Neways Opens New Facility and Joins with Globus Relief in Aid Effort

MarketWatch

Neways International opens its state-of-the-art warehouse facility Friday, Sept. 26 and fills a shipping container for Globus Relief with more than 700 hygiene kits, 11,000 bottles of Maximol, and more than a thousand personal items for hurricane victims who were displaced recently. The hygiene kits are packed with Neways' products, including toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and hygienic powder. All of these products, and others from the extensive Neways line, will be warehoused and distributed from the new 309,000-square-foot building located directly behind the company's corporate headquarters in Springville.

Neways' CEO Eric Larsen said the new warehouse provides state-of-the-art distribution opportunities and opens new doors for Neways Distributors. "It is significant that our first shipping container of Neways products is being contributed to people in need. Neways is committed to improving living conditions through natural products and we have partnered before with Globus Relief to improve the delivery of healthcare to those in need," he said. The container filled at the ribbon cutting will be shipped to the hurricane victims, along with other medical supplies gathered and supplied by Globus Relief.

More Site Improvements?

A few minor tweaks to aid with site navigation. I will have the changes installed shortly and I think it will permit better access to the information I continue to collect.

I have updated and reprinted several older posts from the interior pages. I have back-dated these entries to keep them better organized for my maintenance purposes. Once I am certain the new navigation works properly, I will discontinue the older pages.

Upgrades should be ARE completed today. Let me know how it works for you.

RBC Life Sciences Names Veteran Strategic Growth Leader, Robert Kaiser, to the Company's Board of Directors

MarketWatch

RBC Life Sciences, a leading global provider of evidence-based nutritional supplements and personal care products, has named strategic growth veteran Robert A. Kaiser to its board of directors.

Kaiser brings more than three decades of executive-level leadership to the board at a time when RBC Life Sciences is focusing on aggressive domestic and international expansion. Comprised of an advanced wound care and pain management products subsidiary and a nutritional supplements subsidiary, RBC Life Sciences grew nearly 25 percent in 2007.

"Robert has an impressive entrepreneurial background and strategic experience in profit and revenue expansion and shareholder development that will serve the company as it positions itself moving forward," said RBC Life Sciences President John Price. "Robert's expertise will be invaluable as we redouble growth efforts within the United States and abroad."

JAFRA Cosmetics International Strengthens Leadership Team

Earth Times

Jafra Cosmetics International Inc., today announced two key personnel appointments designed to strengthen its U.S. division and worldwide brand integrity.

Scottish-born Janice Jackson is named Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, JAFRA Worldwide. In her new position, Jackson is responsible for developing targeted market, brand, product and communications strategies for the company worldwide, which currently includes an international network of 500,000 independent beauty consultants in 24 countries. Jackson also is directly responsible for leadership of the Worldwide Marketing and Research and Development teams and will provide guidance to local marketing teams in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, and future markets. In addition to developing a strong corporate brand integrity, and product portfolio, Jackson is also responsible for corporate strategic planning. Her appointment was effective June 16, 2008

Connie Tang is named President, JAFRA USA. Connie is responsible for developing dynamic strategies, initiatives and objectives to create market growth in the U.S. General market and the U.S. Hispanic market segments. Additionally, Connie will lead a team of approximately 250 employees and support 80,000 independent consultants in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Her appointment was effective July 7, 2008.

Mannatech Donates $10,000 in Hurricane Relief Supplies to Houston

MarketWatch

Mannatech, Incorporated , a leading developer and provider of dietary supplements and skin care solutions, provided a mass donation to benefit Houston residents affected by Hurricane Ike on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. The donation included $10,000 of food and water, in addition to nearly 6,000 boxes of Mannatech nutritional supplement products.

Mannatech CEO Wayne Badovinus and other executives were on hand Friday morning as the company loaded a truck filled with 5,400 pounds of relief supplies for victims. The company worked with State Representative Senfronia Thompson to identify relief stations most in need. Five Mannatech staff members traveled to northeast Houston to help distribute the supplies.

