CEO and Senior Executive Delegation Engages Federal Policymakers Days After Department of Labor Action on Independent Contractor Standards.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A delegation of chief executives and senior industry leaders from member companies of the Direct Selling Association (DSA) met with federal policymakers and national business leaders in Washington to discuss policies affecting independent contractors, entrepreneurship, and the direct selling industry.
The meetings took place days after the U.S. Department of Labor announced a proposed rule clarifying the distinction between employees and independent contractors under federal wage-and-hour law, an issue of significant importance to the millions of Americans who participate in direct selling.
Left to right: Randall Popelka, Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Herbalife International of America; Andrew Schmidt, President, Americas Region, Amway; Dave Grimaldi, CEO, DSA; Nevena Srebreva, CEO, Pampered Chef; Kevin Guest, CEO, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.; Danny Lee, President & CEO, 4Life; and Dave Merriman, Executive Vice President, ACN, Inc.
Among the day’s engagements was a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling, the second-highest ranking official at the U.S. Department of Labor. During the discussion, DSA leaders thanked the Department for its recent action proposing a rule grounded in long-standing economic reality principles and emphasized the importance of clear standards
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Sunrider® Wins DSA 2025 Excellence in Business Award for Innovative Compliance Training
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Sunrider International is proud to announce it has been named 2025 Excellence in Business Award Winner by the Direct Selling Association (DSA) for its groundbreaking compliance training program: Chen Grandkids on Compliance.
The award recognizes companies that set a benchmark for excellence and integrity in direct selling, showcasing innovative, creative programs that uphold best practices, safeguard consumer trust, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable growth. Announced September 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C., the DSA Awards honored companies across the direct selling industry for their commitment to innovation, creativity, and ethical business practices.
“These winners represent the gold standard of direct selling,”
said Dave Grimaldi, President and CEO of DSA.
“Their work demonstrates how businesses can achieve growth while operating with transparency, innovation, and a deep respect for customers and independent sellers. These programs set a model for others in the channel.”
Compliance, Reimagined: Training That Connects, Captivates, and Clicks.
Traditionally, compliance training has been viewed as dry and daunting. Sunrider set out to change that. At their 2024 Grand Convention, the company launched Chen Grandkids on Compliance, a kid-led video series featuring the grandchildren of Sunrider founders Dr. Tei-Fu Chen and Dr. Oi-Lin Chen.
The series turns complex compliance topics—such as income claims, product claims, and ethical
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DSA Advocacy Drives Historic Committee Vote: H.R. 3495 Advances as Entrepreneurs Rally on Capitol Hill
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Most Significant Federal Step Since 1982 Comes as DSA-Led Delegation Meets with 100+ Lawmakers to Defend Independent Work
Direct Selling Association (DSA) announced today that the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-5), successfully moved The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act out of committee, marking the most significant legislative victory for the direct selling channel in decades.
The milestone vote coincided with DSA’s annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill, where 85 direct sellers and executives from 14 DSA member companies from across the country are meeting with more than 100 elected officials to highlight the channel’s impact and advocate for independent entrepreneurs.
H.R. 3495 would explicitly define direct sellers and real estate agents as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), harmonizing federal law with the Internal Revenue Code, which has recognized this classification since 1982. The bill provides clarity and protection for millions of Americans who build businesses in these industries, reducing legal uncertainty and strengthening entrepreneurial opportunity.
“This is proof that advocacy works,”
said Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association.
“We brought entrepreneurs from across the U.S. to Capitol Hill to share their stories and explain the real-world value of
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A Call to Action From the CEO of the Direct Selling Association
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OPINION | By Dave Grimaldi, CEO, Direct Selling Association
Delaware’s Direct Sellers Deserve Better
Delaware House Bill 162 unsurprisingly passed the House last week—but the real fight lies ahead in the Senate. As it moves forward, it’s vital that lawmakers hear directly from those who stand to lose the most: Delaware’s direct sellers.
