-- Direct Selling Association’s Capitol Hill Day September 26, Highlights the Diversity and Scope of the Direct Selling Business --

(WASHINGTON, DC – September 27, 2018) – The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, hosted its annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill for independent sellers throughout the United States. More than 150 direct selling distributors and executives representing 14 DSA member companies and 28 states met with Members of Congress during Capitol Hill Day to share personal accounts with their local representatives and staff of how direct selling has positively impacted their lives.

“We were thrilled to have salespeople from across the country gather in Washington DC for our annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill Day to share their thoughts about what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in America today and discuss important issues like the freedom and flexibility to operate their businesses independently,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president and chief executive officer for the Direct Selling Association. “The relationships our members build on Capitol Hill Day help us remain current and connected with our local representatives throughout the entire year.”

During the meetings with lawmakers, DSA participants urged almost 100 Members of Congress to consider the implications and importance of maintaining the independent contractor status for all direct sellers.

At the morning briefing, attendees heard from members of the Direct Selling Caucus about their support of the direct selling business. Speakers were:

• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
• Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN)
• Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)
• Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX)

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) states, “As a member of the Direct Selling Caucus, I am working hard in Congress to create more entrepreneurial opportunities and ladders to the middle-class for more Americans. That is why I am strong supporter of direct selling and true believer in its positive impact on entrepreneurs, customers, and communities.” 

DSA will continue working with Members of Congress, legislators, and administrators in its ongoing efforts to police, protect, and promote direct selling and to ensure the entrepreneurs involved in direct selling are fully understood at all levels of government.

ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent sellers to market and sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment.  In 2017, 18.6 million Americans were involved in some capacity in direct selling in every state, congressional district and community across the United States. In 2017, direct selling generated $34.9 billion in retail sales.