Thursday, October 29, 2009

MLM Industry Experts to Share Best Practices at 'The Symposium for Direct Selling Executives'

MLM Industry Experts to Share Best Practices at "The Symposium", an MLM Startup Conference Coming Nov. 16-17 to Salt Lake City Featuring Keynote-MonaVie President

Orem, Utah (PRWEB) October 29, 2009 -- The Symposium, a consortium of direct selling experts, announced that its upcoming Symposium, a bi-annual MLM startup conference will be held November 16-17 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Symposium provides training and strategies for success to entrepreneurs interested in starting an MLM company as well as executives of start-up and existing MLM companies.
News Image
The Symposium Group members who share their state-of-the-art, hands-on experience at this event include InfoTrax Systems; Grimes and Reese; P.L.L.C.; Dan Jensen Consulting; ByDesign Technologies; Axis 41; CCH; and Metrics Global, Inc. They are dedicated to "giving back" to the network marketing community through education.

The Symposium will feature The MonaVie President Dell Brown as the keynote speaker. His topic will be, "Growing MonaVie--What I Wish I Would Have Known". Blue Diamond MonaVie Sales Leader, Gem Morris, will also be speaking. MonaVie reports cumulative sales that are quickly approaching $2 billion. The company markets a line of scientifically formulated acai-based nutritional and energy drinks that delivers phytonutrients and antioxidants.

The MLM Symposium agenda includes training and strategies essential to success in the network marketing industry:

 
  • Presentation of direct sales best-practices by industry leaders.
  • Insights into growing an MLM company in a down economy.
  • One-on-one consultations with industry experts.
  • Opportunity to network with industry peers.
  • Select resources to share with teams.

Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO, who attended The Symposium in his companies early days commented: "When I was in your position, I kept asking the same question: What does a successful company look like? I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking like.... I wanted to understand the process." He continued, "Here at the Symposium and being connected through the Direct Selling Association--this is the way I've learned the fundamental principles of the structure of direct selling companies that are very invaluable! You can't do it without tying yourself into vendors who know and company executives who have been there."

Symposium Topic/Speaker Lineup Sampler:

 
  • Understanding Commission Plans - Mark Rawlins, InfoTrax Systems, & Dan Jensen, Dan Jensen Consulting
  • Avoid Legal Time Bombs - Spencer Reese, Grimes and Reese, P.L.L.C.
  • Recruiting: The Core Elements of Building a Team - Bob Hipple, Scentsy
  • Web 2.0 Marketing - Jennifer Fong, Jennifer Fong Consulting
  • Managing Your Business Through Strategic Planning - Spencer Clawson, Clawson Consulting
  • Before the Cash Register Rings - Payment Processing & PCI Compliance - Wendy Yurgo, Metrics Global, Inc.
For a complete speaker list visit The Symposium for Direct Selling Executives,

Registration for The Symposium includes the Direct Selling Association's (DSA) dinner and reception, which will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Salt Lake following The Symposium Tuesday evening,(Nov. 17). Neil Offen, DSA President and CEO, will be the featured speaker. DSA is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers.

In the past, established companies have found it to be beneficial to send their new employees to The Symposium because it is an efficient way to quickly educate them on the unique nuances of direct selling. In addition, seasoned executives attend to learn cutting edge strategies in key areas, network with Symposium faculty members, and compare what they're doing in their companies with current industry best practices.

For more information on The Symposium, please visit The Symposium for Direct Selling Executives or MLM.com Start-up .

The Symposium is a bi-annual conference, so watch for our April event

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 12:45 PM 0 comments

Women's Bar Association of Illinois Presents 2009 Women With Vision Awards

The Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) proudly hosts its 68th Annual Joint Professional Reception and 2009 Women With Vision Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Hotel Allegro in Chicago.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) October 29, 2009 -- The Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) proudly hosts its 68th Annual Joint Professional Reception and 2009 Women With Vision Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Hotel Allegro in Chicago. The Women with Vision Awards were first presented in 1997 by the WBAI to honor and recognize women who have demonstrated visionary approaches in their professional endeavors and who have made a contribution to the well-being and empowerment of women. Past recipients include, among others, Michelle Obama, Anita Alvarez and Rep. Julie Hamos, 18th District. WBAI is proud to present this year's winners - - exceptional women, ensuring the education, empowerment and success of women nationwide.