That’s why I’m calling on every direct selling company with a presence in the state to act now: identify and prepare your Delaware-based sellers. We need their voices—in Dover, in their communities, and in their legislators’ inboxes.
Every company can engage:
Send the campaign link—WeAreDirectSelling.com/Delaware—to your Delaware-based field members so they can send letters to state senators with just one click. Just as importantly, encourage them to involve their families, neighbors, business contacts, and local organizations. This multiplier effect is everything.
Internally gather and prepare data on your Delaware-based distributors so that, when a coordinated in-person day of action is announced, your company is ready to support participation and ensure a strong presence at Legislative Hall.
Nominate a top Delaware distributor to serve as a visible voice in this fight. These individuals can input their information directly on the campaign site and may be called upon for future testimony, outreach, or events.
Any of these actions will help
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DSA Canada To Host Flagship National Conference In June
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The Direct Sellers Association of Canada (DSA Canada) is gearing up to host its flagship national conference, DSA Canada Connect 2025, from June 22–25.
This high-impact gathering of executives, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, and thought leaders will converge on Kelowna, British Columbia, to spotlight Canada’s thriving $8.7 billion direct selling industry and discuss the evolving role of gig and independent work that’s shaping the country’s economic future.
Known for its dynamic entrepreneurial energy, Kelowna was selected as this year’s host city in celebration of the independent spirit and empowered leaders fueling the direct selling profession across Canada.
“This conference is a celebration of the power of people-led businesses,”
said Peter Maddox, President of DSA Canada.
“We’re thrilled to bring this event to Kelowna, a city with a thriving small business community and a deep appreciation for innovation and independence.”
Canada’s Direct Selling Growth in Focus
According to DSA Canada’s latest Socio-Economic Impact report, 1.1 million Canadians are now direct selling distributors, with $8.73 billion in economic impact. Also key: 84% of these distributors are women, with over half located in rural or low-density areas—a testament to the accessibility and inclusivity of the business model.
As the direct selling industry continues to grow across regions and demographics, DSA Canada
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Important Update from the DSA re HB 162
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Direct Selling Association CEO Dave Grimaldi shared an important update on Tuesday evening June 17th live from the Delaware Legislative Hall regarding HB 162.
Read on for his detailed email update below.
Background Information:
To view information about HB 162 (published 6/15), please read this DSA Advocacy Alert
To find out more about what this means to YOU personally—as a network marketing / direct selling / home-based business professional—and actions you can take, please read this article (published 6/15):
I want to make sure you’re aware of a serious development in Delaware that threatens the direct selling channel.
While you did not receive the initial message that was sent out to DSA members earlier today, I want to share the urgent update below: HB 162 has just passed the Delaware House of Representatives.
This bill would impose unworkable restrictions on even the most ethical direct selling companies and set a dangerous precedent for other states.
We are inviting all companies—whether or not you are currently a DSA member—to join us in this fight.
Please take a moment to watch the video message I recorded moments
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DSA Advocacy Alert, Delaware HB 162: The Time to Act Is Now
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From Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) Advocacy Advisory Alert:
Delaware Legislature to Take Action on Anti-Direct Selling Bill Tuesday Afternoon
Dear Network Marketing Professional,
I’m reaching out personally to share an urgent development that affects the entire direct selling community—DSA members and non-members alike.
This is no longer a threat: this is now real and moving forward.
On Tuesday, June 17, the Delaware House will vote on HB 162, a bill that poses an unprecedented threat to our business model. While DSA’s advocacy efforts have helped remove some of the most extreme provisions, the bill still contains harmful mandates that would burden even the most ethical companies.
Please review the alert below and take action immediately. We must mobilize our community in Delaware—and across the country—before it’s too late.
With appreciation,
Dave Grimaldi
President
Direct Selling Association (DSA)
The Time to Act is Now
Delaware HB 162 would impose costly, unworkable restrictions on direct selling—affecting even the most compliant companies—and could set a dangerous precedent for other states to follow.
