Amway Opportunity Zone

The inspiring story of David and Jules Dornan

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:06:00 -0800

Got four minutes? That's all it takes to view the inspiring story of Amway Global Independent Business Owners and Founders Emeralds David and Jules Dornan. David and Jules are the son and daughter-in-law of Founders Crown Ambassadors Jim and Nancy...(read more)

Recipe from Down Under - Warm Cheese Dip with Pecans

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:14:00 -0800

Posted by Jennifer Iracki

You thought I meant Australia, didn't you? Nope. This recipe was forwarded to me from Gregory, who as you probably know has recently been working with the IT group in the basement. The few times I've had occasion to visit their little bunker down there, they've always had food and snacks at the ready. You see, they spend quite a few extra hours working down there and don't get away to eat lunch or even dinner all the time.

One of the writers working feverishly in the bunker shared this tasty dip with her cohorts. Apparently, it was a BIG hit, which doesn't really surprise me. I've tasted some of her treats before and they've all been de-lish! Give it a try for yourselves. I'm going to!

WARM CHEESE DIP WITH PECANS

1 1/2 cups pecan halves
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons COARSE sea salt
1/4 teaspoon + pinch cayenne pepper

Stir together butter, brown sugar and spices until thoroughly mixed. Stir in pecan halves until well coated. Spread in single layer on foil-lined cookie sheet, toast in 375 oven for about 10 minutes (watch them!), or until nicely toasted. Cool.

Two 8-oz. packages cream cheese (I use reduced fat.)
8 oz. aged white cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Black Diamond)
3 tablespoons whipping cream
2 scallions, thin sliced, white part only

Mix together and spread in small oven-proof baking dish. I prefer a shallow 8-in. diameter ramekin.

Arrange toasted pecan mixture over top of cheese mixture and heat for about 10 minutes in 325 oven. Serve with apple slices or crackers!

Update on Ronaldinho and the Goal by Goal Campaign

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:07:00 -0800

As the global spokesperson for the Amway One by One Campaign for Children, Ronaldinho earns $10,000 USD for children’s charities for each goal he scores through NUTRILITE’s Goal by Goal program during the 2009/2010 season. We are happy to share that AC Milan forward Ronaldinho has scored two goals so far during the 2009/2010 season, which has contributed $20,000 USD to the AC Milan Foundation!

What does this mean? The proceeds have been earmarked to build a sports center for children near the city of L’Aquila, which was devastated by a massive earthquake hit this past spring. The ground breaking ceremony and placing of the cornerstone of the sports center was celebrated this past month.

Ronaldinho scored the first goal during AC Milan’s 1-1 draw on October 4 and the second goal during AC Milan’s 2-1 win on October 18. When you’re cheering for AC Milan and Ronaldinho, you’re cheering for kids in need.

Green, Safe, and Easy-to-Install Insulation. Really?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:07:00 -0800

Posted by Jennifer Iracki

Today, I noticed that the Weather Channel has started reporting the "wind chill factor" in my area. When I saw that the temperature was 41°F, but that it felt like 36°F, I wanted to hunker down and stay in bed. I immediately missed the time I spent living in Phoenix, when instead of "wind chill," we had the "heat index." But, I rolled out of bed anyway and by the time I got in the car this morning, it was also raining. Yuck.

With the cold weather coming on like this, I'm anxious to see if my new home insulation actually helps with the heating bills. You see, my house is over 50 years old and I've always thought that it was probably lacking in the insulation department. However last year, I discovered that there was absolutely none in the walls. Some fiberglass stuff has been added to the attic, but I had no idea that they actually built homes without wall insulation in the '50s.

I am planning on being able to re-side and re-roof my home next year, but just don't have it in the budget to do now. So, I was wondering if there was an inexpensive way to insulate my home this year without having to take the siding down. That's when I discovered cellulose insulation. It's made of recycled newspapers, shredded into little billowy puffs and blown into the walls through a hose. Someone would just have to remove a few siding panels, drill some holes in the wood underneath, pump the insulation in, and reattach the siding.

My boyfriend Randy, and partner in home improvement, decided that we could probably purchase some cellulose insulation and do the job ourselves, saving quite a bit of money. We purchased several bags of insulation and rented a machine (free for four hours with our purchase of over 10 bags of insulation) that actually breaks up the stuff and blows it in. It was less than $80 for everything, including a drillbit to bore holes to insert the hose. I can't imagine what someone would charge to come do the job for us -- probably a fortune!

