Amway Opportunity Zone

I Was Never Good at Magic, so I can't Perform a Disappearing Act

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:27:00 -0700

However, the MomPod Blog itself will be fading to black.

Before it does, I wanted to thank all my faithful readers and commenters, who've made blogging fun and worth doing. In fact, blogging has become so much a part of the fabric of "me" that I'll be taking on more blogging responsibilities directly related to Amway's products, people, and programs. I can't share the details now, but suffice it to say I couldn't be more excited. I'm very passionate about this company and can't wait to lend my voice (and if they'll let me, a bit of my humor) to furthering our vision of helping people live better lives.

So, the MomPod is no longer. But you haven't heard the last of me, and you certainly haven't read the last posts that Amway Global will be doing about families, kids, health, moms, and dads. Melissa Charles, Health Brand Manager Extraordinaire, will be launching her blog all about these topics - and the role phytonutrients play in healthy, active lifestyles - later this year.

I hope you'll wish me luck as I tackle my new endeavors, and know that the time you've spent here has meant the world to me.

See you soon -

Cindy

All-star athlete, international beauty, role model

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:20:00 -0700

What I love most about beauty and fashion is that you can find it just about anywhere - from the runways in NYC to the streets of your own hometown! And one of my new favorite faces belongs to Marta de Silva who proves that beauty is more than skin deep and can even be found on a soccer field in southern California!

For those of you who don't know her, Marta is a forward for the Los Angeles Sol Women's Professional Soccer Team. Representing the beauty of hard work as well as strength on and off the field, Marta is an incredible role model for young girls.

As presenting sponsor of the team, Amway Global had the opportunity to spend some time with her off the field for an exciting photo shoot where Marta beautifully wore some of her favorite Artistry products!

Ashley B. applying the finishing touches to Marta's flawless look!

Gorgeous!

Marta is a three-time FIFA Women's Player of the Year and she is up to win the ESPY for Best Female International Athlete. You can help her achieve this by voting online at http://www.espys.tv/.

Amway is on the road

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:21:00 -0700

Here's an update from the National Spotlight Tour in the US, from Lindsey Kerstetter, who was our representative at the One by One display.

During the week of June 22, I was in sunny Anaheim, California for the first stop of the Amway Global National Spotlight Tour. Ironically it was 15 degrees cooler in Anaheim then the heat wave in West Michigan, but it was California dreamin’ just the same.

Thousands of Independent Business Owners showed up with their family and friends in tow at the Anaheim Convention Center. They came to expose others to Amway, learn how to energize their own businesses and of course, get a taste of the new berry flavored energy bar! And it wasn’t just the tastes that whet their appetites, but the sights too.

The expo displays were abbreviated versions from the Amway Experience in Vegas during the Amway 50th events a month before. There was an Artistry catwalk, Nutrilite helix and gigantic One by One letters. That’s why I was there, for One by One. Yes, I was commonly the photographer who took people’s pictures in front of the huge letters, but I was also the one they talked to about their volunteer experiences and desire to be involved in something bigger than them… something that has impacted the lives of more than 6 million children.

One IBO came up to express his gratitude for the new KaBoom playground at his children’s school that was built by Nutrilite employees in Lakeview this past spring. Another couple shared how they hold an annual bowl-a-thon and golf outing to raise money for Easter Seals. And one woman stood for half an hour with tears in her eyes as she watched One by One stories unfold through video and absorbed the impact Amway partnerships have on children around the world.

The One by One Campaign for Children could be considered the softer side of the business, but important just the same. And although our booth did not draw the crowds of an Artistry makeover or Tolsum shave demonstration, the Spotlight Tour confirmed that IBOs believe in One by One and understand when you help a child, you help a community, you help the world – and that’s worthy of all our involvement.

The next spotlight events are planned for August 6-8 in Baltimore, Md.; August 13-15 in Seattle, Wash; September 3-5 in New York, NY; and September 10-12 outside of Chicago, Ill. So mark the dates on your calendar… and if we’re in a city near you, come visit and share your volunteer stories with us. Hint: we’ll be the people by the big One by One letters  Better yet, share your stories anytime here on the blog or on the One by One website. We love to hear from you!

Helping 350 kids get their "freedom wheels"

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:43:00 -0700

Our partnership with cricket star Adam Gilchrist (mentioned in previous posts) produced some fantastic results. Adam delivered a cheque on behalf of Amway that will provide 350 modified bikes for children with disabilities.

