News at a glance from the IBOAI® — your advocacy organization. All year long, the IBOAI Board of Directors works alongside Amway™ North America on your behalf to make this Business the best. This Newsletter is one way we will strive to keep in touch and inform you. If you have any questions, please be sure to contact the IBOAI Board or staff.
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
Greetings!
The new fiscal year has started with a renewed anticipation of growth, new qualifiers, and a new generation of IBOs launching their Amway™ Businesses. There is good reason to have high expectations! The Amway Business is as strong as ever and our partnership with Amway Corporation and staff continues to be vibrant and productive.
Your IBOAI® Board members are IBOs like yourselves. We care about the same things as you. We are your voice! Our objective as we collaborate with Amway is to continue to improve the Business for all IBOs regardless of Pin level or tenure in the Business.
IBO profitability continues to improve. Amway North America IBOs have consistently been over 80% VCS for over a year. Kelli Templeton’s Marketing Team continues to bring new and innovative products to the portfolio for IBOs to sell to their customers. We applaud Amway North America Managing Director Andrew Schmidt’s leadership and transparency to tackle tough issues in collaboration with the IBOAI. There are still lingering supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, shipping challenges, and some registration delays. However, because of our healthy partnership, I can assure you that everyone at the table has a solution mindset. We all want the same thing, which is to work diligently for our IBOs and their customers to have the best experience possible.
Great news regarding the 2023 Board elections: It was the highest Platinum participation in the history of the Board! This is so encouraging, and it shows the level of interest and engagement the Field Leadership has with your IBOAI Board!
You would be as proud as I am of how dedicated and committed your Board members are. You saw a few of them as they co-produced with Amway staff the 2022 Achievers virtual Business meeting that was broadcast to all Achiever qualifiers in November. Our in-person Achievers celebration in New Orleans this fall was first class. It was wonderful to see all the qualifiers at this spectacular event.
Our condolences to Gina Dutt and family. Jody Dutt passed this fall into eternity. He was second generation of the Founding Family of Jere and Eileen Dutt. We honor the Dutts and recognize them for their contributions to the Amway™ Business. Donations in Jody’s name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
I thank Jody Victor and Bill Hawkins for what they do as IBOAI Governance and Oversight. Also grateful to Bob Andrews, Mentoring Chairman Emeritus, Howie Danzik, Vice Chairman, and Kathy Victor, the CEO of the IBOAI. All of them are amazing examples to me and to the entire IBOAI Board.
To my friends and fellow Business Owners, the future has never been brighter! I am convinced that the spirit of this Business and free enterprise is alive and well in North America. Feel free to reach out to your IBOAI® at IBOAI.com or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Regards,
Joe Markiewicz, Chairman of the IBOAI
2022 October IBOAI® Board Meeting Notes by Committee
Awards & Recognition
- Extensive conversation on New IBO profitability
- Discussion on Build to Bronze
- Continue to pursue Legacy and Vested Diamond program enhancements
- Recommended a Legacy and Vested Diamond group photo at Diamond Club to be used in future Achieve publications
- Recommend that Amway™ provide a Wall of Fame for Legacy and Vested Diamonds at Amway World Headquarters
- Discussed upcoming Achievers locations
- Discussed an Achievers recap video to be used as promotional video
Business Operations
- Working with Amway™ on the New IBO Experience; the Starter Stack to be included in the “optional” part of registration in one step
- Discussion on IBO product stacks and making it even easier to use
- Working with Amway on new starting products in registration package in Spring
- Working with Amway on building an enhanced Ditto™
- Discussion on expanding the dashboard view
- Discussion of future videos
- Working with Amway on availability to share and create example Ditto™ with owners and customers and through multiple platforms – coming in early 2023
- Discussion of clean products and clean product claims
Legal & Ethics
- Working with Amway™ on a Registration reference guide
- Welcome to Business ownership - History of Business, Rules of Conduct
- Start Strong – role of VCS – How to make Money
- Best Practices
- Discussed issues of failed new IBO registration
- Discussion of Content Standards and Program Standards
- Update on Exporting and Unauthorized Sales
WHAT’S NEW
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QUICK WIN
Get hyped about a new way to get paid
Hyperwallet® is a new, mobile-friendly payment portal for paying IBO bonuses daily, weekly, and monthly.
