by Robert T. Stephan

The Founders of ACN do all that they can to comply with legal requirements that apply to network marketing.  Just a short time ago, they met with the three former state attorneys general in Charlotte to discuss the status of the law and compliance therewith. The same concern and adherence to the law is expected of all Independent Business Owners.

In the past, I have talked about my first conversation with Co-Founder Robert Stevanovski. I was referred to Mr. Stevanovski by a friend who was knowledgeable about the network marketing business. My friend knew that I was familiar with legitimate network marketing companies as well as illegal pyramids when I was Kansas Attorney General. Generally when I was retained by a network marketing company, it was because the company had a problem that needed to be addressed.  My first question out of the box to Mr. Stevanovski was with what kind of a legal problem he needed assistance.  He answered my inquiry by stating that there were no legal problems and he didn’t want any. He said that he was interested in making sure ACN was in full compliance with consumer protection laws and to make it clear to Independent Business Owners that they also were expected to comply with legal requirements. That was more than 10 years ago.

The ACN Independent Business Owner Agreement and the Policies and Procedures set out guidelines that specify the conduct that is expected of all Independent Business Owners as well as ACN. All Independent Business Owners certify that they have read and understand both documents.

ACN wants to do everything possible to assist Independent Business Owners with the business opportunity. Compliance with the law is the first step on the ladder of success. The Founders realize that if an Independent Business Owner does not comply with the law, the Independent Business Owner not only hurts his or her chances for success but jeopardizes the opportunity for others. Because of this, all Independent Business Owners are subject to deactivation if obligations under the Independent Business Owner Agreement and Policies and Procedures are violated.

The first section of the ACN Policies and Procedures starts with a section denoted as Ethics. It says:
“ACN conducts business in an ethical and credible manner and requires its Independent Business Owners to deal ethically with their customers, with each other and with the company. ACN permits no unethical or illegal activity and will intercede when such behavior may exist, and ACN reserves the right to use its best judgment in deciding whether certain representative activities are unethical. Furthermore, ACN may use its own discretion in determining the appropriate course of action. If ACN determines that unethical activities may exist, then it reserves the right to suspend or terminate Independent Business Owner status, including but not limited to all commissions and payments of any kind. Under no circumstances would an Independent Business Owner who is terminated for unethical or illegal activity be entitled to a refund of their original application fee, nor are they entitled to sell or transfer their position.”