BUSINESS HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
The company that owns the rights of manufacture is known as Jurak Corporation World Wide, Inc. It was incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota on November 1, 1997. In this Annual Report, the terms "Company", "us", "we", "our" and "its" are used as references to Jurak Corporation World Wide, Inc. We develop and distribute dietary herbal supplement products. Our "Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic" was first developed in the 1920's and 1930's and introduced to the marketplace in 1943 by Mr. Carl Jurak, the father of the founder of our company. Our dietary herbal supplement products are distributed through a network marketing system using independent distributors that we refer to as "Ambassadors of Health" (distributors).
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
General
We are a product-focused company specializing in the herbal supplement industry and market. Our main product is the "Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic", also known as JC Tonic, which is a herbal supplement blend of thirty different ingredients comprised primarily of medicinal herbs. The main ingredients of the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic include thyme leaf, sarsaparilla root, dandelion root, alfalfa herb, angelica root, saw palmetto berry, horehound herb, horsetail herb, quassia wood, peppermint herb, licorice root, gentian root, celery seed, mallow herb, chamomile flower, passion flower herb, malva flower, and hops flower with potassium citrate, magnesium gluconate, calcium glycerophosphate, potassium glycerophosphate, iron glycerophosphate, boron tri-fluoride, potassium iodide, glycerin. The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is marketed in 42-ounce bottles and 20-ounce bottles, which combined constitute approximately 100% of our sales.
We distribute our products through a network marketing system using independent distributors. Network marketing appeals to a wide cross-section of people, particularly those seeking to supplement income, start a home-based business, or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities other than conventional full-time employment. We consider our compensation plan and cash bonus pools to be attractive components of our network marketing system. We also believe that our network marketing system is ideally suited to market herbal supplement products because sales of such products are strengthened by ongoing personal contact between our distributors and their customers. Distributors are given the opportunity through sponsored events and training sessions to network with other distributors, develop selling skills and establish personal goals. We supplement monetary incentives with other forms of recognition in order to further motivate and foster an atmosphere of excitement through our distributor network.
We have obtained trademark protection for the name "JC Tonic" within the United States and within Canada. We also own the web sites www.jurak.com, www.jctonic.com, and www.tonicman.com.
Industry Overview - Tonic Herbs
The nutrition industry includes many small and medium sized companies that manufacturer and distribute products generally intended to maintain the body's health and general well being. The four major product categories within the nutrition industry are: (i) nutritional supplements, which are products such as vitamins and minerals, dietary supplements, herbs and botanicals, and compounds derived from these substances; (ii) natural and organic foods; (iii) functional foods; and (iv) personal care products.
The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is a blend of 18 bi-directional tonic herbs with added minerals. "Tonic" has been defined as "a substance (tonic) to strengthen the body against chronic conditions by gently "moving" or "adjusting" processes in the body; they are "catalysts" or "assisting remedies". The definition of a tonic clearly excludes the notion of "making stronger" by pushing the body in one direction only. Tonics are bi-directional, capable of both increasing and decreasing the activity of body processes. Herbs whose action is bi-directional are called tonics. Tonic herbs have the ability to exert balancing action on both systems and biochemical processes of the body. Their power lies in both their therapeutic benefits and ease of application.
We believe that the concept of a tonic may sound strange to modern ears. We simply have not made room in our medical or nutritional agendas for a concept of a substance that restores balance. We believe that this will change as the medical community begins to realize that many modern plagues may be prevented and even treated by maintaining optimum health in all body systems. Such a re-orientation of thought demands that much less emphasis be placed on finding and killing "germs", and much more on increasing the body systems natural defenses and restorative powers. The concept of the herbal tonic will be a signpost for the new research.
We believe that the nutrition industry, which includes our herbal tonic product, is being fueled by certain factors including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the public's exposure to more widely accepted natural and homeopathic alternatives, which include herbal products; (ii) the desire to slow down the aging process; (iii) the nationwide and worldwide trend toward preventive health care combining Eastern and Western medicine; and (iv) the rapid product introductions taking place in response to scientific research fueled by new demand.
Our Product Line
The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic
The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is a tonic composed of exceptional health giving substances found and extracted from plants. The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is our only product at this time, which is known as JC Tonic, a registered trademark and name. The original formula called "Matonol" was first brought to the marketplace in the early 1940's by the father of our founder and current Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Carl Jurak, based upon the premise there were quite a number of existing "super herbs" that have the ability to balance the systems in the human body which would be beneficial to mankind. We believe that the Jurak Clasic Whole Body Tonic formula embodies the ability to restore balance and health in all of the systems of the human body: the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, and the nervous systems. The premise of the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is to keep each system of the human body at an optimum operational level ultimately producing health and the ability to resist many diseases. The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is called a "whole body tonic" because it embodies the ten essential properties required to aid all bodily systems.