All IBOs MUST activate their accounts by early 2023 (January for DR, March for CA and US) in order to receive their bonus payments.
With Hyperwallet, you can:
- Access and use bonuses conveniently and simply.
- Decide when, and how, you want to be paid.
- Manage payments through an intuitive dashboard and easy navigation.
- Get assistance easily with multilingual chat, email, or phone support.
- Be confident in a secure process compliant with local and international regulations.
You pick how you manage your money starting this March:
- Split bonus payments.
- Set automatic transfers.
- Select from a variety of transfer methods.
- Pay for Amway orders.
Activate your account today and help your groups get set up, too!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Special Awards & Expressions of Gratitude: October 2022 IBOAI® Board Closing Session
In his customary style, IBOAI Chairman Joe Markiewicz eloquently opened the Board’s closing session. It was the story of Joe’s first days on the Board years ago and how Crown Ambassador and former IBOAI Chairman Jim Janz, a legend in the Business, mentored Joe as a new Board member. Joe recalled, “When I first served on the Board, there was some friction, and it wasn’t easy. My frustration must have been apparent. Jim sat me down and spoke with me about communicating and being a leader. He made a dramatic impact on my life then and through the years. Honestly, he and his wife Sharon have made a difference for all of us on the Board and in this Business. It is an honor to welcome them to the IBOAI Board’s Closing Session.”
Following tradition, exiting Board members and Marketing Advisory Committee members were recognized for their service and commitment during their three-year term.
Retiring Board Members:
Steve Victor
Ken Woods
Dan Yuen
Marketing Advisory Committee Members:
Terry Andrews
Theresa Danzik
Sandy Hawkins
Juanita Maldonado and Vinny Pappalardo completed their three-year term but were re-elected to serve another three-year term on the Board.
Jody and Kathy Victor and Bill Hawkins had the pleasure of recognizing deserving IBO Leaders with special awards during the session. Each recipient was given a personalized crystal trophy.
Jody and Kathy Victor awarded David Dussault, Business Operations Committee Chairman, with the Joe Victor Leadership Award. Kathy expressed, “I’ve witnessed Dave step up, handle incredible challenges, and grow as a leader. He has passion, heart, and commitment. It’s what we need on the Board.” It was an emotional moment for David. Thanking everyone, he said, “I am humbled to be recognized by this outstanding team.”
Bill Hawkins described Bob Andrews as “a great friend to all, a phenomenal Board member, and deserving of the Jere Dutt Lifetime Achievement Award.” With a beaming smile, Bob accepted the award and remarked, “I’m a better person because of all of you. So is my family, my Business, and my life. Receiving this is very special to me and I share it with my wife. Terry and I have had 52 wonderful years together. I am forever grateful to her.”
For her 25 years of dedicated service to the IBOAI Board, Kathy Victor was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award. Kathy said, “Some of us were born to do this – serve on the Board -- myself along with many in this room.”
The Fred Hansen Spirit Award was presented to Amway Vice President of Sales, Ruben Familia. Joe Markiewicz, IBOAI Chairman, commented, “Ruben’s energy and passion for all IBOs in North America is unmatched and we are grateful for his love for this Business.”
The Chairman’s Gavel Award was given to former IBOAI Chairman Vinny Pappalardo, who Bill Hawkins described as “serving admirably through tough times.” Jody added, “Vinny is a super guy with a heart bigger than the building we’re sitting in. We’re fortunate to have him on the Board.” Accepting the award, Vinny commented on how privileged he felt to be part of the Board and proud to receive the award. He became emotional referring to his wife of 47 years as “an angel.” Joe Markiewicz said “Vinny led the Board through some difficult times and the Board thrived under his leadership.”
The Jody Victor Guardian Award was presented by Jody and Bill to Crown Ambassador Jim Janz. Jim said, “In September 1964 he came to Ada, Michigan for the first time and met Rich and Jay. It was there we realized this is our life, our Business, our future!” Sharon added, “If it wasn’t for the IBOAI, I don’t know where the Business would be today. Thank you for honoring us this way.”
In closing, Jim remarked, “We’ve been through many stressful times in this Business over the years, but we’ve made it through because of people like you. We stood in there no matter what. And yes, it’s been a ride – and all of us have stories. We also have heart and hope. The IBOAI carries the hope of this Business into the next generation.”
