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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.
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The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas is the exciting setting for Achievers '08.
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IBOAI Chairman Bill Hawkins addresses the crowd of
achievers at the final evening business meeting.
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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.
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Former IBOAI chairman and current Government & Oversight
Committee Member Jim Janz emceed the event, introducing such
speakers on stage as:
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Phantom of the Opera
was held in the magnificent, custom-built theater designed
to transport this special audience back to 19th
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 50th
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.
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Each visitor to the IBOAI booth gets a special journal and the opportunity to meet a Board Member.
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Board Members Jody Dutt (left) and Howie Danzik greet IBOs
at the IBOAI booth.
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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 50th 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.
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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.
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2009 IBOAI Chairman Bob Andrews says business looks good with lower prices and people looking for answers to the economy.
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Jody Victor shares memories of growing up in a business with solid principles.
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Tony-nominated performer Michael Cavanaugh serenades
the Achievers crowd during the final night
celebration.
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Jackie and Bert Gulick (left) talk about Board
accomplishments
at the IBOAI expo booth.
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Achievers approach the IBOAI booth, where IBOs
received
open access to Board Members.
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From left, Board Members Shivaram Kumar, Howie
Danzik, and
Dan Yuen introduce themselves and the association at
the IBOAI booth.
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Kanti and Lata Gala (center) celebrate with friends at the
Achievers ’08 Welcome Dinner.
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Former IBOAI Chairman Jim Janz introduces everyone as Business Meeting Emcee and Host.
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Bill Hawkins, Jody Victor, Steve Lieberman, and Jim Janz collaborate
on a successful Achievers ’08.
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