The Threat
Unprecedented disclosure mandates not found anywhere else in the U.S.
A three-month right of rescission—ten times the national standard
A 90% inventory buyback with no time limit
Applies to all companies regardless of size or history
Fails to acknowledge existing industry self-regulation
This is not about bad actors—it’s
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URGENT: Anti- Direct Sales Bill (HB 162) in Delaware Threatens Network Marketing Across USA. Take Action NOW
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Normally we would not post a message like this, especially not on Father’s Day Sunday! But Network Marketing is under serious attack right now in the state legislature of Delaware, USA … and what if YOUR STATE is next?
🚨 Don’t wait — your voice is needed TODAY.
A dangerous new bill, Delaware House Bill 162 (HB 162), is set to hit the floor this Tuesday, June 17 — and it could seriously affect the entire Network Marketing and Direct Selling profession. If passed, it could unfortunately become a blueprint for similar legislation across the United States.
Even if you don’t live in Delaware, your state could be next.
⚠️ What’s Happening? And Why?
Delaware lawmakers are advancing HB 162 — a bill the Direct Selling Association (DSA) has called “impractical, unnecessary, and unlike any imposed elsewhere in the United States.” If passed, it could severely affect how you operate your network marketing business and the ability of independent distributors to earn income on their own terms.
This impacts ALL of us – distributors, company owners, company executives, customers, suppliers, advocates and future entrepreneurs.
🛑 Take Action Before It’s Too Late
You must act by Monday June 16 — ideally before 12 NOON ET — just hours before the vote. Whether
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Crowd1 A Provisional Member Of The Direct Selling Association Of The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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According to a Crowd1 press release:
Crowd1 enters an exciting new phase. Sustainable and long-term growth is paramount.
Crowd1, the world’s leading influencer marketing company, has a well-deserved reputation as a highly successful entrepreneurial organisation.
Due to the enthusiasm and hard work of its tens of millions of members, as well as the dedication of its skilled staff and management, the company has grown into a global network community and a force to be reckoned with.
With this solid foundation, the time is ripe to grow and evolve – and for Crowd1 this means transitioning from an entrepreneurial organisation to a fully fledged corporation.
Following intensive corporate strategy workshops, a plan has been set in motion which will see Crowd1 make the transition over the next twelve months.
Management is therefore proud to announce that, as a first development, Crowd1 has become a provisional member of the Direct Selling Association of the United Arab Emirates (DSA UAE).
Provisional membership of this prestigious association is a seal of approval from the region’s only national trade association representing direct selling. Said Jonas Eric Werner, Crowd1 founder:
“This is an important development in cementing our status as a reputable company. We are very proud to be a provisional member of this
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Paul Jarvis Appointed As Seldia Chairman – The European DSA
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Originally, a banker, Paul Jarvis moved into direct sales in 1995 when a client asked him to support the launch of a direct sales company in Russia.
In 2006, Paul decided to pursue an interest in the development sector in East Africa, and in 2012, he participated in the launch of the company Organo Gold, a business selling coffee by direct sales into Europe, which he started in over 20 regional markets.
Since 2016, as COO of the Juice Plus Company, Paul has been leading its EMEA strategy to historical growth.
Paul’s vision for Seldia revolves around three key projects:
Working with the European Commission and other relevant EU stakeholders to ensure a favorable legislative environment for our sector, especially for the social selling model, that protects the direct selling model as a unique model in the digital marketing environment.
Promoting the industry to a younger generation as a viable “uber”esque opportunity with campaigns that demonstrate how our industry is at the forefront of social selling, and addressing the millennial generation expectations regarding work and lifestyle balance.
Harmonizing the national direct selling associations and modernizing their functioning towards digital technologies.
As the newly elected Seldia Chairman, Paul would like to express gratitude to Thomas Stoffmehl, the previous