News Image

Recipients of the 2009 WBAI "Women With Vision Awards"

Public Office: Carrie Austin - Alderman, Chicago's 34th Ward
Legal: E. Lynn Grayson - Partner, Jenner & Block
Advocacy: Connie L. Lindsey - National President, Girl Scouts of the USA
Business: Vikki L. Pryor, President and CEO, SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Reception, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Awards Presentation, 6:00 PM

WHERE: Hotel Allegro's Walnut Room
171 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Individual tickets for the Joint Professional & Awards Reception are available to members at $85 and to non-members at $100. Tickets purchased at the door are $125.

Questions and media requests/interviews may be directed to Eriana Spencer Echols at 312.341.8530.

About Women's Bar Association of Illinois:
WBAI was founded in 1914, by nine women lawyers in the Chicago Metropolitan area, to promote the interests and welfare of women lawyers and also to aid in the enactment of legislation for the common good and in the administration of justice. Its earliest efforts revolved around seeking passage of a constitutional amendment to permit women to vote and serve on juries. This was accomplished by passage of legislation in 1939. For more information visit www.wbaillinois.org.

Technorati Tags

Bookmark -  Del.icio.us | Furl It | Technorati | Ask | MyWeb | Propeller | Live Bookmarks | Newsvine | TailRank | Reddit | Slashdot | Digg | Stumbleupon | Google Bookmarks | Sphere | Blink It | Spurl

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 11:45 AM 0 comments

Law Firm Dussault and Zatir Settle Lawsuit Concerning Six-Year-Old Boy who was Struck and Killed By Dump Truck

The law firm of Dussault and Zatir settled a claim for the wrongful death of a six-year-old for the amount of $1.7 million. After protracted litigation the primary carriers' policy limits were offered through the excess carrier.

Fall River, MA (PRWEB) October 28, 2009 -- The law firm of Dussault and Zatir settled out of court a claim for the wrongful death of a six-year-old for the amount of $1.7 million. After protracted litigation the primary carriers' policy limits were offered through the excess carrier.

News Image

A six-year-old boy, while riding his bicycle, was struck and killed by a dump truck in Fall River, MA. As the boy attempted to cross an intersection, it was alleged that the dump truck negligently turned into the same intersection. A reconstruction of the accident showed that the dump truck operator should have been able to see the boy during the course of his turn. A forensic pathologist confirmed that the boy was momentarily conscious after being struck and run over by the tires of the dump truck.

It was alleged that the operator of the dump truck drank two beers during his lunch break. This consumption of alcohol was in violation of the rules of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. A toxicology expert hired by the law firm found that although the dump truck operator may not have looked intoxicated, its effect would have created confusion in situations requiring decision making while handling multiple tasks.

The law office of Dussault and Zatir is based in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They specialize in auto accident injury, serious injury, death claims, and work related injuries in MA and RI. Learn more at www.DussaultandZatir.info or call 800-542-4529.

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 10:45 AM 0 comments

50-year Old Federal Switchblade Act Modernized to Protect Your Knife Rights to use Latest Innovations to Man's Oldest tool

Concerned that everyday pocketknives and one-hand opening knives were in jeopardy of being illegal to use, the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) led the fight to change the 50-year old Federal Switchblade Act. www.akti.org

Rogers, AR (PRWEB) October 29, 2009 -- Concerned that everyday pocketknives and one-hand opening knives were in jeopardy of being illegal to use, the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) led the fight to change the 50-year old Federal Switchblade Act.

