(WASHINGTON, DC – July 27, 2018) – On Thursday, July 26, 2018, DSA convened its Independent Contractor Practicum to discuss pathways to protecting the direct selling industry’s most important asset – its salesforce. 

Department of Labor Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Labor, Nicholas C. Geale was among the leaders meeting with direct selling industry executives to explore how the Administration and Department of Labor are positively positioning independent contractors in the marketplace. 

“We are committed to leading the discussion on how to address developments with independent contractor law in this economy by hosting events like the Independent Contractor Practicum and bringing the discussion to Washington. Direct selling is poised to be the retail channel of choice for U.S. consumers and it is important we are diligent in preserving America’s Original Entrepreneurs and the industry,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president and chief executive officer of the Direct Selling Association.

The Practicum agenda included updates on recent legal development for independent contractor status, implications for independent contractors of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the association’s legislative initiatives.  The event also focused on contract development, as well as recognizing trends social media that could affect independent contractor status.

The full Independent Contractor Practicum agenda and speakers information can be viewed here.