"Having been in business in Texas for the past 15 years we believe it's important to help fellow Texans in need," said Wayne Badovinus, president and CEO of Mannatech. "Helping others is a way of life for our employees and represents the heart of our company."

MonaVie Names Devin D. Thorpe Chief Financial Officer

MarketWatch

MonaVie, maker of the premier blend of the Brazilian acai berry, announces today the appointment of Devin D. Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer.

"We are delighted to add such a strong global finance executive to our team," says MonaVie Founder and President Dallin Larsen. "Devin Thorpe's experience in both the financial and banking industries will be invaluable in building upon our strong momentum worldwide."

Thorpe joins MonaVie having most recently led USTAR's Technology Outreach and Innovation Program and having previously served as the managing director of Thorpe Capital Group, a regional investment bank that he founded in 2000.

Amway completes 10 yrs of operations in India

The Morung Express

Amway India is one of the country’s leading selling FMCG companies that manufactures and sells world-class consumer products with a wholly owned subsidiary of US$ 7.2 billion. Amway Corp, USA, has been operating now for 10 years in India.

Amway India today offers a wide variety of 102 products ranging from Home Care, Personal Care, Nutrition and Wellness, Cosmetics and Agriculture. Over 85% products are manufactured in India through 7 contract manufacturers. Since its launch in India in 1998, the company has expanded to 102 offices and 55 city warehouses, covering 3000 cities and towns through its home delivery network set up with the help of independent logistic partners. This year, the company is said to have entered into mass-market with great value products and aims to touch “the Rs.1000 crore mark” in the current fiscal.

Referring Travel Agents Attend Funshine East Travel Trade Show

MarketWatch

YTB International, Inc. , a leading provider of Internet-based travel websites and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and the Bahamas, today announced that YTB Travel Network, one of its subsidiaries, held the most successful travel trade show in its history September 12-13.

Held in Orlando, Florida, this 2-day travel trade show included 39 travel vendors with 20 different travel seminars. One of the highlights of the event was a travel training session led by Dr. Marc Mancini with more than 1,500 RTAs in attendance. Dr. Mancini, one of the travel industry's most highly respected and best-known speakers, educators, and consultants, has been responsible for designing YTB's web-based training program.

"As the training opportunities for RTAs increase, so do our travel bookings," said J. Kim Sorensen, CEO of YTB Travel Network. "The Funshine Travel Trade Shows have consistently grown in popularity as our RTAs take advantage of the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of suppliers, sales skills and destination knowledge."

Wellness Incentives Are Paying Off

IndustryWeek

"As a company who produces health-related products, our philosophy of emphasizing wellness measures in our workforce was natural. We encourage employees to become more accountable for their health and so we offer lifestyle coaching tied directly to health evaluations," explains Christine Frazier, Manager, Insurance Benefits and Wellness for Nature's Sunshine Products. Nature's Sunshine Products manufactures herbal products, natural vitamins and other complementary products.

Nature's Sunshine does not charge its employees premiums for their health coverage and wants to continue that practice. But with costs increasing they are now asking employees to join the wellness program in order to keep premiums free. In the first year 95% of employees participated. As the program enters its third year, the company is ramping up the requirements and asking employees to meet objectives that have been individualized for them through the IHS program.

Childhelp Hotline Receives $250,000 Sponsorship from Isagenix

PRNewsChannel.com

The Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®, has garnered a generous sponsorship of $250,000 from Chandler-based Isagenix®.

The year-long principal sponsorship by Isagenix, from August ’08 to August ’09, will help Childhelp® expand the number of professional crisis counselors manning the international hotline and maintain the system. The Hotline receives no government funding and is completely supported by generous donations from various organizations, entities and foundations.

The sponsorship by Isagenix is representative of the company’s active and charitable involvement with Childhelp® over the past four years. To date, Isagenix and its employees and Associates have donated nearly $1 million to various Childhelp® programs and services.