INTRODUCING YOUR 2023 IBOAI BOARD
The IBOAI is proud to announce the 2023 IBOAI Board Election results and welcome the newly elected Board members. The following IBO Leaders will join the Board officially in January 2023 to begin their three-year term:
Mayank Gala
Pete Herschelman
Juanita Maldonado
Vinny Pappalardo
Jim Puryear
For those who voted in this election, thank you for making your voice heard! 2023 promises to be another incredible year!
Your 2023 IBOAI Board
Joe Markiewicz, Chairman
Howie Danzik, Vice Chairman
Governance & Oversight Committee
Jody Victor, Chairman
Bill Hawkins, Vice Chairman
CEO
Kathy Victor
Mentoring Chairman Emeritus
Bob Andrews
Board Members
Sugeet Ajmani
Ty Crandell
Dave Dussault
Tracey Eaton
Mayank Gala
Maribel Galan
Pete Herschelman
Paul Kopecky
Shivaram Kumar
Juanita Maldonado
Vinny Pappalardo
Jim Puryear
Doyle Yager
Achievers Invitational 2022 in New Orleans
This year, qualifying IBO Leaders were treated to five days of Achievers recognition and entertainment at the stunning Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana during two consecutive sessions in late November/early December.
The IBOAI® Executive Committee members and staff greeted Achievers during the Expo at the Association’s booth. Energy was high at both sessions and the booth attracted a steady stream. of visitors.
The important overriding message at the IBOAI booth: Customers are Key to our Success! Special gift drawings at each of the two sessions awarded four fortunate IBOs an array of Nutrilite™ products beautifully packaged in “New Orleans style.” The drawings were a huge hit!
Many IBOs also commented favorably on the gifts from the IBOAI at expo; handy pill boxes to organize their Nutrilite vitamins and Thank You notecards specially designed to express gratitude to their customers. IBOs were also eager to talk with IBOAI Executive Committee members and IBOAI staff about the Business, the IBOAI, and take a few photos with the Leaders they admire and respect.
New Platinums Tour IBOAI® Offices – In Person, In Michigan, In August and October
It’s a dream come true when IBOs are invited to their first Amway™ sponsored event in recognition of their hard work and achievement. This year it is especially so after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The August 2022 session of the New Platinum Conference gathered nearly 200 new IBO Leaders from across North America. All were excited to tour the IBOAI® offices and Amway™ World Headquarters – to learn more about the history of the Corporation, the partnership between the Corporation and IBOAI Board, how products and programs are developed, and where the Business is headed. And, of course, celebrate their milestone achievement!
On Arrival Day, IBOAI staff greeted the New Platinums warmly and walked them through their headquarters, explaining the origin, purpose, and structure of the Association. The IBOAI’s most spacious meeting room, referred to as the American Way Association (AWA) Boardroom, is named after the original Association. Amway Co-founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel made it clear that the IBO was their first priority when they, along with founding Field Leaders, formed the AWA in 1959, which many years later became known as the IBOAI. This room is frequently utilized by the entire Board, and regularly by the Legal & Ethics Committee.
Howie Danzik, IBOAI Executive Committee Vice Chairman, engaged group after group during both the August and October sessions with his knowledge of the Association’s history and examples of how its partnership with the Corporation has grown stronger through the years. Michael and Jane Swortwood from Springfield, Illinois were especially taken with Howie’s remark, “When you come into the AWA Boardroom, you take your LOA hat off and speak for all IBOs and the Business as a whole. When we’re making important decisions, we also think of the new IBOs. If it will work for them, it’s good for all.” Howie was also pleased to answer questions and pose with IBOs for photos.
The additional boardrooms, named after the Association’s Field founders – Hansen, Victor, and Dutt – are also where current Board members, in partnership with Corporate staff, give birth to great ideas and smart solutions for the Business. Visitors learned the Business Operations Committee formerly gathered in the Hansen room. Now that the Marketing Advisory Committee has become part of Business Operations, they all gather in the more spacious Victor Boardroom. The Awards & Recognition Committee meets in the Dutt meeting room. Sharon Tran from California exclaimed, “I’m excited, grateful, and impressed to see where important decisions are made that affect my Business. People are making plans here so that we can all have a better business, better life. It makes me want to be a part of this someday!”