Thankfully, folding pocketknives permitted in your state are still legal to use. A very important amendment (1447) to the FY 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill H.R. 2892 was passed by the House of Representatives and approved by the U.S. Senate on October 20th. After nearly five months of intense AKTI-led legal and lobbying efforts, the bill including modernizing the Federal Switchblade was signed by the President October 28th. It's now law! www.akti.org

"Very active support came from Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, Senator Orin Hatch of Utah, Senator John Cornyn of Texas and many other federal lawmakers in making a change to the 1958 Switchblade Act that will clearly protect the rights of more than 35 million knife owners and users to carry the folding knives that are important tools in their everyday lives," reports Goldie Russell, President of A.G. Russell Knives, Rogers, AR and President of the American Knife & Tool Institute.

From 2005-2008, U.S. Customs issued four separate ruling letters that declared assisted-openers were not switchblades and could be imported. Then in May 2009 Customs proposed to revoke those earlier letters and included new definitions of a switchblade knife. These definitions were so broad that AKTI feared virtually every folding knife would become illegal under interstate commerce rules.

AKTI responded by arousing an entire industry. They created a coalition of concerned groups including the NRA, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and Knife Rights; reached out to millions of ordinary, law-abiding citizens who are regular knife users; and allied with lawmakers who recognized the threat to folding knife owners.

AKTI, a 12-year old organization that represents knife owners and every segment of the sporting knife industry, estimates more than 35 million law-abiding Americans carry and use folding knives. They range from emergency workers, sportsmen, construction workers, to hikers and gardeners. The social impact would have been huge. www.akti.org

"The sporting knife industry could not have accomplished this in less than five months without an organization in place, clear and repeated calls to action and concerned citizens willing to reach out to legislators. AKTI member companies made direct contacts with lawmakers of both parties," declared Mrs. Russell.

U.S. Customs became a supporter of Senate Amendment 1447 co-sponsored by 20 U.S. Senators. Amendment 1447 adds a fifth clause to section 1244 of the Federal Switchblade Act that exempts "a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife."

"As a practical matter, U.S. Customs recognized that the clarification would actually help their field agents more easily evaluate knives with multiple and unique modern design features," said Jan Billeb, AKTI Executive Director.

The Senate amendment essentially adopted the switchblade exception language that the American Knife & Tool Institute sponsored in Texas and was signed by Texas Governor Perry on June 18, 2009. AKTI has been working in several different states to clarify knife laws.

Remember, if you own, carry or use any type of folding knife, you are still bound by the statutes governing them in your state. You are responsible to know what they are.

For more details visit www.akti.org

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 10:45 AM 0 comments

DEA Remembers Its Fallen Heroes

Memorial Service in Kabul Honors American Servicemen, DEA Agents***Photos Available at dea.gov***

Kabul, Afghanistan (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 29, 2009 -- A memorial service was held today in Kabul, Afghanistan in remembrance of those DEA Special Agents and United States servicemen who were killed this week while completing a joint counternarcotics mission. Those who conducted the memorial service include DEA Assistant Regional Director Jay Fitzpatrick, and Deputy Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone.

News Image

Remarks by DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart (in absentia):
"Today, we mourn the tragic loss of three DEA Special Agents:
 
  • Chad L. Michael was 30 years old from Quantico, VA.
  • Michael E. Weston was 37 years old from Washington, D.C.
  • Forrest N. Leamon was 37 years old from Woodbridge, VA.

"These were not ordinary men. In a world where "ordinary" has become acceptable, these courageous human beings made "extraordinary" contributions.

"They pledged an oath, they wore a badge, and they "stood the line."

"They were proud warriors performing a vital mission. They were more than just Special Agents, they were also special Americans. Like you, they volunteered to serve their country. Like you, they believed in the mission. Like you, they made the saving of lives their life's work.

"We are all saddened by this tragic event. DEA is an extremely tight family, and the death of these three brave agents is a devastating loss for us. We honor their service, bravery, and sacrifice. We all stand taller and fight harder for having known them. Their loss inspires us to even greater determination.