What a great partnership for One by One in Australia! Following is the press release and some photos.

Saturday, 20 June 2009

Nutriway Ambassador Adam Gilchrist today handed over a cheque for $215,000 to TAD organisations around Australia to help fund 350 modified bikes for children with disabilities.

Each bike is modified to allow children to enjoy riding a bike for the first time.

“As a father of three, I know bikes make kids happy. With this funding, we can help fund 350 bikes for children with disabilities,” Adam Gilchrist said.

Adam Gilchrist accepted Amway’s challenge to hit 25 sixes during the recent IPL to earn $15,000 of funding for bikes.

Adam hit 29 sixes, up from 19 sixes during the previous season.

“This challenge was one of my secret weapons - nothing is more rewarding than to imagine a smile on a child’s face,” Adam Gilchrist said.

Today, Amway announced it is providing $200,000 funding to give the gift of wheels to children with disabilities. In total, Amway will help fund 350 modified bikes and provide $215,000 as part of its One by One Campaign for Children.

The bikes will be delivered across Australia through Amway’s Freedom Wheels initiative, which Amway runs in partnership with the Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD).

“Amway is delighted to be helping so many children. You only have to see the smiles on the faces of children and listen to their parents to know this is a great charity. Special thanks goes to Adam Gilchrist for his fantastic support,” Tony Greig, Amway spokesperson, said today.

Legacy of Clean

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:59:00 -0700

If you have not already seen the introduction to our new home care line, check it out. (Amway Global IBOs only, and don't forget to login to see the page).

We've taken the Dish Drops dish cleaning products, the LOC home cleaning products, and SA8 laundry products, and combined them into one line now called Legacy of Clean.

In most cases, the formula's are the same or have been updated to enhance cleaning power while at the same time making the products more planet-friendly. Since these products launched, they have always worked and have always been green. Now, they have updated packaging and some improvements.

If you've ordered the Introduction Kit, I am curious about what you think of the new look, scents, and updates? I love the new packaging for SA8, making it much easier to store laundry powder now. I like the ready mixed formula's, instead of concentrates. And I love the new packaging overall.

So, tell me what you think?

Dia del Sol

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Another guest blogger joins us this week. Debb Kalmbach is Manager of our Global Corporate Citizenship department, and also serves on the board of directors of Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities near Amway headquarters.

The Cook Arts Center of the Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities organization was alive with activity on the evening of their "Dia del Sol" event last week. As we walked up to the front steps of the Arts Center, we were greeted by dancers from Grupo Tarasco, a dance company of the Cook Arts Center. They entertained guests with their fun music and brightly colored dresses all in the beautiful sunny evening. A perfect "day of the sun".

As the only fundraiser, Dia del Sol is supported by the community and local artist, with all proceeds going to support the operation of Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities in Grand Rapids. This organization serves children and families with the mission "to transform lives in the Grandville Avenue neighborhood through reading and the arts and by celebrating the community's cultural richness." Check out their website.

Inside we were treated to great food from Tommy Fitzgerald Group and entertainment from Son de Mexico.

During the short welcome program two kids from the neighborhood, Carlos and Jessica, spoke about what the art center and library mean to them. It reinforced the reason that I am involved with this organization. Carlos will be in 7th grade next year and has been coming to the arts center after school for 3 years now. His favorite afterschool activities are pottery, cooking and gardening.

Jessica recently moved here with her family from Nevada. She introduced herself to our librarian before the new library building even opened and has been very helpful first as a volunteer and now as an intern. She'll be a senior in high school next year and is looking forward to attending college after that.

I serve as Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities. I love to visit the Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center. There is usually a buzz of activity from the neighborhood kids who come to visit after school.

At the library, you'll find books to read, tutors to help with homework, computers to research information, and advice from "Ms. Sue" on which books are on the must read list. The arts center is also busy with music (keyboard and guitar), dance and art classes.

I love being involved with an organization that is dedicated to offering kids something constructive to do with their time...it's great to see their progress and interest in the programs and the impact it makes on their lives...One by One.

Give feedback - win stuff

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 -0700

I have two Ribbon Gift Card to give away for taking a five-minute survey about the One by One blog.

Click here to take the survey.

We are trying to get some feedback on content and style of the blog so we can provide the types of stories and topics that YOU are most interested in. We'll draw two lucky winners to receive the Ribbon "Choices" Gift Card - valued at $50.00.