Dilan and Raeanna Zilliox of Des Moines, Iowa were honored to step into the AWA Boardroom, “…where masterminds come together and have our best interest at heart.” Raeanna said she learned, “How deeply thought out everything is and that there is a true partnership between the Board and the Corporation. I had no idea they had committees for specific things like recognition and new products. They all work so hard!”
Throughout the IBOAI offices, popular Amway products from the past and present are showcased. Amanda Demith of Fort Worth, Texas remarked on how she enjoyed viewing products and packaging from decades ago, and how some products that are still sold today have evolved. Veronica Santiago and Salvador De Jesus from the Bronx in New York city were also captivated by the product displays.
Jaspreet Singh and Avneet Bindra of Toronto, Canada were pleased to learn the Association’s history. They also were looking forward to touring the Amway Corporation and the new XS™ plant. Jaspreet said, “It would be wonderful to serve on the IBOAI Board someday and work with Amway for the good of the Business.”
IBOAI Executive Committee members, both Howie Danzik and Bill Hawkins were there in person to greet New Platinums during the October session tour. Freddy and Carmen Deras from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mentioned how happy they were to meet Howie, learn more about what the IBOAI Board does and what it is like to serve on the Board. Carmen added, “It was so exciting to have Howie pose with us for a photo!”
For Kristen and Adam Luhring from Andover, Minnesota, having Kristen’s father, Bill Hawkins, give them a tour of the IBOAI offices was, “A special experience we will never forget!” Kristen remarked, “We are so thankful for all my father and the entire Board does to make this Business the best it can be for the newest IBOs like Adam and me. Everything about the New Platinum Conference is first class. We can’t wait to move on and experience more fabulous trips this amazing company offers!” Bill added, “As a parent, it was one of my greatest joys to have my daughter and her husband achieve New Platinum and tour the IBOAI offices and Amway.”
Kiara and Jonathan Gatlin from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina were impressed by “all that goes on between the Corporation and the IBOAI.” Jonathan said, “This company blows my mind. It’s incredible how Amway and the IBOAI work together and the level of pride they share in the Business and its history.” Kiara commented, “Seeing and hearing all of this makes me realize how strongly supported we are. What we’re doing matters. We can’t wait to get back and share the passion and dedication we witnessed here with our team!”
When asked what he plans to share with his team, Alan Villamayor from the Dominican Republic, reported, “I’m not waiting until I get home. I plan to meet with them tonight online and let them know what a great experience it is to be here, tour the IBOAI offices – and encourage them to work hard to get here.”
As the New Platinums exited the IBOAI offices, they were each given a goody bag packed with supplies for their busy days ahead – XS™ Energy Drinks, Perfect Empowered Drinking Water®, an IBOAI® signature pen, journals, luggage tags, and a sports towel.
Kids’ Food Basket: IBOAI Board Members Pay a Visit to Learn More
Amway™ is a community partner of Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) of West Michigan. What’s that entail? Plenty! Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to nourish children to reach their full potential, believing healthy food is a right, not a privilege. Marking their 20th Anniversary in 2022, Kids’ Food Basket’s extraordinary growth since 2002 is largely due to the support of Amway, according to Bridget Clark Whitney, President & Founding CEO of the non-profit organization. “For over 18 years, Amway has been a huge part of our development. Our values are aligned so it’s a perfect fit. Together, we’re making a difference, breaking down barriers of food equity in the community.”
How does Amway™ support Kids’ Food Basket? The Corporation donates money to purchase meals for food-insecure children in four West Michigan counties, their employees volunteer to help pack the sack lunches, corporate efficiency experts help streamline and expand the organization’s production process, and Amway executives serve on the organization’s board. CEO Bridget says, “Amway’s expertise in sustainable farming guided us in developing our new Urban Growing and Experiential Program – and our new farm is aptly named Kids’ Food Basket Farm Strengthened by Nutrilite Exclusively by Amway. This recognizes Amway, Nutrilite, their employees, and Independent Business Owners for their commitment to educating others on the value of nutrition and health. As a community-driven organization, we are so grateful for Amway’s partnership!”