"No expressions of grief can adequately convey the depth of the collective sorrow that we feel for their family and friends. The heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies of everyone at DEA go out to them.

"We owe our fallen heroes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and we will forever cherish their call to service and carry their spirit in our hearts.

"In closing, DEA would like to thank everyone, both civilian and military, who came to our aid by providing invaluable assistance and support during our time of need. DEA will forever be grateful.    Thank you."

Remarks by DEA Assistant Regional Director Jay Fitzpatrick:

"Today, we remember three DEA Special Agents and seven U.S. Military Service members who tragically lost their lives during operations in western Afghanistan.

"During the early morning hours of Monday, October 26, 2009, Special Agents Michael E. Weston, Forrest N. Leamon, Chad L. Michael, other DEA Special Agents, U.S. Special Forces, and our Afghan counterparts, were executing Afghan search warrants at a bazaar in Afghanistan's rugged Badghis Province. This bazaar was a safe haven for insurgents and contained significant quantities of narcotics, improvised explosive devices, and weapons used against Coalition Forces.

"At approximately 0330 hours, and after an extremely successful counter narcotics/counter insurgency operation, which included an hour-long firefight with insurgents, U.S. military personnel, DEA agents, and our Afghan counterparts were departing the target area on a U.S. military CH-47 helicopter when it crashed killing Special Agent Weston, Special Agent Leamon, Special Agent Michael and seven Special Forces personnel. Twenty-six personnel were injured, including DEA FAST Team Leader Pat McDarby, who was badly hurt on impact. Risking further injury, he and other able U.S. military personnel immediately began removing the injured from the burning wreckage.

"Each and every one of them performed heroically in the face of extreme danger, as they removed casualties from the crash site in order to start administering life saving measures. Also, after the crash, the other CH-47 participating in the operation returned to the crash site. U.S. military personnel and DEA Special Agents aboard that helicopter performed flawlessly in what was a dangerous and volatile situation. Thank you."
Remarks by Deputy Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone

"Thank you all for coming. As you know, early on Monday morning, our Mission and our country suffered a terrible tragedy. Three Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents from our Mission family, along with seven U.S. Army soldiers, were killed when their CH-47 helicopter crashed in western Afghanistan. We have gathered today to pay tribute to these devoted Americans, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for the essential work we are doing in Afghanistan.

"Twenty-six others aboard the helicopter were injured in the crash, and we also honor them and pray for their speedy recovery.
"It is with profound sadness and admiration that I now read you the names of our fallen countrymen:

 
  • Special Agent Michael E. Weston, who has been with DEA since 2003 and arrived in Kabul in August.
  • Special Agent Forrest N. Leamon, who joined DEA in 2002 and has served in Afghanistan since 2007.
  • Special Agent Chad L. Michael, who started with DEA in 2004 and came to Afghanistan in August.

"I would also like to pay tribute the U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in the crash.
"Their deaths were followed yesterday by the attack on United Nations personnel in Kabul, which resulted in the senseless deaths of five international colleagues, who were also here to help Afghans of goodwill. Two Afghan police were also killed bravely repelling the terrorists' attack.
"As we mourn the loss of our ten Americans, I would also ask that we recognize the U.N.'s sacrifice, as well as that of the Afghan National Police. We can take encouragement from the fact that, despite the dangers we face, there are Americans and people of vision from many countries who come here willingly and with optimism to assist Afghanistan.

"We should also be proud that the Afghan people will defend their country against those who would return it to anarchy and lawlessness.
"Special Agents Weston, Leamon and Michael exemplified the best traditions of service to country and of high achievement. They were far from home and their families, carrying out a difficult mission for the betterment of Afghanistan.

"All of us in this Mission can draw strength from the example of these excellent men and our military brothers. Inspired by their example, we can resolve to redouble our commitment to the work that brought us all here. By doing so we will ensure that their ultimate sacrifice produces a better Afghanistan and a safer world for the United States."

