Messages

  • “As Chair of the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, I am committed to advancing consumer rights, ethical leadership and individual economic empowerment. When I founded The Pampered Chef in 1980, one of my goals was to provide opportunities for other woman and men to achieve their dreams, including financial freedom and independence. The Pampered Chef is honored to partner with the DSEF for National Consumer Protection Week, and we hope that our customers, Consultants and coworkers will take advantage of the education and resources available to further their financial literacy and security.”

    Doris Christopher, Founder and Chairman
    The Pampered Chef
    Chairman, DSEF Board of Directors

  • “The National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), and in particular this year’s focus on financial literacy, is important and worthy of support. Check out DSEF”s special Web site for NCPW that contains great information and resources.”

    Greg W. Marshall, Ph.D.
    Rollins College
    DSEF Academic Board Member

  • “As a board member for the Direct Selling Education Foundation and an executive for one of the leaders in the direct selling industry, I am happy to support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week in its efforts to stress the importance of financial literacy.

    This is an area of increasing importance in the United States as more than 1.5 million families filed for personal bankruptcy last year. Surveys reveal that only 45% of teens know how to use a credit card while just 26% understand credit-card interest and fees. That may explain the financial issues that emerge later in life. Currently, the average household carries approximately $10,000 to $12,000 in total revolving debt and has nine credit cards.

    The problems are real, and ACN supports every effort to educate consumers on becoming financially responsible. As a company, ACN encourages readers to take advantage of the resources on the Foundation’s NCPW website to educate their employees, customers and family members. Together, we can make a difference.’

    David Merriman, Executive Vice President
    ACN Inc.
    DSEF Board Member

  • “As president of USANA Health Sciences and as a member of the Direct Selling Education Association’s board, I believe in empowering people to protect both their physical and financial health. That is why I am so pleased to join the DSEA in support of the 2008 National Consumer Protection Week, which encourages people to become more knowledgeable about the financial transactions they make every day. I encourage you to use the resources on this site to improve your financial skills—from safer online shopping to smarter investing. With accurate information and sound financial habits, you have the power to make better decisions about your finances and, ultimately, your future.”

    Dave Wentz, President
    USANA Health Sciences
    DSEF Board Member

  • “The Kirby Company is proud to support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week on financial literacy, slated for the week of March 3, 2008. The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) devotes its own resources to educate people on a multitude of issues, including but not limited to family financial issues, frauds, scams, and credit issues to name just a few. Join us in promoting DSEF’s efforts to help educate the American public to a brighter financial future.”

    Mr. Robert G. Shumay, Vice President, Consumer & Public Relations
    The Kirby Company
    DSEF Board Member

  • “As a DSEF Board member, I support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week and their focus on financial literacy. Consumer education in general and financial literacy in particular are essential components of a healthy economic system that contributes to the well being of individuals, families and communities. Furthermore, financial literacy provides for a more balanced relationship between businesses and consumers. I encourage readers to consult the resources available on the DSEF’s NCPW website. The information provided there can be useful for teachers and their students as well as individual consumers in their roles as employees or customers.”

    Dr. Maria E. Canabal, Chair, Department of Family & Consumer Sciences
    Texas State University – San Marcos
    DSEF Board Member

  • “As a DSEF board member, I am excited about the FTC focusing on financial literacy during National Consumer Protection Week. I would encourage everyone to take a good look at the resources provided in DSEF’s NCPW website.”

    Mr. Robert Henry, Chairman and CEO
    Arbonne International
    DSEF Board Member

  • “For nearly 150 years, the mission of The Southwestern Company has been to help young people develop the skills and character they need to achieve their goals in life. This development process includes the importance of financial literacy. We whole-heartedly support the Direct Selling Educational Foundation and the Federal Trade Commission in their efforts to educate consumers during National Consumer Protection Week and throughout the rest of the year.

    As a member of the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, it is exciting to help spread the word about this crucially important initiative. The resources on DSEF’s National Consumer Protection Week website span a wide array of audiences, from customers and employees to family and friends. Take advantage of it!”

    Mr. Daniel W. Moore, President
    The Southwestern Company
    DSEF Board Member

  • “Regal Ware Worldwide is pleased to join DSEF in support of National Consumer Protection Week. Building on our founding principles of integrity, dedication, performance, and pride, we continue to encourage consumers to use the tools available through DSEF’s website to aid in making informed decisions and understanding their options in the financial marketplace.”

    Jeffrey Reigle, President & CEO
    Regal Ware Worldwide
    DSEF Board Member

  • “Mary Kay Inc. understands the impact that educational tools can have in the lives of consumers and business owners alike. We join with DSEF to commend the FTC for its focus on financial literacy during National Consumer Protection Week. Timely programs such as this benefit all of our companies and every stakeholder we represent.”

    Michael Lunceford, Senior Vice President
    Mary Kay Inc.
    DSEF Board Member

  • “National Consumer Protection Week grows in importance and effectiveness when business and industry joins hands with government consumer agencies and advocates. By contributing their ideas, talents and resources, the corporate world ensures that many more consumers across the country can learn about the importance of being a smart consumer. Educated consumers make smarter choices, and that’s good for legitimate businesses.

    What’s more important than celebrating just one week out of the year is the Direct Selling Education Foundation’s total commitment to the improvement of consumer education on a daily basis. DSEF has distinguished itself as a loyal supporter of efforts to improve consumer education on so many fronts: colleges and schools, government consumer agencies, and international efforts.”

    Elizabeth Owen, Executive Director
    National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators
    DSEF Board Member