Randy decided that he wanted to add the insulation on his day off, which is Monday. However, I work on Mondays and wasn't able to help like I wanted to. You really need someone to run the hose while someone else feeds the bags of insulation into the hopper of the machine. But, Randy actually did the entire job himself, running back and forth between adding bags, positioning the hose, and working the blower. He was pretty sore by the end of the day, and admitted that he definitely should've had help. Another recommendation: drill the holes first, then go get the machine, so you don't have to waste your rental time drilling holes. Still, my home insulation was entirely completed by one man in one day.

Oh, and if you're wondering about fire safety, I did too. I wasn't too sure about having a bunch of newspaper stuck in my walls. But, cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardant and restricts the availability of oxygen to flames. Just check out the Big Burn video online and decide for yourself.

All in all, I would say that adding cellulose insulation was a pretty inexpensive, greener, and possibly safer alternative to fiberglass insulation. It would have been pretty easy for two people to install too. But I'll have to get back with you as to how it helps out with my winter heating bills. Do you think it will help? Have you had any experience with this type of insulation?

One by One Traveling Art Gallery in Japan

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:43:00 -0700

The One by One Traveling Art Gallery is officially on the road!

These 28 drawings created by children who have been helped by Amway One by One programs around the world are an extension of the Amway World Headquarters display in Ada, MI. The art and special artists are just too good not to share. So, starting in September the art went on the road… and in a plane and across the ocean and well, it made quite an appearance when it landed at the Amway Japan Headquarters for a distributor event with 10,000 distributor attendees.

Check out the pictures from our colleague, Takashi Aoki in Tokyo, Japan.

Ignite your endurance

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:24:00 -0700

Are you a runner, biker, hiker, swimmer or even a weekend warrior? Ever find yourself "hitting the wall" (commonly known among endurance athletes as bonking)? Not getting that extra push you need to reach a personal best or even finish a tough 30 minute workout?

Well, put your bonking days in the past.

NUTRILITE is proud to introduce NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes - great tasting gummy chews that give you a quick energy boost, fuel prolonged endurance and help your body replace key electrolytes lost during prolonged physical activity.

Available in great tasting Berry or Fruit Burst (Pomegranate Passion-fruit) flavors, each five cube serving of NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes contain the exclusive C-Lenium Blend for antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, plus the key electrolytes sodium and potassium, fast-burning carbohydrates, 25mg of caffeine, and vitamins B6 and B12 - which aid in energy production. They also contain no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

For more information on the Endurance Cubes, visit AmwayGlobal.com.

Don't bonk ... endure!

For the Love of Halloween

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:44:00 -0700

Posted by Jennifer Iracki

I love all things Halloween. I think it's because it makes me feel like a kid again. I dress up. I decorate my house. And, I am one of the few people in my neighborhood who still gives out the primo candy -- Snickers, Milky Way, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, M&Ms, Reese's, and more. If you don't like chocolate (pffff ... who doesn't?), I have stuff like Nerds, Starburst (the multi-piece pack -- not the singles!), and Laffy Taffy. Yep, I go for the brand-name yummies, but no boring Double Bubble, Dum Dum pops, or the teeny, tiny Tootsie Rolls, either. You deserve more if you can make it past the large cloaked skeleton that guards my walkway, emitting creepy sounds and talking to you in an deep, Lurch-from-the-Addams Family voice. It works on a remote control and I like to set if off right when the bigger kids walk by. Heh, heh, heh.

Like I said, I like to dress up too. I don't do the packaged costume thing, though. It's way too expensive and I'd rather spend the money on candy for the kiddies. Plus, I like to be original. Last year, I pulled a long patterned broomstick skirt out of the back of my closet, added a white blouse, one of those sweaters that tie in the front, a hip scarf with jingly coins from my stint in a bellydancing class (don't ask!), lots of bulky old jewelry, and heavy makeup. Ta-da! Gypsy Fortune Teller. The only things I bought for my costume were a long, black wig that cost $6.99 and a small glass globe ceiling light fixture that was on clearance for about $5. If you're wondering, I pulled the lightbulb mounting out of it and flipped it over for an instant crystal ball prop. The get up was so good, I even won a costume contest.