Contact: DEA Public Affairs
(202) 307-7985


Technorati Tags

Bookmark -  Del.icio.us | Furl It | Technorati | Ask | MyWeb | Propeller | Live Bookmarks | Newsvine | TailRank | Reddit | Slashdot | Digg | Stumbleupon | Google Bookmarks | Sphere | Blink It | Spurl

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 10:45 AM 0 comments

Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed by Ukrainian Woman Against Clifford Crane, Security Marketing Concepts and Apollo Security Sales

Former Employee Alleges CEO Lured Her to Leave Ukraine and Move to Orange County, Where He Then Used Her Job Security, Visa Status and Housing Accommodations as Leverage to Force Her to Succumb to Sexual Advances

(PRWEB) October 29, 2009 -- Today, a former employee of Security Marketing Concepts, Inc. and Apollo Security Sales filed a sexual harassment, fraud and wrongful termination lawsuit against the two companies and their CEO, Clifford Crane. She also asserted an additional claim against Mr. Crane and another company in which he is a principal (KMA International Marketing Corp.) for sexual harassment in housing by a landlord or property manager.

In her Complaint, which was filed in Orange County Superior Court (Case No. 30-2009 00315713), Alla Sazonova alleges that Crane solicited her to leave her home country of Ukraine based on false assurances of a legitimate and platonic position of employment. However, after Ms. Sazonova relocated to Orange County to begin working, the lawsuit alleges that Crane exploited the vulnerability of her position and used his power and influence over Ms. Sazonova's job security and her work visa to coerce and intimidate her into sexual submission. The Complaint alleges that he provided her with promised salary increases and preferential treatment when she succumbed to his sexual advances and that she was threatened with adverse employment actions and, ultimately, fired when she refused.

According to the allegations in the Complaint, Crane has a history of pressuring foreign employees to have sex with him after soliciting them to move here from their home countries.

According to the Complaint, Crane also provided rental housing to Ms. Sazonova and served as her landlord. Ms. Sazonova's Complaint alleges that Crane abused his position as her landlord by using her housing as leverage to compel her sexual submission. According to the Complaint, he offered to alleviate her of any rent obligations when she succumbed to his advances but evicted her when she refused.

Commenting about these allegations, Ms. Sazonova's attorney, Gregory D. Helmer of Helmer • Friedman, LLP, said, "If, for whatever reason, employers want to recruit employees from countries outside the United States, that is their business decision and their prerogative. But, employers need to understand that, if they choose to bring someone over here from another country, they cannot take advantage of that person's ignorance of our laws. People who are brought here to work from other countries are incredibly vulnerable and incredibly reliant upon the employer's good intentions. It is easy for an unscrupulous employer to prey upon them."

For additional information or a PDF copy of Ms. Sazonova's Complaint, contact:
   Gregory D. Helmer (ghelmer at helmerfriedman dot com)
   Andrew H. Friedman (afriedman at helmerfriedman dot com)
   Kenneth A. Helmer (khelmer at helmerfriedman dot com)
   Helmer • Friedman, LLP, (310) 396-7714            
   (www.helmerfriedman.com)

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 10:45 AM 0 comments

Recording of Board Members' Alleged Collusion In $6.4 Million Ohio Supreme Court Judgment Exposed In Motion for Reconsideration

A transcript of a lawfully tape recorded pre-trial conference call filed with a motion for reconsideration describes a Panel Chair's promise to end a case before his term expired, denying due process.

Columbus, Ohio, (PRWEB) October 29, 2009 -- Two motions for reconsideration filed Monday, October 26, 2009 with the Ohio Supreme Court ask the court to reconsider its decision in case number 2005-0422, ordering two estate-planning companies to pay fees of nearly $6.4 million.

The court's order resulted from an unauthorized practice of law case brought by the Columbus Bar Association against American Family Prepaid Legal Corporation, Heritage Marketing and Insurance Services, Inc., and co-owners Stanly Norman and Jeffrey L. Norman. The order concluded the companies sold legal plans to senior citizens in violation of laws barring non-attorneys from practicing law.