Thanks in advance for your participation, and your feedback!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSES. WE HAD SOME GREAT FEEDBACK. THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED AND WE WILL DRAW NAMES AND CONTACT THE WINNERS OF THE GIFT ALBUMS BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

Get a sneak peek at a brand new clean!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:07:00 -0700

LEGACY OF CLEAN IBO Preview Kit is now available online. Don't miss this! (NOTE: You need to login as an IBO to view the kit.) It's your introduction to the newly branded line of planet-positive home care (laundry, dish, and surface) - and your invitation to experience "positively clean" firsthand.The newly branded products will be available for sale in September.

For you and your customers, cleaning is about keeping your home happy, healthy, and comfortable. Amway products have been helping families do just that since 1959 when L.O.C. (Liquid Organic Cleaner) made its debut. That's why the brand is called LEGACY OF CLEAN. We've been "green" from the start.

This Preview Kit gives you the opportunity to experience LEGACY OF CLEAN products for yourself, then use your knowledge and enthusiasm to share the laundry products and cleaners with your customers. Because of the environmentally sensitive formulas, superb performance, and competitive pricing, these LEGACY OF CLEAN products are an excellent way to introduce new customers to your business. After all, everybody does laundry and everybody cleans. But they want products that perform without harming people or the planet. Guess what? You now have an entire line of products to meet their needs with LEGACY OF CLEAN.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to SELL! Order the Preview Kit NOW.

You’ll receive two boxes full of LEGACY OF CLEAN home care products--biodegradable and phosphate-free laundry, dish, and surface cleaners, a free LEGACY OF CLEAN reusable tote bag (it boasts the new logo!), and a 16-page brochure, complete with product features and benefits you can share with your customers. Remember to focus on the benefits of the LEGACY OF CLEAN products cause that's what sells the products.

High-performance. These super-potent laundry products and cleaners really take away dirt and grime. Wait until you try 'em! Wait until your customers try 'em. AMAZING! (Let us know what you think!)

Planet-positive. Concentrated to do more with less effort and less waste. And they're biodegradable and recyclable to minimize the impact on the environment.YES!

Safe (when used as directed, of course.) Okay, sure, you're thinking we would never sell anything that wasn't safe and that's true, but what I want you to focus on with your customers is that LEGACY OF CLEAN products take away dirt, grease, grime, and dust without negatively impacting the health of people or the planet. WOW!

Now, here's even more good news: This IBO Preview Kit is priced at 20% off regular IBO cost. (Gotta love that!) Kits are limited to one per IBO and supplies are limited. ACT FAST! Order this Preview Kit and get ready to shine when LEGACY OF CLEAN products become available in September.

A special visit from the SJ Earthquakes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:49:00 -0700

A few weeks ago, the San Jose Earthquakes visited a local Easter Seals center to spend time with children with disabilities. I finally got my hands on the video and wanted to share it with you!

Check it out!

Nutrilite athletes win in the wind

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:52:00 -0700

The conditions were a little less than ideal this past weekend at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, but that didn't stop Team Nutrilite athletes Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards from winning their respective events and making the U.S. National Team.

The U.S. National Outdoor Track & Field team will compete at the World Championships in Berlin from August 15 through August 23.

With the top time in the women's 400M, Sanya Richards headlines her team. Jenn bested a tough field and also headlines her team in the women's pole vault.

Here are some quotes from our winners this past weekend (credit to USATF.org):

Sanya Richards – Winner Women’s 400M

On her performance:
“I don’t think this was one of my best races, just by looking at the time, but the wind has been tough at Hayward all week. I just wanted to run smart and make sure I brought it home to win. Now I’m ready to move on and focus on Berlin.”

On her goals this season:
“I want to run fast. I haven’t run a 48 in two or three seasons, but my number one goal is still to win in Berlin.”

On what her experience has taught her:
“I think I learned a lot from last season. I think sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself at the big meets, and I just need to run relaxed.”

Jennifer Stuczynski – Winner Women’s Pole Vault

On winning the pole vault:
“It was kind of a gutsy event. If it was Thursday, Friday or Saturday I would have pulled out. I have so many nagging injuries going on. Today I was able to compete. I am glad it worked out. Now it’s time to move on and get healthy.”

On the windy conditions:
“It was just me being able to come down the runway. The wind had no play in it at all. Everything was clicking.”

More stories on the events:
Stuczynski survives injuries
Richards claims another title

Amway a finalist for the Governor's Service Awards

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:36:00 -0700

Following is a post from Michelle Meulendyk, a guest blogger from our Corporate Citizenship team.

