It was the first major event to kick off the year. The business themed quarterly update was welcomed with excitement, as associates from head office and Metro branches flocked to the Yes We Can-ized venue to witness what great plans the company has to share to drive its objectives.

Five presenters were invited to cascade each department’s contribution to the Yes We Can challenge. Each armed with great initiatives that will pave the way in how the first quarter and the rest of 2009 will be projected.

Jackie Caniza, Group Manager-HR Department, shared exciting changes in our Service Recognition Program and how it becomes a TOTAL experience. Tes Romano, SEA Cluster Marketing Director, communicated their continuous fight to fair share on Skin Care and the push Jewelry as a must-win category.

On the sales bit, Emie Nierves, Director for Sales, rallied to lead the Sales Leaders on the desired behavior while building and enabling the capacity of the Field Executives. While TJ Nadres, Project Lead- New Avon Look, received claps of appreciation from the audience upon showing the standard look for the branches.

And who could forget the story from Web Enablement’s Lead, Marvin Agustin, on Mrs. Albee? It was a creative touch to share the benefits of internet and internet ordering to the company and our representatives.

But more importantly, our General Manager, Bob Briddon’s discussion on how 2009 promises to be another great year through sustained profitable growth, is both challenging yet exciting times for Avon Philippines. As he mentioned, these are crucial times. But confidence brings us to say that Avon IS the answer. While other corporations will approach the crisis by holding back, we are facing this head on by driving dealer activation growth, promoting the Avon opportunity and promoting the Avon Smart Shopper.

Commitment is what’s encouraged from each associate who attended the event. The only question now is how resolved we are in contributing to deliver what’s expected. And I believe everyone’s answer is a resounding, Yes We Can and Yes We Will!