"Isagenix is committed to building stronger communities through our philanthropic partnership with Childhelp® and is honored to aid them in their mission with the generous support of our employees, customers and Associates," said Isagenix Co-Founders Jim and Kathy Coover. "The hotline is critical in providing inspiration, hope and support for those in need and is helping to save lives."

Wealth Masters International Offers New Strategies With Alliances

Web Wire

Texas-based Wealth Masters International (WMI) is already a leader in the field of home business optimization and personal financial planning, but they aim to do more. Their selection of customized alliances offers clients access to education, personalized financial planning, credit repair, tax and estate advice, and health and wellness services.

Alliances, designed to give WMI clients access to personalized expert advice, augment the standard educational materials that make up the company’s M1 Masters Program, which provides home business owners with long-term financial planning and debt reduction strategies.

The Wealth Acceleration Program offers tools to eliminate debt, plan finances, and build wealth, including an initial Financial Needs and Goals Analysis, debt restructuring and strategic debt elimination plans, wealth building education and accumulation strategies, and credit repair. WMI’s Attorney-assisted Credit Improvement Service dedicates tax attorneys to further assist in disputing credit report errors and protecting clients’ rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

XELR8 warned of possible AMEX de-listing

Denver Business Journal

XELR8 Holdings, Inc., a food and nutritional-supplements supplier, has been notified it could face de-listing by the American Stock Exchange unless it comes into compliance with AMEX standards.

The Denver company (AMEX: BZI) said Thursday it was notified that it wasn’t in compliance with the exchange’s listing standards because its stockholder equity was less than $2 million, and also because it had losses from continuing operations and net losses in two of the last three most recent fiscal years.

AMEX told XELR8 it must report by Oct. 6 how it plans to come into compliance with the exchange’s standards within 18 months or face de-listing, the company said.

"We highly value our listing on the AMEX, and shareholders can expect that we’ll properly prepare a compliance plan ... in order to regain full compliance in a timely fashion," John Pougnet, XELR8 CEO, said in a statement.

LifeMax Helps Build Bridges for Orlando Charity "Bridges of Light Foundation"

MarketWatch

LifeMax, an Orlando-based direct sales network marketing company, has been named the title sponsor for the Bridges of Light Foundation's fifth annual Player's Ball gala in Orlando on September 13.

The fundraiser, being held at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, will raise money specifically for Central Florida children between the ages of 6 and 18 confined to foster care facilities who have been abandoned, abused or neglected. The money raised is used to build campuses, recreational areas, educational programs and to support these children during special occasions such as prom, homecoming and the holidays.

Founders of LifeMax, Jim and Sherri Wear, believe that giving back to communities is part of their company's core values.

Company Profile: LifeMax

LifeMax is a new company currently in pre-launch. Scheduled to open for business on October 10 & 11, 2008.

Here's some information about LifeMax from the corporate site:

The Birth of LifeMax™

After Jim and Sherri Wear, the founders of LifeMax™, both received less than optimistic test results from their physician, they set out to make a dramatic change in their health. Through a more regimented diet and the addition of nutritional supplements, they sought to undo any damage that may have already been done. Their desire to live a long and healthy life led to the birth of LifeMax™. During an outing with a friend, Sherri Wear was introduced to Salvia hispanica L. She and her husband, Jim Wear, used the product for weeks and were amazed by its remarkable properties.

The Rediscoverer of Salvia hispanica L.

The foremost expert in the world on the growing and harvesting of Salvia hispanica L. and the rediscoverer of the seed, Dr. Wayne Coates, set out to enhance the nutritional value of the basic Salvia hispanica L. by combining the best qualities from many variations of the seed. After extensive research by Dr. Coates and his team of scientists, this goal was accomplished resulting in the world’s most beneficial and nutritious version of Salvia hispanica L. – The LifeMax Signature Grain™.

Simmons resigns from YTB board

St. Louis Business Journal

John Simmons has resigned from the board of directors of YTB International Inc.

"Simmons’ resignation was prompted by his belief that as a general matter he could not effectively influence the practices of the company’s management," according to a company filing Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Simmons has not furnished the company with any written correspondence concerning the circumstances surrounding his resignation."