Last week I found myself a the Governor's Mansion of all places.

Amway was nominated by KaBOOM!, for the Governor’s Service Award. This is the second year in a row that one of our nonprofit partners nominated us. The award recognizes "individuals, organizations and companies that are working to improve the lives of others here in Michigan."

The Service Awards were presented at the Governor’s mansion in Lansing. Which is pretty cool, no matter your political persuasion. After the hour drive and I.D. check at the door, we walked into the backyard of the mansion and the program began. One by one, each nominee was called to the stage. Among them was Dawnlynn Suttorp, Amway Volunteer Coordinator.

As the Governor and the emcee, began to speak about the nominees and what this award means, it brought to the forefront just how many people, organizations and companies here in Michigan are willing to give of their time, talents and treasures to help others.

As Dawnlynn stood on the stage, I began to realize how much our employees do. Week after week, we see Amway employees mentoring, helping at local camps, building playgrounds, cooking meals for families with children in the hospital and so much more.

It’s really humbling to remember how special these volunteers are and what a great place we work for. Amway truly has a commitment to our communities here in West Michigan and around the globe. And while we didn't win this year, recognition by our community partners means so much.

Jenn and Sanya heavily favored in Eugene

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:26:00 -0700

Well, the Nutrilite sponsored track & field events may be done for the season, but there is still a lot of running and vaulting to be done, starting with the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Eugene, OR.

Both Sanya Richards (400M) and Jenn Stuczynski (Pole Vault) are heavily favored to win their respective championships this weekend.

The event will be televised Friday (8-10 pm on ESPN), Saturday (7:30 to 9:30 pm on ESPN), and Sunday (4 to 6 pm on NBC) and can also be viewed via streaming video.

For event schedules, TV times, streaming media connections and information on the National Championships, visit USATF.org.

Good luck Jenn and Sanya!

One day, One completed Playground

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:45:00 -0700

Just the night before and into the early morning hours, thunderstorms producing plenty of lightning covered most of the lower half of Michigan. Sure we expect this type of weather throughout the summertime, but this day was set for fulfilling a Thanksgiving wish that our Vice President, Dana Boals found in the newspaper. A local Girl Scout troop submitted a heartfelt wish that Congress Elementary School would receive a new playground.

Amway through the One by One Campaign for Children, for the fourth time in West Michigan, partnered with the nonprofit KaBOOM!, and now Grand Rapids Public Schools, to turn that wish into a reality.

I arrive shortly after 8 am. The sun is shining and as I approach there is a hum of energy. As I go in to the scene, there is a rhythm. It is a rhythm of hundreds of volunteers from Amway Manufacturing. Add to the mix the Girl Scout Troop, people from Grand Rapids Public Schools, KaBOOM! and the surrounding neighborhood. All focused on a goal to not only build, but complete a playground all before 2:30 in the afternoon.

I sign in, and chose a tag to put my name on. Each name tag has a sticker. There are ladybugs, guerillas, camels, dolphins, on and on and on. Mine? It is a puppy. Cool! Everyone is checking out each others name tags to see what they have. As we’re greeting each other, we find out these stickers determine what team and what job we will be focusing on for the day.

The opening ceremonies are going great, the Girl Scouts are leading us through “warm up exercises” for fun and as I look around I see the Vice President of Amway Manufacturing Dave Buttrick joining in with the side bends. He too has a name tag and will be put to work.

Next, through the sound system, they are calling out the jobs. And all of us with a puppy sticker? We hoot and cheer as we’re informed we’re going to mix cement by hand! We are all summoned to Don, our Team Captain. First order of business? Shovel 12 inches down around the entire boarder. Really? But it’s hot out and the border is big so the task looks daunting! So we all literally dig in. The music starts, the tempo and the pace, the entire rhythm of everyone working together for something that will bring the community joy for years to come, and give children a great place to play is making all this work fun.

As we’re digging, equipment is being put together by different teams, the build site is being prepped, children are painting artwork, picnic tables and benches are being crafted with care. Each one is sweaty, dirty and smiling.

Unbelievably, sometime long before lunch (I’ve lost track of time), they are ready for us to begin mixing cement. Wheelbarrows, shovels, hoes, water, bags and bags of cement each small but weighing a mighty 80 pounds each surrounds our team. It’s a serious group who isn’t afraid to lift, wave at the dust, and get sloppy. I take a moment to look around and everyone is wearing their sweat and dirt with pride. Especially those who team up with a new found acquaintance to haul some 210 cubic yards of mulch on to the new playground.