The court reached its decision based on the recommendation from the Ohio Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law's Final Report in case number UPL 02-10. One motion claims an August 17, 2007 pretrial conference call was lawfully recorded by a Columbus, Ohio defendant that was a party to the call. A transcript of a tape recording of the Board's three "volunteer" Panel Members, James L. Ervin, Don J. Hunt, and C. Lynne Day was attached as an exhibit with the filing.

The motion for reconsideration indicates, "Don Hunt stated he had, 'white knuckles from not speaking out' and that C. Lynne Day admitted to 'looking stuff up about them (defendants) online'." The motion further states, "Finally, and most egregious, is a statement of Panel Chair, James L. Ervin, esq. who declared, 'I made a promise that when I leave this board, this case will be over', to which C. Lynne Day and Don Hunt then concurred. James Ervin, whom made this promise, was serving a term set to expire at the end of 2007," a few months from the date of the pretrial conference.

The motion continues with, "It is clear that the only mechanism at the disposal of this board to conclude the matter as it was pending in front of the Board, by the conclusion of Chairman Ervin's term, was to grant Summary Judgment, which the board did two months later on December 21st, 2007. This was at the tail end of the Chair's term and as promised to the other board members by the Chair. In light of these facts, it is clear that Summary Judgment was granted against the Defendants by a biased judicial body that clearly had a fixed anticipatory judgment thereby denying Due Process."

The Supreme Court adopted the Board's recommendation in their order dated October 26, 2009. The motion further states, "the Court's Order has adopted into virtually all of its findings mountains of conclusory and unsupported "allegations".

According to defendant Jeffrey L. Norman, "the case record is devoid of any evidence to support the allegations presented by the Columbus Bar Association. The Columbus Bar Association's attorney, Joyce D. Edelman, argued complaints to support her client's allegations and refused to acknowledge uncontested complaints are not evidence."

An exhibit of e-mail correspondence attached to the motion for reconsideration also demonstrates Chair James Ervin admitted to participating in ex parte contact with a material witness outside the presence of counsel and the defendants. Rule 2.9 of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct states, "A judge shall not initiate, receive, permit, or consider ex parte communications."

The motions ask the court to "either rescind the October 14th order or, remand the case back to the Board for a hearing before an unbiased panel of judges in order to properly put the facts and evidence of this case on record."

A memorandum in opposition to summary judgment filed in the case by defendant Jeffrey L. Norman in 2007 provided a legal opinion from Bruce A. Green, Stein Professor at Fordham University School of Law. Mr. Green's opinion contradicts the court's order and states, "In sum, American Family representatives do not provide specific legal advice constituting the practice of law; they provide a sales presentation for a prepaid legal services plan."

Other motions filed in the case indicate no evidence is in the record of any senior citizen suffering any damages from the services they obtained through the legal plan; and alleged unsuitable annuities sold by Heritage Marketing and Insurance Services, Inc. were actually guaranteed principle contracts that have protected hundreds of millions of dollars of Ohio senior citizen's savings from any losses, even through the worst economic recession in decades.

A memorandum in opposition to summary judgment filed by defendant Jeffrey L. Norman also claims that Columbus Bar Association attorney Joyce D. Edelman made an attempt to manufacture false evidence (approximately two weeks before filing her motion for summary judgment) by asking American Family's plan attorney to sign an affidavit contradicting his prior deposition testimony stating he controlled all legal decisions and supervised the entire production of legal documents for plan members (the plan attorney refused to sign the affidavit).

A motion for summary judgment filed in the case by defendants claims the Columbus Bar Association may have "misrepresented its possession of substantial and credible evidence" in a cease and desist motion filed in March 2005 with the Ohio Supreme Court.

See Also:

[Via Legal / Law]

Posted by prolink at 10:45 AM 0 comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)