So, of course I'm looking forward to Halloween this year too. I ventured out at lunchtime and picked up a couple of inexpensive key items for this year's costume idea -- Tacky Tourist. Total spent: $9. I'm pretty sure I already own everything else I need ... which leaves me with a bigger budget for my primo candy!

Are you an overgrown kid like me who gets excited about Halloween? Or is it just goofy to celebrate as an adult?

The Organizing Two-step

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:08:00 -0700

Posted by Jennifer Iracki

I recently received a piece of mail offering up a one-day seminar called How to Get More Organized. Initially I thought, wow ... maybe I should take this class. And suddenly, I felt the urge to clean and rearrange my desk. I even went through my file cabinet, removing about 200 lbs. of paper and folders that I haven't looked at since they've been filed. Everything important is online anyway.

Once I felt cleansed, I thought about the seminar again. Why would you pay someone to tell you to throw away the stuff you don't need and neatly arrange the stuff you do need so that you can find it? It's usually just the follow-through that's lacking -- with me, anyway. I know how to get rid of things I don't need and put them in the trash or recycle bin. I know that I should keep the things I need handy, but stored neatly when not in use. I know these things. It's a matter of actually doing it.

For most people, I think getting organized is a matter of actually doing the organizing. We need a little push. We want someone to come in, act like Mom, and say, "What is this mess? Get rid of this junk!" But unlike Mom, we want them to pitch in and/or do all the real work for us. Why do you think that Clean Sweep TV show is so popular? They bring in an army of organizers to throw everything outside and start from scratch in an empty room. They redecorate while the organiz-ees decide what they really need to keep and cry over throwing out the velvet clown painting that's been sitting under a pile of old shoes for six years. And once the room is as neat as a pin, everything is hunky dory. The show doesn't teach anything new. They just make people get rid of stuff they don't need. Still, I have to admit, I'm a Clean Sweep fan.

My feeling is that basic organization doesn't require a class or skills. It just requires common sense with two simple rules: 1) Keep everyday use items neatly at the ready. 2) Toss what you don't need. With that being said, the How to Get More Organized flier has found its way to my circular file.

What do you think? Am I oversimplifying things? What are your rules for organization? Are you a little lax -- like me -- sometimes?

Working with the School of Business, Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0700

Today we kicked off a new kind of community partnership with the School of Business, Leadership & Entrepreneurship (SBLE) at Ottawa Hills High School.

We've been working with the Grand Rapids Public Schools for more than 20 years, with volunteer programs focused on elementary students. Amway employees have tutored, been penpals, hosted Career Day and Job Shadow Days, and organized Field Day and Santa's Secret Workshop events. Amway has also provided funding for school programs, like building playgrounds and furnishing libraries.

This partnership will tap the business acumen and vast experience of our employee base. Amway is a business of entrepreneurs, and what better way to connect high school students to the business world than by teaching about free enterprise and owning your own business. Doing this around the world gives us a unique perspective that high school students can really benefit from. And of course, we always get just as much benefit from the time we spend volunteering.

Our partnership is already in full swing! We have already started discussions with the school about upgrading facilities to create a learning environment that mirrors the business world. Last week, Ottawa Hills trained a group of Amway leaders to serve as mentor coaches for groups of students working on projects together. Amway and community leaders will also be regular speakers for SBLE classes and events. And of course, students will visit the vast Amway headquarters to see real-world examples of how their education will one day turn into practical experience. There are many other programs in the works.

Grand Rapids Public Schools hosted a kick-off ceremony and partnership agreement signing at Grand Valley State University this morning. The first class of 30 freshmen from the SBLE were there, along with about 50 eighth grade "recruits" from across the district who have shown an interest in business as a focus area for education.

Other distinguished guests were there and welcomed the students, including Dr. John Reifel, Associate Dean of the Business College at Grand Valley State University, Dr. Bernard Taylor, the Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Rodney Lewis, Principal of Ottawa Hills High School, and Michael Pascoe, Dean of Students for the School of Business, Leadership Entrepreneurship.

Our own Amway Chief Marketing Officer gave the keynote address to the students. She talked about her experience growing up poor in a family of 18 children, where education was of utmost importance. Despite the passing of her father when she was only 10, Candace and nearly all of her siblings attended college, and many now have advanced degrees. Candace was recently named Black Enterprise Magazine's Corporate Executive of the Year, and she used that honor to show the students that they can accomplish whatever they want to, saying "It's your attitude and your aptitude that determine your altitude."

