(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –On April 30, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) hosted United States Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) for the second installment in DSA’s virtual town hall series. Brian Palmer, founder of DSA Supplier Krato based in Tempe, Arizona gave opening remarks where he described his company’s personal experience accessing government resources through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Senator McSally spoke about the importance of the new government programs to small businesses such as direct sellers and their independent contractor salesforces.

Senator McSally said, ““It was fantastic to spend time with Arizonans who are hardworking members of the Direct Selling Association. We are all in this unprecedented crisis together. I was able to share my efforts in the Senate to get immediate cash support out to small businesses and families. It was also helpful for me to hear ideas and feedback from Arizona entrepreneurs on what they are experiencing and what else they need.”

DSA President Joseph N. Mariano said, “We enjoyed connecting Senator McSally with our members. Her unique perspective breaking barriers was a great message for direct sellers, 75% of which are women. Her support of independent entrepreneurs and direct selling is a welcome voice in the United States Senate.”  

Building and maintaining relationships with members of Congress remains an essential mission for DSA and its members, especially during this challenging time. We will continue connecting direct sellers with their elected representatives in this new environment.

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ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

For more than a century, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) has served as the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent sellers to market and sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment. In 2018, direct selling took place across the United States, generating $35.4 billion in retail sales. More than six million entrepreneurs in the U.S. are selling products or services through the direct selling channel, providing a personalized buying experience for more than 36.6 million customers.