The USDSA, in conjunction with the Congressional Direct Selling Caucus, hosted a briefing: “Direct Selling: Entrepreneurism Driving Economic
Growth” for media, policymakers, and congressional staff to discuss the value of direct selling to the economy, society, and millions of micro-entrepreneurs, March 29, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

USDSA President Joseph Mariano presented an overview of the positive impact of the direct selling channel as well as the importance of
the USDSA’s robust relationships with government officials and regulators. He also discussed the Association’s legislative agenda including consumer protection legislation, tax, and independent contractor status.

USDSA research shows that direct selling experienced estimated retail sales of $36.12 billion – a 4.8 % increase from the previous year.
Dr. Robert Peterson, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Texas, Austin, presented further data in support of the significant direct, indirect, and induced socio-economic impact of direct selling in the United States.

Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) echoed Rep. Veasey’s sentiments: “It’s wonderful what direct sellers do for the economy and
for individuals.” She described her formative years as a direct seller and how that experience was invaluable for teaching her how to manage a business and lead a team, adding that she is proud to now help lead the Caucus and encourage entrepreneurship, which
leads to new-start businesses, which leads to growth.

Former NFL wide receiver JJ Birden is now a distributor and spokesman for Isagenix. Birden described how direct selling taught him leadership
and life skills and brought him in contact with those who have benefited from both the products and the entrepreneurial opportunity. “This is a profession for everyone. You control the odds – it’s your effort, it’s your commitment; you get out what you put
in.”

The Direct Selling Caucus was established in 2015 as a bipartisan forum to consider policy issues affecting the retail channel and the
more than 20 million Americans involved in direct selling. Its membership has grown to 45 members, representing districts in every region of the country.

L to R: USDSA Executive Vice President Adolfo Franco, direct selling spokesman and former NFL athlete JJ Birden, and USDSA President Joe
Mariano

The WFDSA Secretaries Seminar will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with U.S. DSA Annual Meeting.

The purpose of the Secretaries Seminar is to provide a forum for DSA staff to exchange information on best practices in association management
and to build leadership skills. Around 20 DSA staff from the European, Latin America and Asian region will participate in this event.

For more information, please contact
mpaniagua@wfdsa.org

WFDSA Association Performance Program for the Latin American Region

The next Association Performance Program (APP) for the Latin American region will be held on July 20 21, 2017 in Costa Rica.

The purpose of the seminar is to assist paid DSA staff employees as well as company volunteers in better managing their national DSAs,
improving the value of the services they can deliver to member companies and assisting them in meeting WFDSA’s standards of excellence.

WFDSA Board of Delegates Meeting

The next WFDSA Board of Delegates meeting will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 in conjunction with the World Congress XV “Own the
Future” which will be held in Paris, France.

For more information, please contact: Maureen Paniagua at:
mpaniagua@wfdsa.org.