DSEF consumer advocate speakers to visit campus

By Marc Speir
University News Service
September 25, 2007


The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Department of Marketing in the McCoy College of Business Administration are hosting a number of classroom presentations by seven consumer advocate speakers Oct. 2 and 3 at Texas State University-San Marcos.

Speakers include many nationally recognized members of the business community who represent the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF).

The DSEF sponsors speakers to enhance public awareness of direct sales involving person-to-person contact, ethics, entrepreneurship, consumer protection and contemporary issues of business importance in the global marketplace.

Eunice Dudley is owner and chief financial officer of Dudley Products Inc., a multi-million dollar hair care and cosmetics company headquartered in Kernersville, N.C.

Lesley Fair is a senior attorney with the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, where she represents the FTC in numerous investigations of deceptive national advertising.

Cathy Mendelsohn is a consumer education specialist in the Georgia governor’s office of consumer affairs in charge of implementing a statewide communications plan for consumer education.

Rhonda L. Shasteen is senior vice president of corporate brand strategy and sales support at Mary Kay, Inc.  Her leadership affects all Mary Kay worldwide marketing areas in branding strategy, product marketing, sales promotions, market research, creative services and advertising.

Richard A. Schubkegel is vice president of information and support services at The Pampered Chef, Ltd. His department provides business solutions for customers, consultants and co-workers through an integrated call center.

Cynthia Sich is director of the office of consumer affairs in Summit County, Ohio. Her office investigates fraud and promotes consumer protection education.

Tim Smith is senior director of business development and market research for the Shaklee Corporation. He is responsible for identifying, evaluating and driving business development opportunities and growth for the company.