IBOAI Attends Achievers ‘08

IBOAI Attends Achievers to Congratulate and Communicate

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In early December, the magnificent Venetian Resort in Las Vegas was overflowing with winners – IBOs attending Achievers ’08 as the guests of Amway Global. The IBOAI was there, too, to congratulate and communicate with Members as their trade association.

A Rockin’ Welcome
IBOs arrived with big smiles and were whisked away by the glitter and glamour of Las Vegas. The hotel was beautiful with luxurious suites and lavish meals offering nothing but the best for IBOs celebrated by Amway Global. The highlight of the first evening was the progressive Welcome Dinner and entertainment provided by celebrity look-alikes. The “Rock On!” room offered casual finger foods and rock band stardom through videogame stations where IBOs played instruments and sang rock tunes. In the “Las Vegas” room, IBOs danced and partied with celebrity look-alikes like Bette Midler and John Travolta.

The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas is the exciting setting for Achievers '08.
The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas is the exciting setting for Achievers '08.

IBOAI Chairman Bill Hawkins addresses the crowd of achievers at the final evening business meeting.

Business Meetings and a Private Phantom
Next day were Business Meetings and a private Vegas showing of Phantom of the Opera.

Titled “Imagine: True Success,” the Business Meeting featured Amway Global executives and IBOAI Board Members and announced several new programs and initiatives designed to help all IBOS achieve true success. The plans include new product pricing strategies, marketing support, compensation initiatives, interactive courses, and retail selling support – all in an effort to help IBOs attract more customers, recruit and retain more IBOs, and earn more money.

Former IBOAI chairman and current Government & Oversight Committee Member Jim Janz emceed the event, introducing such speakers on stage as:

Amway Global’s Managing Director Steve Lieberman, who reviewed the corporate advertising and marketing support programs of the past year and introduced some new ones. Reviewing success over the past year, he said, “One of the most important things we’ve accomplished this year is to strengthen our relationship with the IBOAI.”
Vice President of Sales Sandy Spielmaker, who said “We’re making the best business in the world even better” through support for the balanced business model.
IBOAI’s 2008 Chairman Bill Hawkins, who talked about all that the Board had accomplished with the Corporation this year, including free shipping, online education, the accreditation program, and improved interaction between Board and corporate staff. He said, “The Board mantra in 2008 has been ‘No IBO left behind.’ We will finish what we started this year, honoring and respecting our history and our principals. This is the best of ALL business opportunities.”
IBOAI’s 2009 Chairman Bob Andrews, who talked about four things important to our business: the economy, “When others are in trouble, we’re in good shape because being an IBO powered by Amway Global is the answer to their problems”; pricing, “We asked for price reductions. The price changes beginning January 3 will lower the prices in the win and compliment categories (Nutrilite and Artistry)”; support, “New and redesigned products and advertising continuing and expanding with continuity”; and compensation, “All the power elements to the biggest, best SIP in history continue right on into the next fiscal year.”
IBOAI Board Member Joe Markiewicz, who introduced the Fast Track that targets new IBOs, of which he was the principal architect. Said Joe, “New IBOs are the life blood of our business. Getting them profitable, they’ll want to stick around, their retention will be up, their sponsoring will be up. We can get on the gas and grow this baby like never before. It is a brand new day. This is all new money.”

Phantom of the Opera was held in the magnificent, custom-built theater designed to transport this special audience back to 19^th century Paris. The illusions and special effects for one of Broadway’s most spectacular theatrical productions were second to none and made for an incredible evening.

Workshops, Expos, Perspectives, and a Celebration
The final working day were highlighted by and overflowing schedule of workshops and presentations, a well attended expo, a business meeting featuring a memorable historical perspective on the business by Jody Victor, and a magical Recognition Celebration.

Workshops and presentations included “The Art of Presenting,” “Growing Your Business,” “Coaching for Peak Performance,” and “Pathway to Profitability.”

The expo featured booths and discussion areas with corporate employees and a very popular one manned by IBOAI Board Members and Staff, who handed out 50^th Anniversary journals. Board Members also spent the session engaging Members, answering questions, explaining business changes, and listening to ideas and noting concerns. Achievers ’08 was a unique opportunity for Members and their Board to interact one on one.

Each visitor to the IBOAI booth gets a special journal and the opportunity to meet a Board Member.
Each visitor to the IBOAI booth gets a special journal and the opportunity to meet a Board Member.

Board Members Jody Dutt (left) and Howie Danzik greet IBOs at the IBOAI booth.

The final night Business Meeting included an emotional presentation by Jody Victor, a member of the IBOAI Governance and Oversight Committee and son of founding members Joe and Helyne Victor. Jody recalled the history of the IBOAI and the founding principles that have carried us through the last 50 years – and will carry us through the next 50. Echoing the theme of history was Amway Chairman Steve Van Andel, who said, “You are the reason we’re approaching our 50^th anniversary next year. And you will be why we’ll celebrate 100 years, and hopefully more. We need you. We appreciate you. We want to help you achieve even more.”

Amway Global also introduced two new members of the corporate family – John Tesh, national radio entertainer and voice of Amway Global commercials, and Connie Sellecca, whose new skin care line for sensitive skin complements the Artistry Skin Care line.

The night was capped off by the Recognition Celebration with Tony-nominated performer Michael Cavanaugh and his band and magician Jeff McBride, who helped recognize newly qualified higher pins, including new Crowns and Board Member Brad and Julie Duncan.

Achievers is the largest corporate-sponsored event of the year, and the IBOAI was pleased to be there as your trade association to congratulate your achievements and communicate with you personally.

2009 IBOAI Chairman Bob Andrews says business looks good with lower prices and people looking for answers to the economy.

Jody Victor shares memories of growing up in a business with solid principles.

Tony-nominated performer Michael Cavanaugh serenades the Achievers crowd during the final night celebration.

Jackie and Bert Gulick (left) talk about Board accomplishments at the IBOAI expo booth.

Jackie and Bert Gulick (left) talk about Board accomplishments

at the IBOAI expo booth.

Achievers approach the IBOAI booth, where IBOs received open access to Board Members.

Achievers approach the IBOAI booth, where IBOs received

open access to Board Members.

From left, Board Members Shivaram Kumar, Howie Danzik, and Dan Yuen introduce themselves and the association at the IBOAI booth.

From left, Board Members Shivaram Kumar, Howie Danzik, and

Dan Yuen introduce themselves and the association at

the IBOAI booth.

Kanti and Lata Gala (center) celebrate with friends at the Achievers ’08 Welcome Dinner.

Kanti and Lata Gala (center) celebrate with friends at the
Achievers ’08 Welcome Dinner.

Former IBOAI Chairman Jim Janz introduces everyone as Business Meeting Emcee and Host.

Bill Hawkins, Jody Victor, Steve Lieberman, and Jim Janz collaborate on a successful Achievers ’08.
Bill Hawkins, Jody Victor, Steve Lieberman, and Jim Janz collaborate

on a successful Achievers ’08.

See more photos from Achievers ’08

Achievers Articles

IBOAI Attends Achievers to Congratulate and Communicate