Sometime during lunch, the sizable new playground is complete. WOW! And just as everyone is pitching in to clear the scraps, hang the artwork, and broom the walkways clear with a passion, there is a roll of thunder, a smile, a hug, a wiping of the brow, then rain. Once again, I feel honored to work for Amway, where the legacy of 50 years of caring is solid, rock solid.

When bad things happen to good Samaritans, turn to L.O.C.

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:30:00 -0700

"Oo-oo, that smell. Can't you smell that smell?" -- "That Smell" by Lynyrd Skynyrd There's a swamp that borders the Amway Global headquarters. It (the swamp) is home to a number of animals, including turtles, who cross the...(read more)

Get in gear - Nutrilite logo gear

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:39:00 -0700

As followers of this blog know, we are on the road a lot with the Nutrilite brand.

We've got a new deal to be a presence at Rock -n- Roll Marathons for the next three years. We've been a part of track & field for over three years now, and that presence is ever-growing. The Nutrilite Mobile Brand Experience is all over the country these days, educating the public about the Nutrilite brand.

One of the most commonly asked questions as we make our way to races and events around the U.S. is - where do we get that cool gear you are wearing. Consumers and IBOs alike love our look. Rightfully so! We've got the sweetest new styles from Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Alo and more. Our logo gear is cool, comfortable and fashionable. It is also practical. We have soccer balls, gym bags, shaker cups - even gift bags, pens and key chains.

The problem is, most can't seem to find it!

Make sure you are sporting your favorite Nutrilite and/or Team Nutrilite gear the next time you are out and about. The traction the brand is getting from our sports sponsorships, Amway Global national advertising and through word of mouth is outstanding but let's make it better than outstanding.

To find a great running shirt, soccer ball, work-out shirt, hat or polo, be sure to go to AmwayGlobal.com and search "Nutrilite Logo."

What says summer to you?

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:49:00 -0700

It's the middle of June, the days are long, the temperatures are warmer, and it finally feels like summer. Next week is the solstice, which many marks "Midsummer" as in Shakespeare's Midsummer night's dream.

I'm noticing things now that say "summer" to me. Watermelon is back in the grocery store. Kids are out of school. And we've had some days with warm and humid weather. When its like that outside and I hear the ice cream truck go through the neighborhood, I am brought back to my childhood in Queens, N.Y.

Many things say summer for me - long days, warm weather, shorts, flowers, and being outside on the patio.

What says summer for you?

Food, face-painting, and a lot of fundraising!

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:20:00 -0700

The rain didn't stop the hundreds of walkers who showed up last night to support the Easter Seals Walk With Me event. And what an event it was! So many dedicated employees, family members, and friends enjoyed a fun-filled event at the John Ball Park and Zoo complete with food from Yesterdog, face-painting, and lots of fundraising.

I was a little concerned about the weather...it seems like we've had such beautiful sunshine for the walk in years past. Luckily, there was no down-pour just a little misting, and every walker marched on with smiles on their faces. It was so motivating to see and feel the positive energy from the crowd. The walk looped around the park and landed us right in the zoo where we got to enjoy frozen treats from Culver's!

What a week for Amway Global and Easter Seals! Not only did the walk raise over $62,000 to help the organization, but earlier this week, some of our favorite soccer players spent some special time with kids from Easter Seals centers in California! Check out Robin's blog for the whole story and pictures!

Aw! Me and my little friend, Ava, and her pretty pink butterfly.

Walk With Me ... Today!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:58:00 -0700

For those of you in the West Michigan area, please join us for the Easter Seals walk this evening at John Ball Park Zoo. Don't let the threat of rain scare you away!

The pre-event activities start at 5:00 p.m. with onsite registration, food and festivities. We'll hear from 10-year old Joseph, the Easter Seals Michigan 2009 Child Ambassador, along with other Honorary Walk With Me Ambassadors.

The walk starts at 6:30, and the zoo opens up at 7:00, free to all walkers and families. We had a great time with my kids last year, especially seeing the new lion exhibit. There have been a lot of new experiences added to the zoo in the last couple years. That alone is worth checking out.

Easter Seals is Amway Global's primary One by One partner in the US, with IBOs participating in walks around the country and Amway Global as a National Presenting Sponsor.

Amway helped to launch this event in Grand Rapids in 2005, and each year it gets better. More sponsors, more walkers, more things to do and see, and more money raised for a great cause.

