Mary Kay Independent Sales Force Converges on Dallas to Give Back
Independent sales force members pack suitcases with cosmetic compacts for recycling
and professional clothing for local domestic violence shelters
Dallas, July 21, 2009 – Mary Kay Inc.’s independent sales force convenes for the annual Mary Kay Seminar July 16 – August 1. The event traditionally known for recognizing and motivating the Mary Kay sales force is also known for its initiatives aimed at giving back to the community.
PINK DOING GREENSM
During the event, Mary Kay independent sales force members are recycling older versions of Mary Kay® compacts as part of the company’s Pink Doing GreenSMM initiative. As part of this project, Mary Kay is partnering locally with the Citizens Development Center to help disassemble the compacts and prepare them for the recycling process. The Citizens Development Center is a nonprofit agency that exists to empower men and women with disabilities to achieve their highest level of employability and independence.
“Mary Kay’s contribution to our work center helps provide vocational training and real work opportunities to adults with employment disabilities,” said Rob Maruca, Sales Manager for Citizens Development Center. “We’re pleased to be part of their Pink Doing GreenSM initiative and contributing to their recycling efforts.”
Mary Kay Inc. exceeded its 2008–2009 collection goal of 200,000 old compacts, succeeding in its pledge to add 200,000 trees to the Bitterroot National Forest, the largest expanse of wilderness in the United States in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.
HELPING END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – SUITS FOR SHELTERS
Also during the event and in coordination with The Mary Kay Foundation, Mary Kay independent sales force members are bringing professional clothing to donate to domestic violence shelters in the Dallas area. The Mary Kay Foundation aims to help end domestic violence and the organization annually donates grants to shelters throughout the United States. Since its inception, the foundation has donated more than $18 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention.
“Genesis Women’s Shelter is incredibly grateful to Mary Kay for their long-term support of our organization and their tireless efforts to bring an end to domestic violence. Women leave everything behind when they leave an abusive home, often arriving at our Shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs – this donation helps to provide women with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and create the bright futures they each deserve,” said Jan Langbein, Executive Director of Genesis Women’s Shelter. Genesis will be one of five local shelters to receive the donated clothing.
MARY KAY SEMINAR 2009
Mary Kay Inc.’s annual Seminar celebrates the success of the company’s independent sales force. In light of the economy, Mary Kay saw a 10 percent increase in new U.S. independent sales force members in the first half of 2009, compared to the first half of 2008. Women of all ethnicities and backgrounds sell Mary Kay products in more than 35 countries. According to the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the economic impact of bringing together independent sales force members from around the world during five, back-to-back conferences at the Dallas Convention Center is nearly $80 million.
About Mary Kay
Mary Kay, one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics, realized another year of record results. In 2008 Mary Kay Inc. and its international subsidiaries achieved $2.6 billion in wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the global Mary Kay independent sales force exceeds 2 million. To learn more about Mary Kay, log on to www.marykay.com or call 1-800-MARY KAY (1-800-627-9529).