We can't wait to see how this partnership evolves. We are honored to be working with a school with such a great vision and students who may one day be leading the Amway Corporation.

Hungarian Amway Distributors reach 50,000 kids!!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:39:00 -0700

The Hungarian National Committee for UNICEF asked for the help of Amway Distributors to organize the Global Hand Washing Day this year in Hungary. And help they did!

Hungarian students joined the program this year for the first time. 250 primary schools participated, meaning the importance of hand washing was shared with more than fifty thousand kids and their parents!

Preschool teachers in Hungary give a lot of attention making sure that young children wash their hands thoroughly, but when kids go to school, they often become less enthusiastic on hand washing. So this program is focused on children from ages 6-10.

The Hungarian National Committee for UNICEF had prepared a small program package for schools loaded with information and tips on different activities and competitions. School classes could use this package to design their participation in the program of Global Hand-washing Day.

In each school, Distributors represented UNICEF and Amway. They had a number of important tasks such as providing the soap that the children washed their hands with that day and delivered program packages to schools. Amway Distributors also helped schools in organizing events, and participated as judges in a drawing competition.

And the Amway Distributor involvement didn’t stop there!! They offered prizes to winners of school drawing competitions. Even better? If the prize selected is a UNICEF toy from UNICEF partner store, then the price of that toy goes to support another children somewhere in the world.

On October 8, Amway Hungary organized a press conference at a Children Hospital with attendance of Edit Kecskemeti from Unicef, Peter Gardus and Dalma Torocsik from Amway and two doctors, a well known pediatrician and a laboratory leader.

On October 15 Amway Hungary celebrated the day at one of the schools in Budapest along side media. Journalists and celebrities were invited to the school event.

Amway Hungary is eager to continue this program!

After the Wrath in the Philippines

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:00 -0700

September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy brought a month's worth of rainfall to Metro Manila and nearby areas in just a few hours, causing severe flooding which resulted in the loss of many lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

Proving that Amway is more than just a business, in the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy, more than 30 Amway Philippines employees and IBOs took a day out of their busy schedule to help clean-up Malanday Elementary School in Marikina City, working along with parents of children enrolled at the school.

Amway Philippines expresses a big "THANK YOU" for helping make Amway's community cleanup drive definitely worth the effort:

Boss Ador - for leading meaningful activities

Bodjie, Jaymie, Cody - for coordinating with the school and purchase of cleaning materials

Aileen and Meena - for coordinating the participation of IBOs

Mitch - for ensuring that all volunteers were well fed

Perry/Tess P - for preparing and transporting of products

Jem/Tet - for product training

Chrysty (Perceptions) - for capturing the moments

Amway Philippines applauds the following clean up drive volunteers:

Meena Abeleda Ma. Charisse Lopez (IBO)

Jaymie Anacta Monalisa Argana (IBO)

Billy Aquino Fe Dela Cerna (IBO)

Lorraine Arrelano Len Baylon (IBO)

Rina Bautista Julius Tindoc (IBO)

Jem Castro Rule Cole (IBO)

Jom Diaz Mary Jea Rona (IBO)

Aileen Gragera Jimmy Miral (IBO)

Edmund Guinto

Francis Ignacio

Rex Lalata

Maries Malabrigo

Michelle Ochoa

Michelle Palayan

Perry Pelino

Tet Tagaro

Cody Tambis

Readyman's Vicky and Vernie

Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:57:00 -0700

As promised, here are the toasted pumpkin seed recipes I used last weekend. They are super-easy and delicious!

TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

2 cups pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 275°F.
Rinse and drain seeds in strainer to remove all strings of pumpkin; empty onto clean towel and pat dry.
Melt butter in a shallow baking dish.
Add salt, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to melted butter and mix well.
Add pumpkin seeds and mix to coat seeds thoroughly with butter mixture.
Bake for 45 mins. to 1 hour, stirring occasionally -- about every 15 mins. Seeds will be a light golden, "toasty-looking" brown and more crunchy than chewy when done.
Store in an airtight plastic bag for freshness; shake the bag to redistribute settled seasonings.

Notes & Tips: I melted the butter in a glass measuring cup using the microwave and mixed the seasonings in the cup. I used a cookie sheet with sides (you could also use a jellyroll pan) and sprayed it with Smart Menu cooking spray. I spread the seeds out on the sheet so they would toast faster and more evenly. The sides on the pan helped pool the butter mixture and I was still able to baste the seeds by stirring every 15 minutes, as the recipe calls for. Watch the time if you spread out the seeds, though. Mine were done in about 40-45 minutes.

