ACN: A Legacy Of Integrity, Excellence, and Industry Leadership

In an era when many business models are scrutinized, ACN stands as a beacon of integrity and high standards. For more than three decades, ACN has operated under core values that are not just slogans — they are built into policy, practice, and accountability. The recent visit of ACN’s Executive Vice President, Dave Merriman, to the White House (in his role with the Direct Sellers Association) underscores the influence and respect that ACN commands within the direct selling industry.

Why ACN’s Voice Matters

That ACN is being represented at high levels of policy discussion is no coincidence. Dave Merriman isn’t just a corporate executive — he also serves as Treasurer of the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF), helping guide the education, ethics, and reputation of the entire direct selling field. 

His presence at the White House, alongside other industry leaders and the Direct Sellers Association, in discussion of H.R. 3495 reflects that ACN is not a passive stakeholder — it is actively engaged in shaping the regulatory environment that will govern direct selling for years to come.

That kind of access and influence is earned, not granted. It signals that regulators, policymakers, and industry associations view ACN as a respected player — one whose practices are worthy of consideration when drafting legislation.

Core Values That Drive Every Step

From its earliest days, ACN has anchored itself in principles of integrity, trust, respect, and excellence. Here’s how those values manifest in real action:

• Ethical Policies & Marketing Controls

  ACN’s Policies & Procedures document includes strict prohibitions on misleading marketing, guarantees, or claims of earnings. It prohibits cold marketing, unsolicited emails, or misrepresentation of the business opportunity — reinforcing that success must come through transparency and legitimate customer relationships. 

  These guardrails help protect both Independent Business Owners (IBOs) and customers by aligning practices with legal and ethical standards.

• Code of Conduct & Accountability

  Members commit to act “honestly, fairly, ethically and with integrity,” to comply with all laws and regulations, and to uphold ACN’s reputation of trust. 

  The expectation is clear: doing business the right way isn’t optional — it’s essential.

• Recognition by Reputed Bodies

  ACN holds an A+ (or A) rating with the Better Business Bureau. 

  As a member of the Direct Selling Association (U.S.) and the Direct Sellers Association (Canada), ACN is also recognized for going “above and beyond” in promoting the DSA’s Code of Ethics. 

  
  

Industry Awards & Creative Recognition

ACN is no stranger to accolades. Over its history, the company has collected more than 100 awards for excellence across fields like marketing, design, communications, community outreach, and creativity. Some of the awards include:

• Communicator Awards (recognizing excellence in corporate communication) 

• Davey Awards (for small-firm excellence in creative work) 

• DSA Ethos Awards (awarded to companies that actively empower direct sellers and embody industry values) 

• Graphic Design USA Awards, Hermes Awards, MarCom Awards, Stevie Awards, Telly Awards, Videographer Awards, and Summit International Awards 

These honors, from respected organizations, help confirm that ACN is not only financially successful but creative, professional, and community-oriented.

Leading by Example: Integrity in Practice

It’s easy for a company to talk about ethics; it’s harder to live it. ACN supports its ethical identity with structural and operational decisions:

• Strict enforcement of marketing rules — IBOs may NOT promote or market where ACN has not formally opened operations, and violation can lead to suspension or termination. Unlike ACN, most companies do not enforce guidelines or rules allowing representatives and sales people to do and say anything they want.

• No earnings guarantees or misrepresentations — promotional material must not promise specific savings or earnings outside approved content. It's sad but the majority of companies entice people by showing off big bonus checks and earning statements.

• Warm marketing only — cold calls, door to door sales, unsolicited leads are disallowed. The focus is on relationships, not aggressive outreach. 

• Oversight and accountability — ACN retains the ability to review marketing materials, fine or terminate IBOs who breach policies, and set off costs owed against future compensation. 

By embedding these guardrails, ACN strives to continuously align practice with principle.

Why This Matters Today

As H.R. 3495 (the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act) is under discussion in Washington, the presence of ACN’s EVP, Dave Merriman, in White House meetings signals a commitment to shaping policy responsibly — not by lobbying for loopholes, but by advocating for clarity and fairness. ACN stands ready to work with legislators who respect free enterprise and worker flexibility, while still upholding standards of transparency, compliance, and ethics.

In an industry sometimes accused of overpromising or misrepresenting opportunity, ACN’s 32-year history, institutional checks, award recognition, and leadership engagement in policy conversations set it apart. When the debate turns to how direct sellers should be classified under federal law, ACN is not just a participant — it is a model of how a direct selling company can maintain integrity, empower independent business owners, and engage with policymakers without compromising its values.

THE TEAM