Simmons, a personal injury and toxic tort attorney, stepped down from the Wood River, Ill., company’s board Sept. 3, according to the filing. He served on the company’s investment committee

Wiregrass United Way Declares Money-Raising Goals

WTVY News 4

"We are really worried because their fundraising has been really hard," CEO of Wiregrass United Way Walter Hill says. "We are really fortunate because right now we are tracking pretty good, but obviously it could always be better."

Leaders say every little bit helps, from businesses to Hidden Lake Elementary School 3rd grader Jamesen Pylant. She sold Avon products last year and raised $400.

"I like to help other people in their conditions and I like to raise money for charity," Pylant says. "I do it a lot and it's really fun and encouraging for other people."

According to the Wiregrass United Way website, The Wiregrass Boys and Girls Club will receive the most allocated money in 2008, $154,000.

Yet another example of how marketing your product through a fund-raising prism helps produce a win-win. Great job!

City of L.A. Prepares for Sunday's 9th Annual Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon

MarketWatch

Twenty five hundred competitors led by 30 professional and 65 amateur elite triathletes will take to the waters and roadways around the City of Los Angeles for the 9th Annual Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon presented by Herbalife Sunday morning, September 7, 2008. Start time on Venice Beach is 6:45 a.m. for the pros; 6:55 a.m. for the elite amateurs and 7:00 a.m. for remainder of the field in waves of 150 competitors. The first male pro should cross the finish line downtown at LA LIVE Nokia Plaza at approximately 8:50 a.m. The remainder of the field will cross the finish line over several hours and the event culminates with a 12 noon awards ceremony on the Plaza.

With competitors from 38 states, plus the District of Columbia, and 11 countries, the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon presented by Herbalife is living up to its designation as the "ultimate multi-sport destination." The event, which features a point-to-point course starting with a 0.9 mile swim in the waters off Venice Beach, cycling 24.8 miles from the beach to downtown Los Angeles, and running 6.2 miles in downtown, has also been recognized as the "top Olympic distance triathlon to include on a racing calendar."

NIR Diagnostics terminates agreement with Shaklee Corporation

CNW Group

NIR Diagnostics Inc., an innovator in the development of handheld healthcare diagnostic devices announced today that it has exercised its right to terminate the Second Amended and Restated Exclusive License Agreement (License Agreement) with Shaklee Corporation entered into effective August 9, 2006, and accordingly, NIR Diagnostics has repatriated rights related to this agreement. The basis for termination is Shaklee's uncured, notified breaches of the License Agreement arising from its failure to pay amounts to NIR Diagnostics when due. As previously disclosed, Shaklee disputes that it has breached the License Agreement.

"With sales in the global nutraceuticals industry projected to reach $187 billion by 2010, and with only expensive and time consuming laboratory testing available to monitor the impact of these products, this market is an ideal application of our non-invasive technology," said Duncan J. MacIntyre, President, CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of NIR Diagnostics Inc. "Based on our ongoing research to non-invasively monitor glucose levels in patients suffering from diabetes, our OmegaNIR(TM) device, which measures omega-6 and omega-3 levels, is part of our VisionNIR(TM) non-invasive platform. Our internal testing and research indicate that consumers are eager to have an accurate, painless, non-invasive source of information that offers immediate feedback on their dietary choices. We intend to make our unique in-vivo omega-6 and omega-3 technology available to consumers globally through select distribution partners."

Official Launch of ‘The Ultimate Wealth Formula’ Consultant Seminar Program Results in Success

PR Web

Wealth Masters International launched the greatly anticipated kickoff of the Consultant Seminar Program (CSP) on Thursday evening, September 4, 2008. Seminars were hosted by CSP Certified Consultants in at least 3 countries, resulting in complete success. Wealth Masters International (WMI) is the FIRST and only company of its kind tackling the economic challenges of today with first class education along with an income opportunity that is second to none.

