Avon Products 2nd-quarter profit more than doubles

iWon News

Avon Products Inc. on Wednesday said second-quarter profit more than doubled as the cosmetics company recorded strong sales abroad, especially in Latin America.

The New York-based seller of beauty products said quarterly profit soared to $235.6 million, or 55 cents per share, from $112.7 million, or 26 cents per share, a year ago.

Total revenue rose 17 percent to $2.74 billion from $2.33 billion last year.

On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 47 cents per share on revenue of $2.6 billion. Wall Street estimates usually exclude one-time charges and gains.

Reliv International Names New Vice President of Operations

MarketWatch

Reliv International, Inc. , a nutritional supplements and direct sales company, today announced the promotion of Debra Hellweg to vice president of operations, a newly created position.

Previously Hellweg was director of internal audit. In her new post, Hellweg will have responsibility for various departments including the Distributor Service Center and Travel departments.

"Debra will continue to be a great asset to Reliv in this new position," said R. Scott Montgomery, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "As director of internal audit, Debra learned in detail the company's departments, processes and procedures not only here at the home office, but at all of our non-U.S. offices, too."

Nu Skin Enterprises, Toyo Bio-Pharma Team On Product Research, Development

Trading Markets

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint research and development relationship with Toyo Bio-Pharma, Inc., a natural products manufacturer with facilities in the United States and Japan.

To facilitate this relationship, the companies established a new joint venture, NU Toyo Research, Inc., in the United States.

Nu Skin Enterprises said it is the first direct selling company to have such an agreement with Toyo Bio-Pharma. The companies' collaborative development efforts will focus on sharing scientific and regulatory insights, as well as developing proprietary nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products for Nu Skin sales through its worldwide distribution network.

Japan-based Toyo Bio-Pharma is a subsidiary of Toyo Shinyaku Co., a manufacturer focused on providing consumers and clients with ingredients derived from nature.

Talk Fusion Marks First Birthday

PR-USA.net

Talk Fusion, creator of the premier Video Email product, is celebrating its first birthday by giving back to the community. The Florida-based, multi-level marketing (MLM) company has enjoyed exceptional growth since launching on July 2, 2007. The Talk Fusion business opportunity is currently being shared by Independent Associates in 48 US States and 70 countries around the world.

Talk Fusion Founder and CEO, Bob Reina, explained, "We're fortunate. Many start-up direct selling companies don't make it past the first year. We're a person-to-person based business, so we're using the unique features of our Video Email product to give back to the people of our community."

The concept behind Talk Fusion Video Email is simple. AOL once told Mr. Reina he couldn' t email large video files; he figured out a way he could. According to Mr. Reina, Talk Fusion's revolutionary proprietary technology enables anyone, anywhere, to send up to 10-minute Video Emails, with no downloads or attachments needed.

Seeing orange at company’s first year bash

The Star Online

XANGO LLC, the global nutritional leader, celebrated the company's first anniversary in Malaysia recently with a party attended by almost 1,000 guests at MegaView, Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Many guests, including distributors, dressed in the XanGo's theme colour, orange, to celebrate this milestone event.

The anniversary party began with an energetic percussion performance, followed by a welcome speech by general manager of Southeast Asia Tai Tolman.

Myron Wentz retires as Usana CEO

Salt Lake Tribune

Just a week after leading a failed bid to take Usana Health Sciences Inc. private, Myron Wentz has stepped down as CEO of the West Valley City marketer of nutritional supplements and personal care products.
Wentz will be replaced by his 37-year-old son, David, according to a news release Wednesday that also announced other management changes. Myron Wentz, the founder of the company, will remain as chairman of the board.
Usana spokesman Joe Poulos said Wentz was retiring as CEO on his own accord with no pressure from the board.
Timothy Ramey, an analyst with D.A. Davidson & Co., said it appeared the change just confirmed that as president, David Wentz was responsible for day-to-day management.

Torrance-based Sunrider opens plant in Harbor Gateway

The Daily Breeze

The cavernous three-building complex pushing up along Francisco Street in Harbor Gateway is part of Sunrider International's ambitious efforts to expand while maintaining its quality.

