WASHINGTON, DC – The bipartisan Congressional Direct Selling Caucus will hold its first briefing on Wednesday, March 29, to discuss the direct selling industry’s significant impact on the national economy. The briefing will be held in the House Energy and Commerce Committee room, 2322 Rayburn HOB, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Caucus Co-Chairs, Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX), are scheduled to attend. Presentations will begin with introductory remarks by the President of the Direct Selling Association, Joseph N. Mariano.

Mona Ameli, President of Take Shape for Life, Inc.-Medifast will discuss her company’s success and its impact on the lives of thousands of distributors.

Respected academic, Dr. Robert A. Peterson, Associate Dean for Research, John T. Stuart III Centennial Chair in Business Administration, and Charles Hurwitz Fellow, IC2 Institute, will preview eye-opening new data on direct selling’s direct, indirect and induced effects on the U.S. economy.

Former NFL wide receiver, JJ Birden, will recount how he became involved in direct selling as a consumer of Isagenix health and wellness products, and a spokesman and distributor for the company.

“I’ve experienced firsthand direct selling’s economic benefits and the flexibility and empowerment it offers millions of American entrepreneurs,” recalls Rep. Blackburn, who worked as a direct seller while she was in college. “The briefing will underscore the reasons for the industry’s growing support on Capitol Hill.”

“I can testify to the rapid growth of this popular retail channel as more direct selling companies open headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex” adds Rep. Veasey, whose district is home to many direct sellers. “It’s important that our nation’s lawmakers have an informed view of the industry’s widespread economic reach as they debate issues impacting the future of this popular selling model.” 

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

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. More than 20 million Americans are involved in direct selling in every state, congressional district and community in the United States. For more information, visit www.dsa.org.