The WMI Consultant Seminar Program (CSP) is a turnkey seminar solution that will help piece together the fundamentals in online marketing and propel you to a multiple six-figure income. The CSP is being referred to as "traditional marketing with cutting edge capabilities". When you attend this seminar, you will find out how to be on the right side of this 'never before seen' trend. "The Ultimate Wealth Formula" reveals the major changes happening right now in our financial system that will either make you really rich or really poor. You will learn about the #1 mistake that nearly everyone makes managing their hard earned money. This is critical and will put you on a new path to greatly increase your earnings and potential.

Tastefully Simple offers scholarships for ATC students

Alexandria Echo Press

"As an Alex Tech graduate, I believe strongly in the quality education they provide," said Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple founder and CEO. "I’ll be forever grateful for the doors they opened in my life - and our hope is that this scholarship will do the same for others."

"For many years, Tastefully Simple has been an industry leader in supporting its employees, as well as a role model and leader in community giving in Alexandria," ATC President Kevin Kopischke added. "With this scholarship award for a Jefferson High School student, the company is making a special and significant investment in lifelong learning. All of these efforts lead to incredible futures...and for the opportunity to partner in those journeys, we say thank you!"

August not a good month for Internet travel company

LegalNewsline

August was not a good month for an Internet-based travel business that critics, including two state attorneys general, say is nothing more than a glorified pyramid scheme.

The troubles that began with a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Jerry Brown have led to more legal problems and now, layoffs for the controversial travel company, YTB International Inc.

The home office of YourTravelBiz.com announced on Wednesday it would lay off 17 employees at its Wood River, Ill. Headquarters.

This follows the lawsuit filed by Brown in early August, which was quickly followed just four days later by a class action lawsuit filed by former YTB agents that basically echoed the same allegations of Brown's suit.

Mannatech to Showcase Latest Sales and Marketing Developments at its Second Largest North American Event

MarketWatch

Mannatech, Incorporated , a leading developer and provider of dietary supplements and skin care solutions, announced its speaker line-up, including Nancy Lieberman, ESPN commentator and WNBA basketball legend, and events for MannaQuest 2008, the company's second largest North American event. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Ill., from Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Saturday, Sept. 6.

More than 1,500 independent sales Associates and Members from the 11 countries where Mannatech does business are expected to attend this year's MannaQuest. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of Mannatech President and CEO Wayne Badovinus in leading retail giants like Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom. Additionally, Mannatech executives Al Bala, senior VP of global business development; Sam Caster, founder and chairman; and Rob Sinnott, MNS, PhD, chief science officer and senior VP, will also be speaking at the convention on various topics, including product positioning for the growing wellness market, and business-building opportunities and strategies.

Hat Tip to MLM Business Opportunities Blog

What's Amway got to do with it?

MLive.com

Market research found only 3 percent of Americans recognized the Quixtar name.

But 77 percent still knew Amway, even after it had been shelved for eight years.

Perhaps more important, younger people knew Amway but did not associate the name with pyramids and legal battles that have dogged Amway in the past.

Company leaders realized they had an asset they weren't exploiting. "I'd rather build on 77 percent than 3," Lieberman said.

Beginning Tuesday, the North American operation takes on the Amway Global name and brand. By next spring, the slowly fading Quixtar name will be dropped altogether.

Company Profile: Unicity International / Bios Life Franchise

From the Unicity International / Bios Life Franchise web site:

Our franchising roots began over 100 years ago when Louis Liggett opened the first Rexall Drug Store in 1903. Over the next 50 years, Rexall grew to have as many as 25,000 drug stores. In 1990 Rexall launched the Bios Life Franchise model to market some of its most unique, science-based products.

Today the Bios Life Franchise is a division of Unicity International, one of the nation’s leading health and wellness companies. For over 21 years Unicity has been committed to an endless pursuit of nutritional excellence. Unicity International’s products are based on a foundation of scientific research, clinical studies, and world-class quality control.

Read more about Unicity International and Bios Life Franchises.

Though called a "franchise", there is a definite network marketing component within this business model.