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SWEET CINNAMON PUMPKIN SEEDS

2 cups pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided in half
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided in half
1 teaspoon sugar, divided in half

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Rinse and drain seeds in strainer to remove all strings of pumpkin; empty onto clean towel and pat dry.
Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray (I like the butter-flavored Smart Menu spray).
Place seeds on cookie sheet and spread out into a single layer.
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
Bake for about 5 minutes; stir and season again with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
Store in an airtight plastic bag for freshness; shake the bag to redistribute settled seasonings.

Notes & Tips: I actually keep a cinnamon and sugar mixture on hand for sprinkling on toast, apple slices, etc. So, I just sprinkled some salt and my cinnamon/sugar mixture on the seeds without really measuring and they came out with a great flavor. I also made sure to use a cookie sheet with sides (you could also use a jellyroll pan), so that I could stir the seeds easily.

Ronaldinho wins the 2009 Golden Foot Award

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:19:00 -0700

Brazilian football player Ronaldinho has added to his legend by being named the winner of the GOLDEN FOOT 2009, an international career award dedicated to the greatest champions of world football.

The voting represented a great battle against Raúl González Blanco, Thierry Henry and Gianluigi Buffon. But the fans gave the AC Milan star 43,755 votes, against the 31,762 for Raúl González Blanco and 25,537 for Thierry Henry. The total votes collected on the website www.goldenfoot.com were 158,470, coming mainly from Brazil, Turkey, United States, China, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Hungary, Greece and Germany.

Ronaldinho earns the honor after another Brazilian, Roberto Carlos, won the award in the 2008 edition.

Ronaldinho (World Champion with Brazil in 2002 and winner with FC Barcelona of the 2006 Champions League title, two La Liga championships, twice in a row FIFA World Player of the Year and once “Ballon d’Or” winner) received the GOLDEN FOOT from H.S.H. the Prince Albert of Monaco, who gave his High Patronage to the event.

Congratulations Ronaldinho!

Pumpkin Bells, Pumpkin Bells ...

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:35:00 -0700

Jen here. Last weekend, my significant other, Randy, and I decided that we should probably go get some pumpkins to carve into jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. We thought about going to an actual pumpkin patch to pick our own for a total of about two seconds. It was cold and I didn't feel like wandering out into a field of twisted pumpkin vines with two kids and spending hours looking for just the right one -- especially given the fact that we wanted to bring home four. We opted to shop the large selection of overpriced pumpkins at the local produce market instead. And, in just under 15 minutes, we'd chosen four beauties.

Later that afternoon, while we each scooped out what seemed like tons of pumpkin guts, my daughter, Amelia, announced that we should be listening to some appropriate music. So, I started singing "Pumpkin bells, pumpkin bells ..." to the tune of Jingle Bells. Randy's 4-year-old daughter, Molly, gave me this funny, confused look and asked, "Pumpkin bells all the way?" I just laughed. I guess I was surprised that she figured out the song and came up with the next line on her own.

After all the scooping and carving, we produced four very scary jack-o-lanterns ready to light up for Halloween. And as a plus, we ended up with several cups of toasted pumpkin seeds. (I found two delicious recipes and I will post them here shortly!) We drank apple cider -- also from the produce market -- and talked about what we should dress up as for Halloween. It was a good family day, even if it was a little urbanized.

And BTW, L.O.C. Multipurpose Cleaner is awesome at removing pumpkin guts from carpet!

Throwback to Summer … in China

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0700

As the temperatures in Michigan drop and the skies turn gray, we can look back at summer on the other side of the world, and a camp held at some famous sites with famous people … and some pretty special children.

In July, Amway China sponsored a special summer camp experience in Beijing. This was part of Project Sunshine, Amway China’s One by One program that provides education and health services to children of migrant families.

The program, called "A Date in Capital, Together We Grow," was a partnership between Amway China, the China Children and Teenagers' Fund and the Children's Channel of China Central Television.

The summer camp hosted 50 student representatives and 25 teachers from 25 beneficiary schools of Project Sunshine nationwide. The students became “Little Sunshine Reporters,” traveling around visiting important landmarks and interviewing celebrities. Their hosts were international students from the US, postgraduate students from Capital Normal University, and volunteers from Amway.