The new buildings will let Sunrider move its main production operations from an overcrowded site in the City of Industry. And because quality control is important to the the private maker of about 400 different herbal products from teas to vitamin bars, it has decided to keep its main production operations in Los Angeles County instead of opening a new plant in, say, China.

"The reason we moved from the City of Industry to Harbor Gateway is it's only five minutes away from me," said Tei Fu Chen, Sunrider's chairman and founder. "So I can supervise much closer and I can oversee the quality. I cannot go to China every day."

Chen added that he prefers to keep the company's know-how nearby for "100percent control" amid numerous competitors who could benefit from such proprietary knowledge.

USANA Health Sciences Announces Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results

MarketWatch

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. today announced its financial results for the fiscal second quarter, ended June 28, 2008. The company reported net sales of $109.2 million and earnings per share of $0.62, which approximated the preliminary results for the second quarter announced on June 18, 2008.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2008 increased by 1.5% to $109.2 million, compared with $107.5 million in the second quarter of the prior year. This increase in net sales was primarily the result of new incentive programs for the company's Associates and stronger foreign currencies. On a consecutive quarter basis, net sales increased by 7.5%.

Liberty League International Releases New Liberty Conference Video

Web Wire

Due to the demand from the public to learn more about the Liberty Conferences, Liberty League International has just released a new Liberty Conference video. Highlights include the life-changing transformations and amazing breakthroughs the attendees experienced.

Scottsdale, Arizona (WEBWIRE) July 22, 2008—Liberty League International recently held its Liberty Conference on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. To showcase the amazing and life-changing events that took place at the event and other Liberty Conferences that are always held in luxurious and exotic locations, Liberty League has released a new video. In fact, some of the more recent Liberty Conferences were held in Cancun, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

Interleukin Genetics Launches Enhanced Heart Health Genetic Test Report Format

CNN Money

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. , today announced the launch of an enhanced test report format and information package for the company’s Heart Health Genetic Test. The test is currently marketed under the brand name Gensona(R) Heart Health Genetic Test by Quixtar/Amway. The new report will include quantified risk information on heart attack and coronary artery disease generated from clinical studies and conducted by the company. The company believes that this enhanced report format will provide individuals and their physicians more complete information about a person’s inflammation-based genetic risk factor for a heart attack. The new package also provides information on the science behind the genetic test and information to help people understand preventive measures and actions that can be taken to lower the risk of heart disease.

In addition, the company will conduct scientific lectures on the Gensona(R) test for interested Quixtar/Amway individual business owners at their scheduled conferences. The first of these lectures will be on Saturday morning and afternoon, July 26, 2008 at the Nardone/Melillo/Callendar conference at the Radisson Valley Forge Hotel & Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA. Thousands of attendees are expected at the conference.

USANA Receives 2008 Utah Work/Life Award

FOXBusiness.com

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. received a 2008 Work/Life Award from the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the Office of Work & Family Life in recognition of the company's outstanding workplace.

USANA was one of 21 companies recognized by Governor John Huntsman at a Work/Life awards luncheon at the Sheraton City Centre Hotel. The Work/Life Awards received a record 188 applications this year. Dan Macuga, USANA vice president of network development and public relations, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

"USANA is committed to giving its employees all the necessary tools to excel at work while still maintaining an excellent quality of life," Macuga said. "It is an honor to be considered one of Utah's best employers."

For the tenth consecutive year, the Work/Life Awards recognized companies for creating exceptional workplaces by effectively addressing employee work/life needs. The Work/Life Awards honor employers that listen to employees and strive to create and maintain a culture of equity and opportunity in the workplace.

Wind energy projects encounter stiff opposition

Fort Mill Times

A fight over a proposed 450-megawatt wind energy project in eastern Idaho's Wolverine Canyon pits a longtime ranching family against millionaire healthcare products mogul Frank VanderSloot.

Peggy Stolworthy, who is working with Seattle-based Ridgeline Energy on the 150-turbine project, says royalties from the wind turbines will help keep her ranch in business, amid spiraling hay and grain prices.