As Presenting Sponsor of the KFB 2022 series of Farm to Table Dinners, Amway participates in the nine dinners per year. In August, representing the IBOAI and Amway, Bob Andrews and Vinny Pappalardo were special guests at a unique culinary experience at the KFB headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob and Vinny were able to tour the 10-acre farm, meet the organization’s leadership team, and learn more about how the organization engages, educates, and nourishes the community. Bob said, “The gourmet organic dinner we were served was wonderful and it was great to hear the stories of lives changed by a simple supper sack of nourishing food delivered daily.” Vinny added, “The farm is top-notch, and it is so impressive that they not only feed hundreds of children, but they also educate the children and their families on nutrition. It was so encouraging to see what a difference this organization is making … and an honor to meet the CEO. Bridget’s enthusiasm and dedication to the Kids’ Food Basket mission flows through the entire community – staff, volunteers, donors, schools, and families served.”
Kimberly Moore, KFB Vice President of Communications & Community Engagement, reports, “At the start, we provided 125 children at three schools in Kent County an evening meal. Today, we provide sack suppers for 9,600 children at 59 schools in four counties. September is our Brown Bag Decoration Month. We have community organizations and volunteers decorate bags for a touch of love for the kids. Volunteers can mail us the decorated bags or drop them off.” The goal this year is to collect 200,000 decorated bags.
“With the world so upside down, it’s heartwarming and encouraging to spend time with those who put others first like the staff and volunteers of this organization,” says Bob Andrews.
To learn more about Kids’ Food Basket and the Farm Strengthened by Nutrilite Exclusively by Amway™, visit kidsfoodbasket.org.
WHAT’S AHEAD
Diamond Club: Four Seasons Resort - Oahu, Hawaii
Diamond Select: February 1-3, 2023
Diamond Club: February 3-8, 2023
IBOAI® Board Meetings
All meetings take place at the IBOAI Offices, Grand Rapids, Michigan unless otherwise noted.
IBOAI Oath of Office – New IBOAI Board Members
January 4, 2023
IBOAI Board Meeting, Oahu, Hawaii
February 8, 2023
IBOAI March Board Meeting
March 20 –23, 2023
IBOAI June Board Meeting
June 15 –19, 2023
IBOAI October Board Meeting
October 9–12, 2023
WELL SAID!
"I am incredibly proud to be part of the IBOAI Board and Executive Committee. The opportunity to be around the table with some of the most incredible leadership of Business Owners continues to provide the greatest highlights of being an IBO with Amway. I truly look forward to each meeting where we discuss challenges and solutions for the betterment of the Business. We believe in healthy dialogue between the IBO leadership and Amway. I have now been the Chairman of the Business Operations Committee for multiple years; the partnership and progression with Amway is at an all-time high! All of us are inspired to look to build a better Amway for tomorrow and the many “next generation” IBOs of the future."
David Dussault, IBOAI® Business Operations Committee Chairman
ADDING VALUE–Resources to help you do business faster, easier, better!
Helpful Tax Information for IBOs
At year-end, many business owners are thinking about taxes. Be sure to review the IBO-specific information offered online by Joe DePetris, CPA. Joe has worked with thousands of IBOs, from new business owners to Diamond level and above. Check out the Bookkeeping 101 Guide and Tax Tips online.
IBO Best Practices from IBOAI®
Did you know IBO Best Practices Messages are posted monthly at IBOAI.com? The topics are important, interesting, and varied. Delve into social media guidelines, intellectual and music/video copyrights, selling to customers, presenting The Plan to prospects and more. Check out this useful resource today!
IBOAI® Speaker Guidelines
The IBOAI offers Speaker Guidelines on its website! IBOAI Speaker Guidelines. It is important to remember that when you are speaking on stage, you are not just representing yourself or your part of the LOS, but you represent all of Amway™. Focus on Business. Follow the Golden Rule. Be Clear. Be Accurate.
Amway Education at www.learning.amway.com
Designed to directly support your business, Amway Education shares best practices to help you reach your goals. Learn more about products, selling, making money, the website, and mobile tools, building and leading a team. Several of the videos feature IBO Leaders. A valuable resource for IBOs every step of the way.
LET'S STAY CONNECTED
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Need assistance? Let the IBOAI Hearing & Disputes Committee help!
https://www.iboai.com/your-iboai-board/iboai-structure/hearing-and-disputes-committee