The children were hosted by special guest Qian Hong, Olympic swimming champion and former gold medalist. The day included visits to the Birds Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatic Center). Ms Qian talked to the children about the great feats of Michael Phelps in the Water Cube, and encouraged them to learn from his perseverance and hard work.

The campers also visited the National Library and the Haidian Public Safety Museum, Peking University and Capital Museums where they had access to special cultural experiences. Then, every night, there was an “English Corner,” where the students practiced their language skills with a US student and shared their experiences from the day.

The campers met celebrities of a different sort in a behind-the-scenes tour of CCTV studios, and CCTV Tower. They met famous program hosts “Red Fruits” and “Green Bubbles” from the Children's Channel, who they all know from television.

At an Amway-sponsored Junior NBA Challenge basketball game, the students watched a great game. Later, they had the opportunity to meet NBA star John Starks and exchange gifts with him.

After all the excitement of the four-day camp was over and the happy, tired children returned home, they were delighted to see their own faces in the news, covered by some of the same reporters they visited with that week.

Here are a few links to the news sites, and some pictures of the camp experience.

http://www.bj.xinhuanet.com/bjpd_tpk/2009-07/23/content_17186758.htm

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/edu/news/2009/07-23/1788555.shtml

Add some color to your sales story!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:15:00 -0700

You may have heard about the Get Your Daily Dose of Color Phytonutrient Campaign (it launched Oct 15) if you read all the OZ blogs and follow NUTRILITE on Facebook or Twitter, but have you considered how this campaign can help you tell the NUTRILITE story when you're selling vitamins, minerals, and supplements to customers? Seriously, you need to check this campaign out NOW!

The NUTRILITE Phytonutrient Spectrum campaign, Get Your Daily Dose of Color launched this past week. For 75 years, the NUTRILITE brand stood apart from the competition with certified organic farms and products created using whole plant concentrates. Recent research studies confirm that diets rich in phytonutrients -which are the natural nutrients in plants - will help lead to optimal health. Thank goodness for research! It validates what NUTRILITE brand has known for a long time. This worldwide reasarch on the value of phytonutrients provides a unique opportunity to Amway Global Independent Business Owners (yes --you!!!!) to become "phytonutrient experts" with your customers and potential customers.

The campaign launched on October 15 in New York City with a big media event and lots of hoopla. Very cool.

America's Phytonutrient Report, sponsored by the Nutrilite Health Institute, was unveiled in NYC, revealing that Americans aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables in the following color categories:

Green - 69% of Americans fall short.(spinach, green beans/EGCG)
White - 76% of Americans fall short.(cauliflower, onions, mushrooms/quercetin)
Red - 78% of Americans fall short. (tomatoes, raspberries/lycopene)
Orange/Yellow - 79% of Americans fall short. (lemons, oranges, carrots/alpha- and beta-carotene)
Blue/Purple - 80% of Americans fall short. (plums, eggplant, grapes/reservatrol)

This brilliant campaign continue through 2010 -- and it encourages consumers to Get Your Daily Dose of Color, first through fruits and vegetables and then through NUTRILITE supplements with phytonutrients from the color groups missing from their diets.

Sounds great, right? So how do you get the full story and then share it with others?

First, visit www.nutrilite.com/color. You and your customers can take an assesment to see which colors are missing from your diet. And, you can learn more about the fruits and vegetables in each color category--and the phytonutrients and their health benefits. I just spent 20 minutes on this site ... it's bright, fun, and informative. It also made me want to visit a farmer's market right away!

You'll be able to share this colorful story with your customers using new marketing tools that are coming soon to the Amway Global website: NUTRILITE Phytonutrient Spectrum Brochure, NUTRILITE Organic Farming Brochure, and the NUTRILITE Phytonutrient Spectrum Handheld Tool.

Expand upon these pieces with selling tools available online, including the Show and Sell DVD/CD-ROM, DOUBLE X Brochure and Leave-behind, and the Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables Leave-behind.

Also, be sure to check out the GIVE THE BEST Campaign ... it contains a great DOUBLE X promo!

Don't forget! Eat your fruits and veggies to get all your colors in your diet. And tell your customers about this, too. After all, you're in a people business -- and this business is about helping make people's lives better -- and, in this case, you can help make lives healthier!

