A convention to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a global health and wellness direct sales company, Sunrider International, was held at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, according to a Sunrider press release.

Although this Grand Convention marked the first to be held in person in three years, participants were also able to attend virtually. 

Held from September 19 to September 22, the event featured workshops, entertainment, general sessions, receptions, business training, and more. Multiple speakers were headlined, including Erin King, Tracey Vlahos, Jennifer Dawn, and Darlene “Coach Dar” Santore. 

“The world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got the convention off to an exciting start, performing live and signing autographs on the first day,” the press release states. “The program also included product launches of Sunrider’s new botanically based cosmetic lines: Kandesn® Lip Colors, Lip Dew Balm, and Face Palettes.”

“The convention also provided a platform to actively support Sunrider’s ongoing partnerships with global philanthropic organizations Engage Now Africa and Mentors International,” the press release shares. “Booths were set up onsite so attendees could learn more about these organizations and how to get involved. Attendees also had the opportunity to give back through volunteer activities on ‘Giving Wednesday,’ assembling care kits for infants in support of Community Partners of Dallas and creating greeting cards for Cards for Kindness.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s Texas Manufacturing Plant (TXP) was the focal point of this year’s convention. The plant recently started producing Sunrider products, according to the press release. Those in attendance toured the new facility, which covers 1.1 million square feet. The overall property spans 71 acres. 

Sunrider’s TXP was opened in Midlothian, Texas, and the city’s mayor shared that it has become an important part of the local business community. Mayor Richard Reno attended the ribbon-cutting during the Grand Convention, according to a press release from September 23. 

Sunrider’s founders, Drs. Tei-Fu Chen and Oi-Lin Chen, also attended the ceremony, in addition to CEO and President of the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce Melissa Shook and other city officials.

Tei-Fu is a herbalist who has a degree in pharmacy, according to the Sunrider website, and Oi-Lin is a medical doctor. 

They were accompanied by their five children, Jonathan Chen, Eric Chen, Sunny Beutler, Reuben Chen, and Wendy Teng, who are also part of the company.  Wendy and Jonathan serve on the board of directors, Eric is the chief of global manufacturing, Reuben is the chief medical advisor, and Sunny serves as the CEO. 

Beutler shared a few words, according to the press release, and presented a plaque to commemorate the occasion. 

“This community has welcomed us with open arms,” Beutler said. “I am so happy to share this momentous occasion with our family, Independent Business Owners (IBOs), local business owners, and community partners. I am proud to say that TXP is now officially open.”

Sunrider International has its headquarters in Torrance, California, with a global reach of almost 50 countries.