Meanwhile, VanderSloot, who owns property in the canyon, says he doesn't want to see 490-foot turbines atop the ridgeline here.

Mannatech's New CEO Launches North American Tour with Sales Associates in Denver

MarketWatch

Mannatech, Incorporated , a leading developer and provider of dietary supplements and skin care solutions, has launched a North American "Whistle-Stop Tour" in 10 cities where new President and CEO Wayne Badovinus will visit with thousands of independent sales Associates listening to their input while discussing key business-building strategies, the power of the field and corporate working together, and accelerating change for the better.

"The fuel to drive our growth is energy, enthusiasm, dedication, integrity, action - and most of all - passion. We know it all starts with our valuable team of independent Associates," said Badovinus, Mannatech's president and CEO. "We all have the opportunity to turn weakness from the past into strengths for the future. Mannatech is a new company - we are moving forward and not looking back."

Universal Forest Products, Inc. Announces New Director

MarketWatch

Universal Forest Products, Inc. today announced that Bill Payne, chief of staff for Alticor Inc., has been appointed to the Company's board of directors and is expected to stand for election at the Company's annual shareholders meeting in April 2009. The appointment was approved by the board at its July 16, 2008 meeting.

"Bill Payne is an excellent addition to our board of directors," said Executive Chairman William G. Currie. "He brings well-cultivated business skills, a strong aptitude for strategy and an understanding of our company, business and culture. We look forward to his contributions to our company and success."

Payne was appointed as part of the board's succession plan to fill the seat expected to be vacated by Chairman Emeritus Peter Secchia, who is set to retire in 2009 at age 72, in accordance with Company policy. Appointing Payne now facilitates a smooth transition.

Arbonne Canada Opens New Distribution Center in Calgary

Marketwire

In an inaugural ceremony held in the presence of some 500 guests, Arbonne International Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Arbonne International, LLC, manufacturer and distributor of personal care and skin care products, today announced the opening of a second Canadian distribution center and training facility in Calgary, in response to its rapidly growing clientele in Western Canada and throughout the country. The company, which commenced Canadian operations in 2006, also has corporate offices and a distribution facility in Mississauga, Ontario.

"Our growth in Canada has not only been impressive, making Arbonne one of the fastest growing direct selling companies in this country, but it has happened much faster than our predictions," said Jack Crowley, Sr. Vice President, International Operations. "In less than two years, our company has grown to over 60,000 Independent Consultants, a large proportion of which are located in Canada's Western provinces. We owe that success in large part to the ebullient entrepreneurship of our Canadian Consultants and to the enthusiastic acceptance of our products by Canadian consumers," he explained.

"The choice of Calgary came naturally to us, as our company enjoys tremendous success in Alberta, where over 40 percent of our Independent Consultants are based," said Stuart A. MacMillan, Arbonne Canada's Managing Director. "In fact, the province of Alberta is where Arbonne's business is the most flourishing in Canada, and the Calgary region largely contributes to that status, with 12 percent of our Consultant base," he added.

YTB Contemplates Implementation Of Franchises

Yacht Vacations & Charters Magazine

YTB International, Inc. , a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced that the Company is contemplating the replacement of its referring travel agent ("RTA") business model with the implementation of a franchise operating system, potentially in 2009. The Company expects that a franchising model, if adopted, would facilitate the Company's expansion into additional markets by providing more comprehensive training and a new proprietary e-commerce platform.

Details regarding price, product offerings and the conversion plan are all under consideration, but the Company anticipates that its existing RTA base would be treated favorably under its forthcoming proposal. Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB International, Inc. commented, "We have retained iFranchise of Chicago to consult in the planning and development of the franchise model and are excited about the potential impact on YTB's business." If a franchising model is adopted, its distribution is expected to be managed by the current marketing arm of the Company, YourTravelBiz.com, also known as YTB.com

True Wealth Magazine Doubles its Circulation

PR Web

Have a business opportunity to advertise? You now have a new reason to get excited. True Wealth, one of the nation's most popular direct mail opportunity magazines, is expanding its mailing list. Beginning with the October/November issue, True Wealth will be mailed to a list of 100,000 business seekers -- doubling the circulation and putting the magazine in front of twice as many prospects for advertisers.