So, let's do it!

The Understudy is on Stage

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:59:00 -0700

As you may have noticed, it's been awhile since I've blogged. That's because I've been working diligently to help get our new website up and running. It's a big project that is taking up much of my time here at Amway Global. So rather than leave you hanging with no posts, I've asked Jennifer Iracki to fill in as guest blogger for Rocktucky Living. She'll be your host until everything gets rolling with the new website. Please join me in welcoming her to Opportunity Zone.

Hi everyone! As Gregory mentioned, my name is Jennifer Iracki. I am a writer for Amway Global Integrated Marketing Services, which basically means I write various types of communications for the Sales and Marketing teams. At home, I am a working mom with a lot on my plate ... and a lot of plates in my sink waiting to be washed.

As much as I aspire to greatness, I'm not Martha Stewart, the Galloping Gourmet, Bob Vila, or that woman who is the self-proclaimed "Queen of Organization." I'm no expert at cooking, cleaning, organizing, or decorating, but I make an honest effort. And often times, I even attempt my own home repairs and improvements -- usually "with a little help from my friends," as the Beatles say.

I'm not a transplanted New Yorker, nor do I live in a rural area, like Gregory. I'm originally from Michigan and I actually live in a Grand Rapids ‘burb called Wyoming. It sounds rural or at least way-out-west-ish though, so I suppose I can pretend it's rural. I did live in Phoenix for two years and Jacksonville, Florida for about five years. Both had their charm, but they didn't feel like home to me. So, here I am back in Michigan.

I'm really looking forward to blogging here at Rocktucky Living and hope that you enjoy reading my future posts. As I share my stories, comments, recipes, household tips, etc., I invite you to do the same. I can't wait to hear from you!

P.S.: Gregory says, "Hi" from IT bunker in the basement.

Community Consciousness - Employees from Amway Europe

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 -0700

From time to time we will be featuring employees from Amway Europe sharing in their own words why they support the European project “Brick by Brick”, designed to build preschools in a remote area of eastern Turkey.

The Van region of eastern Turkey is a picturesque area in a remote part of the country. Despite the grandeur, literacy rates are half those in the rest of the country and only 10% of children attend preschool due to lack of resources.

The Brick by Brick campaign will raise money to build new preschools in the area. This can have a significant impact on the future of children in Turkey. It gives them a solid foundation for continuing education and potentially a path out of poverty.

Amway Europe is striving to raise $450,000 this year, which is the cost of one preschool for 200 children. Additionally, the children will receive one hot meal per day at the preschool. For many of these kids it is the only chance to get a meal that day.

“Why do I support the European project:
Preschools for Turkey”

Early morning. Calm. Light breeze. Somewhere far away the first ray of sun makes it way through and gradually lights up boundless earth. Little flower awoke out of sleep on the large glade as if it spangled with diamonds of sparkling dew drops. Isn’t it beautiful! It needs this world so much, in which it just starts its life, and sky, sun, peace and love so important for it!

Look! But it is not alone – the whole glade is spangled with flowers! They are so different, so wonderful and unprotected. All of them like children in the whole word need love, understanding and help. Children are the flowers of the life. No matter where they live on planet – they must have always and everywhere equal opportunities for full development, growth and perfection. To make a good start in life is very important for little person.

Amway does not just improve life of children in different countries of the world but creates conditions to open the hearts of kind people to support and help children for their full-fledged start in life.

Why do I support “Preschools for Turkey” project? Because there is nothing more important in life than children, than to help children.

I’m proud that I work among thinking people, that my colleagues understand and support enormous and inestimable contribution of Amway to children, their dreams and future.

~Best regards, Yuliya Kozoriz, Amway Ukraine

Ta-ta for now!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:29:00 -0700

The temperature has dropped here in Michigan which means that over the weekend, I had no choice but to turn on the heat, put away my summer sandals, and pull out my sweaters to keep from freezing from head to toe! I love fall - the fashion, the colors, the flavors...its all so warm and cozy! And every year, as I make the switch from my summer styles to my fall wardrobe, I'm reminded how energizing 'change' can be. Even something as simple as trading my worn out flip flops for a new pair of suede boots can leave me feeling brand new and ready to take on the day!

This fall, I am making another change in my life. I'm taking a new job with the Amway Special Events department in the Global Sales Division. I have learned so much working with the Mobile Brand Experiences, the LA Sol and Earthquakes soccer teams, and all of the other amazing sponsorships Amway Global has taken on the last 2 years. Now it's time to try something new so that I can continue to grow and change with the Amway family.

