as the story of Avalla, her Houston-based network marketing company, which sells botanically based natural skincare, anti-aging, beauty, and wellness products.
In turn, congressmen like Brett Guthrie (R) of Kentucky shared stories of their own. “Congressman Guthrie comes from a small business manufacturing background in Bowling Green,” explains Dean, “where he worked in a business started by his father. He is a supporter of the independent contractor status in Congress and appreciates the importance of keeping opportunities for entrepreneurs as part of the fabric of the United States. We were happy to have an opportunity to thank all our legislators for their continuing support of our industry.”
Dean was one of about 40 industry leaders taking part in the Direct Selling Association (DSA) event “Direct Selling Day on the Hill,” and one of a select group of women taking part in the DSA-sponsored Women’s Leadership Conference in conjunction with the larger event. In addition to Congressmen Guthrie, DSA members visited the congressional offices of Judy Biggert (R- IL), Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Sandy Adams (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Kristi Noem (R-SD), Diane Black, (R-TN), and many others.
More than 12 million women are involved in MLM businesses, often part-time, because of the flexibility and freedom of network marketing and unlimited income potential, without the high start-up or overhead costs of many small businesses. These facts fueled Dean and other powerful women in the industry to speak out against requirements and withholdings that would burden entrepreneurs and discourage Americans from even trying network marketing.
Their success is a success for the industry, for women, and for the economy. We encourage all members and readers of Network Marketing Central to follow their lead and speak up about all matters that affect our businesses, our lifestyle design, and our financial freedom—Washington is listening.
