Amway Global Partners with Charles Garcia - One of the '100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States'

ADA, Mich., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Amway Global today announced a partnership with Charles Garcia, successful business owner, best-selling author, and one of Hispanic Business magazine's "100 most influential Hispanics in the United States."

Steve Lieberman, Managing Director of Amway Global, said, "Amway Global is continuing to develop growth strategies for 2010 and beyond by seeking innovative partnerships with widely recognized and well-credentialed leaders."

"And because there are already many Hispanic individuals who are part of the AMWAY® business, it makes sense for us to focus on multicultural growth, including growth in the Hispanic segment," Lieberman added.

Garcia has a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and is a highly decorated military officer, former White House Fellow, and a Columbia Law School graduate with a master's degree in public finance. Garcia has worked for four U.S. presidents, a cabinet secretary, and a four-star general. He currently funds Hispanic-owned businesses through Garcia & Co. Merchant Banking.  

Garcia's entrepreneurial success began in 1997 when he founded and grew a company from three people into a multinational firm with more than 60 offices in seven countries.  His company was named the #8 fastest-growing, privately held company in the United States and the #1 fastest-growing Hispanic-owned business in the nation. In December 2004, Hispanic magazine awarded him the Entrepreneur of the Year Award (prior to Garcia selling his firm in May 2006).

Mr. Garcia caught the attention of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who appointed him as one of seven members (and the only Hispanic) to the State Board of Education. His dedication to educational opportunities for all children, especially minorities, led to an appointment by former President Bush to the President's Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.  

President Obama reappointed him to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Air Force Academy, which oversees all operations at the military academy.  The 15-member board, which includes four U.S. Senators and four members of the U.S. House of Representatives, has elected him as the Chairman of the Board, for the third consecutive year.  In 2006, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Winn Dixie Stores – a Fortune 500 company.  

Hispanic Business magazine recognized Garcia as one of the "100 most influential Hispanics in America," and he is profiled in three recent books, including Hispanics in the USA: Making History, where he was chosen as one of 14 Hispanic role models for the nation.  

His first book, A Message from Garcia, made the Wall Street Journal list of best-selling books and was favorably reviewed by the New York Times. His new book, Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows, was published by McGraw Hill earlier this year.  

Mr. Garcia will serve Amway Global in multiple capacities: as a consultant on the Hispanic market, a keynote speaker on leadership and entrepreneurship at corporate events, the author of a new blog titled Ask Charlie, and a provider of customized educational webinars.

Lieberman added, "We're excited about the unique expertise that Mr. Garcia brings to the business, and we look forward to working with him as we continue our commitment to sustainable growth."

ABOUT AMWAY GLOBAL

With its affiliates around the world, Amway Global (http://www.amwayglobal.com/) is a leader in the $80-billion global direct selling industry. Established in 1959 as a seller of household cleaners, the company expanded and diversified over the years and today is a leader in Health and Beauty through its NUTRILITE® brand of nutritional supplements and the ARTISTRY® brand of skin care and cosmetics.

Amway reported sales of more than $8.2 billion last year and is helping millions of people lead better lives with its consumer products, business opportunities, and generous sharing through the AMWAY ONE BY ONE CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN®.

SOURCE Amway Global