Even though I'm packing up, All Dolled Up is staying right here! My friend (and beauty maven) Katie Blough will be taking over this blog sharing her makeup, skin care, and fashion tips to keep the beauty talk flowing. Watch for Katie to join the conversation soon - till then - stay fabulous dolls & gents, I'll miss you!

Jess

Amway Korea's work in Bangladesh

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:34:00 -0700

Our colleagues in South Korea put together a great One by One program this spring that included foreign aid, brilliant photography and even international diplomacy.

In April, Amway Korea organized an overseas volunteer program in Bangladesh. Amway Korea President Park Se Joon visited Dahka, Badahra, Mirpur and Ghatail in Bangladesh with employee volunteers and staff of Good Neighbors, a Korean nonprofit organization.

During the volunteer program, they visited Mirpur and Badahra elementary schools, offering educational programs to the students. They also donated class supplies and the first science lab to Ghatail High School. In the city of Ghatail, they went on to build 30 water pumps and toilet facilities for the residents.

They also wanted to take back their impressions of Bangladesh to the Korean people. So when they returned, they held a photo exhibition, called 'Happiness from the Smiles' at a gallery in Seoul over the summer.

Amway invited ambassadors from the Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani and Egyptian embassies, as well as Kim Nak-Jung, the Chairman of the Korea Press Photographers Association to the exhibition.

Below are a few pictures from the exhibition.

Help offered to Indonesia earthquake victims

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:02:00 -0700

After our last posting about the earthquake in Indonesia, in the West Java area, there was another more severe earthquake near Sumatra.

As part of Amway's Disaster Response Plan, we’ve been working with our local Amway offices to monitor the situation and determine where and how Amway can help in relief and rebuilding efforts. Amway Indonesia is also making special considerations for the business concerns of local IBOs

Following is an excerpt from a note we received last night from Koen Verheyen, the General Manager of Amway Indonesia, with pictures below ...

Our standard response for disaster relief is to focus on immediate emergency relief in the form of daily necessities such as food, water, clothes, shelter and hygiene. The funding for these emergency efforts come from fundraising through sms, emails to IBO leaders, donations from staff and PT Amway Indonesia. Under normal circumstances our capacity to raise funds is limited.

From experience we know that we cannot be involved in the rehabilitation of physical infrastructure due to our limited funds. It was only through the exceptional contribution of [Amway headquarters] that we could rebuild the two schools in Bantul (Central Java) destroyed by the 2006 quake.

For both Tasikmalaya and Padang, we sent a team of staff volunteers to coordinate efforts on the ground with IBO leaders in the struck area. In Tasikmalaya, our IBO lead coordinator was Diamond Harry Sampoerna, whilst in Padang our IBO lead coordinator was Executive Diamond Yenni Gunawan.

Our response team left for Padang on October 10 and consisted of three staff and one outside volunteer who has on the ground experience with disaster relief efforts. They had to fly to Pekanbaru since no flights were available to Padang. Our Amway Distribution Center (ADC) operator in Padang had already coordinated the purchase of all relief materials, such as tents, medicines and sandals, whilst we took products from the ADC inventory.

The ADC operator provided us with one of his trucks for the 12 hour journey to Padang. Our team has returned late last night and we will have a debriefing meeting with them today. Telecommunication to Padang is still very difficult and we have to rely more on IBOs communicating with us from Padang which seems to be easier.

Both in Tasikmalaya and Padang we focus our efforts towards IBOs, whilst not turning down others in need. We had only recently opened our Padang APC, serving as a pick-up center for orders delivered from Medan ADC. We also have an Executive Diamond in Padang.

Knowing we probably can't be involved in physical rehabilitation due to limited funds, we [planned to] focus on psychological rehabilitation. However, now that we have a financial commitment from headquarters, we may review our strategy.

Going further, we would like to focus our efforts on providing help with education and nutritional care to orphaned kids. For other help we will wait for the debriefing of the advance team today. A second team of volunteers is ready to go for follow up help.

All our APC staff are safe. Executive Diamond Yenni Gunawan and family are safe. News on other IBOs will be obtained this morning.

Attached are some pictures send by staff when they were on the ground in Padang. Thanks again for your generous support and best regards.