"After seeing the enthusiastic response to True Wealth, we decided it needed to be in front of more people," says Josh Binkley, Print Sales Consultant. "True Wealth will now reach 100,000 qualified home business prospects every other month. It's a big boost for our advertisers -- you can now put your opportunity in front of twice as many people."

True Wealth magazine, published by home-business experts Cutting Edge Media, launched in February 2008 and quickly exceeded expectations, generating thousands of high-quality leads with every issue. So the Cutting Edge Publications team made the decision to increase the circulation. According to Bridey Orth, Editor-in-Chief, that decision was a "no-brainer."

Olivia Newton-John Marries Amazon Herb Founder, John Easterling

KSWT

Olivia Newton-John, who starred in the hit movie version of the musical "Grease," has married.

The 59-year old singer wed John Easterling on June 21st in Cuzco, Peru, according to a statement from her attorney's office in Reno, Nevada.

Other details have not been released.

The 49-year old Easterling is the founder and chief executive officer of Amazon Herb Company, which sells botanical supplements from the rainforest.

Demarle Inc Moves U.S. Office To Michigan

The Oakland Press: Business

Demarle at Home Inc., a specialist in kitchenware with its roots in Europe, has shifted its direct sales office in the U.S. from their previous site in Houston, Texas, to Milford. Cindy Juncaj, Demarle at Home chief executive officer, said Demarle at Home is a subsidiary of a French cookware firm based in Wavrin, France that has been selling its wares internationally for more than 40 years.

"Demarle at Home has a presence in 44 states across the nation, and the Midwest has always been an area of focus for us. We currently have a few representatives in Michigan and are looking at this state as a key area of growth," said Juncaj, a Michigan native. "With an established headquarters here, we look forward to creating jobs on a local level while furthering our goal of continued growth on a national level," she said.

Demarle launched its direct sales business and Rendezvous in-home parties in Europe in 1995 and expanded into the U.S. through Houston in 2002.

Lightyear Alliance is Leading the Wireless Revolution

PR Web

Lightyear is partnering with the largest network provider in the U.S. and will be offering state of the phones and extremely competitive plans. The truly exciting part is the fact that no other MLM company in the world pays a true residual commission on their own privately branded wireless products. This means Lightyear Alliance will be able to do what no other companies can do - pay people a true residual income to use services they're going to use anyway.

Wireless phone service isn't going to be the only product launched in the wireless division launch. Wireless internet will also be released, making Lightyear Alliance the only MLM company in the world to even offer wireless internet and pay a true residual commission on it.

We talked with Lightyear Alliance top earner Senior Vice President Ben Sturtevant who had this to say about the new wireless launch: "This is the most excited I have been in my 11 years in this industry. When you look at the size of the wireless industry, the volume that a Network Marketer can tap into, and the commissions that Lightyear will be paying, it truly creates a perfect storm!"

Nutrilite's New Sport Cookie Revs Up Recovery

PR Web

NUTRILITE® introduces new Sports Cookies that provide an optimized carbohydrate-to-protein ratio for faster muscle recovery and reduced muscle damage. The cookies include the exclusive NUTRILITE® C-Lenium Blend to offer antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals generated by intense and prolonged exercise.

NUTRILITE Sports Cookies aid the recovery process of muscles after an intense workout. They're also effective as a higher carbohydrate energy snack that is also a good source of protein and fiber. NUTRILITE Sports Cookies come in two delicious flavors - lemon and cranberry oatmeal - and are a good source of vitamin C, and have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

"NUTRILITE Sport Cookies are a perfect fit for our sports nutrition line because it's convenient for on-the-go people and has something for everyone, no matter what your fitness level," says Brian Geers, Manager - Health Marketing for Quixtar. "It's an ideal option if you're looking for faster muscle recovery after a tough workout or if you just want an energy-boosting snack that has a blend of carbs, protein, and fiber."