China Eclipses the US, and DSA Fights for IC Rights in CA
Our cover story this month explains the shift in power happening at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as a result of the recent Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals decision. Many in the industry believe this to be a course-correction for the FTC away from overreaching power to drive a company into bankruptcy before it can even begin to defend itself.
This decision essentially creates a split in the appeals circuit courts, which will presumably resolve itself as new cases make their way up the appeals chain. Our reporter, Rick Redding, does a stellar job of presenting the facts of the decision, along with interpretations from several of the leading attorneys in our channel.
We also cover the recent release of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations’ (WFDSA) global research findings, which places China barely ahead of the U.S. as the largest direct selling market for the first time in our channel’s history (see page 8).
Many of us have been watching China for years, expecting this eclipse to occur. However, with the country’s recent crackdown on health and wellness related direct selling companies, it remains to be seen if China can maintain that top spot. Health and wellness remains the largest direct selling category across the globe, and the restrictions in China will ultimately prove to be restrictions on growth as well.
I want to take a minute to point out our fabulous infographics, custom-created for you both in content and in artistry. Each month, our artists take information specific to direct selling and create an amazing one-of-a-kind graphic for you to both enjoy and learn from.
This month, The Optics takes on direct selling events and contains all the pertinent information you need as you design your events for the year (see page 16).
This issue also contains a column by Brian Bennett, vice president of government affairs and policy at DSA (see page 24). His article addresses the passing of California Assembly Bill 5, which affects all independent contractors in the state. Be sure to read the article for the outcome he and the DSA were able to achieve on behalf of all direct sellers in California.
And finally, I’d like to call your attention to the event advertised on page 10, the Direct Selling Legal and Compliance Summit 2020, to be held in Salt Lake City Feb 5-7. Social Selling News is proud to be a sponsor once again of this event which brings direct selling executives together around what I believe is the most significant set of topics facing us today: legal and regulatory.
Enjoy this issue, and join us in Salt Lake City. See more information at dslcsummit.org.