So please join us!

A guest post by Team Nutrilite's Jenn Stuczynski

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:54:00 -0700

It's good to shake things up every now and then, so rather than another post from me about how our Track & Field presence is going, I thought why not bring you insights straight from the keyboard of a Team Nutrilite athlete?

Jenn Stuczynski is America's all time best women's pole vaulter and the second best ever in the world. Here is a post from Jenn, to give you a look into her world, first hand...

It’s hard to believe that the outdoor season is underway already! I enjoyed my off-season but am excited to be competing again. When I began training for the ‘09 year, my coach had me spend more time than ever on conditioning to make sure that I continue to stay strong as the season progresses. To do this, I focused a lot on the technical aspects of the vault by taking a shorter, slower run than I would at a meet. Thanks to a lot of hard work and great supplementation through Nutrilite, I have been able to stay healthy and make gains in both strength and technique. It is only a matter of time until I begin to apply it to my full competition run. Currently, I am getting ready for the US Nationals in Eugene, Oregon that takes place at the end of June. As for my European schedule, it is still in the making so I will keep you posted!

A lot of people ask me, “Is pole vaulting as hard as it looks?” The answer: YES! Pole vaulting is the biggest athletic challenge I have ever faced. About a month ago, I was going through my college folders and found a note I wrote during one of my School Psychology classes. In it, I described how mentally frustrating the event was. Just when I thought I had applied a skill, there was another one to learn, another skill to correct, another one to enhance and a habit that needed to be broken. Get where I’m going?! There was always something that I was doing wrong, something that I needed to correct and it became so frustrating for me. Fast forward four years…there are times that I still feel exactly the same way. The only difference is I have learned to appreciate the process of training and getting better. I found by charting my workouts in pole vault, running, and the weight room I was able to see my progression. Even if I didn’t clear a higher height at my next meet or I had a bad workout, it helped me to visually see that I was doing what it takes to get better. Sometime you can get lost or caught up in the ‘I want results now’ mode, but everything has a timeline. I would like to say that I have “learned”, but the reality is “I am still learning” PATIENCE! It’s so easy to get overwhelmed but if I keep trying, stay healthy, positive, and be patient great things will happen! Yes…my Olympic Silver is something special which I will never forget. But now…I am looking ahead to future World Championships and hopefully the London Games in 2012.

Although I have not been pole vaulting for as long as my competitors, I have had my share of “ups and downs”. With the “ups” I try to enjoy the moment, appreciate the results but never be satisfied. My coach and I are always evaluating my training, inventing new drills, and refining technique. By doing this I never feel stagnant and there is always ways to improve. However, life is always easier when training is going well! From the time I started pole vaulting, Rick always told me, “It’s when things are going wrong that you need your coach the most”. That is so true! The support cast around an athlete is just as important as the athlete’s ability. Rick knows my goals and aspirations so he never lets me get too discouraged or too complacent. There are always setbacks in athletics but when someone else understands and wants to see you achieve your goals, whether it is a coach, husband, parent, or friend, their support is vital. I am very fortunate to have so many positive people (and my dog Tundra) around me: coach, family, adidas and, of course, Nutrilite. Everyone has played a role in my development and I am very grateful for their support.

I have been with Nutrilite for 2 years now and the experience has been amazing! My first encounter took place in Florida at Achievers 2007. I met so many wonderful people and was impressed with the set-up and organization that took place (and I still am!) It was here that I did my first photo shoot and commercial for Nutrilite! Everyone involved was so friendly it felt as though I knew them for years. That is the biggest thing that I have noticed and loved: Nutrilite is a team and a family. Everybody that I have met are so proud to be a part of and to represent their company. I distinctively remember the first time Nutrilite sponsored a meet, Boston Indoor 2008. I walked in the arena to compete and they had displays set up, full size pictures of me, the big screen was playing my Nutrilite commercial, and IBO’s were set up in a VIP section cheering! Nutrilite sponsors four of the meets that I compete in, and each time I look forward to seeing everyone connected with them. It’s like having an extended family there cheering and supporting me. After the competition is over, I go to the Nutrilite tent and sign autographs where I enjoy meeting new people. I am very proud to be a part of their company and one of their athlete representatives. Nutrilite is a first class company with superior products.

Watch out for me this summer. I’ve got some big competitions ahead.

Below is a picture of my dog, Tundra. He is a Great Pyrenees that weighs 100+ lbs.