Representing the broad range of products and services available via direct selling, each of the 20 companies named to this year’s list has a unique product and history, yet they all represent the positive impact direct selling has on the economy, communities and the millions of Americans who participate in direct selling. Even more, as DSA members, each of these companies has affirmed their commitment to uphold one of the most consumer oriented self-regulatory codes in business today, the DSA Code of Ethics.

“Tonight is about keeping Americans’ dream alive for future generations,” said Donohue. “You and your companies play a critical role in that, not only by equipping others [with opportunities] through your enterprises, but also by inspiring others through your stories.”

Many of the companies named to DSA’s Top 20 Largest Direct Selling Companies list rank among the top businesses in the United States in categories such as health and wellness, clothing and accessories, personal care and energy.

Several other distinguished guests attended the event including Mary Power, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

“Better Business Bureau is pleased to work with DSA and its members, many of which are BBB Accredited Businesses,” said Power. “Like BBB, DSA’s roots are in truth-in-advertising and ethical business behavior, and the association standards and Code of Ethics helps to foster marketplace trust.”

“DSA recognizes these 20 companies as the largest in terms of sales, but for each of these companies there are many more that in their own way are inspiring examples of innovation, opportunity and entrepreneurship,” said DSA President Joseph Mariano. “Millions of Americans each year find success through direct selling, whether it be financial, personal or a combination of both. The cumulative impact of direct selling is nearly immeasurable.”

U.S. direct sales totaled $31.6 billion in 2012, a 5.9 percent year-over-year increase from $29.87 billion in 2011. In 2012, there were 15.9 million U.S. direct sellers, an increase from 15.6 million the prior year.

About Direct Selling

Direct selling is a business model that offers entrepreneurial opportunities to individuals as independent contractors to market and/or sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment, through one-to-one selling, in-home product demonstrations or online. Compensation is ultimately based on sales and may be earned based on personal sales and/or the sales of others in their sales organizations.

Direct sellers may be called distributors, representatives, consultants or various other titles. They may participate in various ways, including selling the products themselves or through their sales organizations, providing training and leadership to their sales organizations, referring customers to the company and purchasing products and services for personal use.

About the Direct Selling Association

DSA is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers. Among its more than 240 active and pending members are companies selling both via a party-plan method and in the traditional person-to-person style. All member companies of DSA have pledged to abide by the provisions of the DSA Code of Ethics, which is enforced by an independent Code Administrator.

For more information on direct selling, DSA and its Code of Ethics, please visit DSA’s website, www.dsa.org.