Healthy blood is the source of well being to the six major and hundreds of minor bodily glands. The six principal glands which are the source of the human body's well being - the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas and gonads - are greatly influenced by blood. We believe that the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic helps keep the blood healthy by balancing, purifying, activating, and regulating the blood chemical and biological balance. The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic has the property to keep the walls of the blood vessels clean and contains rich sources of six minerals as well as various organic acids to supplement the blood chemistry. By providing to the blood these health-giving substances which balance, purify and activate the blood, this in turn influences the bodily glands and regulates the blood system and creates conditions which bring a person well-being.
Generally, the properties of the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic are as follows:
restore and maintain balance and homeostasis throughout the body systems;
increase energy through normal metabolic means;
increase general and overall resistance to infections of all kinds by enhancing the tonic properties of the immune system and bring the immune system in perfect balance;
decrease the effects of stress and anxiety on our ability to perform and our ability to rest and sleep without having to utilize one herb to go to sleep and another herb to wake up in the morning;
protect from free-radical damages by having a good antioxidant activity;
increase the body's ability to build muscle and/or decrease weight through the burning of calories by improving the body's ability to utilize the dietary calories that we consume each and every day;
regulate digestion processes and keep all of the organs and glands that are part of the digestive system in balance, resulting in prevention of simple indigestion or ulcers and lowering of cholesterol;
strengthen the heart and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and keep the bloods ability to clot in balance;
keeps the liver, kidneys and other glands related to blood-purifying concept in optimum health, resulting in a reduction in exposure to stressful toxins and pollutants in our atmosphere and food; and
balance the lower bowel by counteracting either constipation or diarrhea.
The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is a blend of 18 bi-directional tonic herbs with 6 vital added minerals. It is a tonic composed of health giving substances found and extracted from plants. Substances of great value are found in diverse plants. Some of these are found in the roots, some in the seeds, some in the flowers, leaves or bark. Each plant has its own peculiarities and its own treasures which are often hidden in various manners.
We believe that nature gave man all he needs for health and well-being. When extracts are made to prepare the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, many plants are used. Of some of these plants, only the roots or leaves or seeds or flowers or bark are used, each at its correct season, giving the right quality of its constituents. There are many variables that make a plant extract so valuable. These factors include hormones, trace minerals, various vegetable acids and mineral salts that are the same in their inorganic opposites but behave differently chemically, and often give results quite opposite from the inorganic compounds.
The herbs contained in the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic are as follows:
alfalfa, which contains an enormous quantity of nutrients, is one of the best sources of chlorophyll, possesses antibacterial action against gram-negative bacteria, and traditionally has been used as a treatment to diminish the symptoms of arthritis, gout, rheumatism;
angelica root, which is known for its smooth muscle relaxation property and used in treatment of several forms of digestive disorders, including colic, stomachaches, indigestion, nausea, cramps, vomiting and anorexia;
celery seed, which is a traditional diuretic and blood cleanser and possesses other medicinal properties including a blood pressure lowering property, antioxidative principle, and sedative activity;
chamomile flower, which is used to calm the nerves and induce a state of pleasant relaxation;
dandelion root, which is used specifically for the health of the liver and related organs and glands and is high in inulin, a form of carbohydrate easily assimilated by diabetics and a potential nutritional source for diabetics;
gentian root, which is one of the strongest bitters known, has antibacterial properties and is used to stimulate the appetite, promote the secretion of saliva and gastric, liver, pancreatic and intestinal juices and accelerate the emptying of the stomach;
hops flower, which has been sued through the centuries as a mild sedative and sleeping aid by calming nerves and helping induce sleep;
horehound herb, which affects the respiration directly by dilating vessels and acting as a serotonin antagonist and which is also popularly used as a cough remedy and in bronchial medications ;
horsetail herb, which is used in the growth and repair of bone and tissue and also stops bleeding and helps build up the blood;
licorice root, which reinforces the body's ability to withstand attack from virtually any kind of pathogen, is considered a tonic for the musculoskeletal system and is also an effective treatment for stomach ailments;
mallow common herb, which is an anti-inflammatory agent for the respiratory tract, the skin and the gastrointestinal tract;
malva flower, which is an aromatic, stimulant and carminative used for snakebites, cramps, stomach and intestinal disorders;
passion flower herb, which is used as a mild sedative that reduces anxiety, nervous tension, high blood pressure and encourages sleep, but which does not produce sedation in healthy, conscious individuals who need to remain active and awake;
peppermint herb, which is mainly used is aid the various processes of digestion, combating gas, increasing the flow of bile, healing the stomach and liver, and is also an ideal choice for invigorating the mind and improving the mood;
sarsaparilla root, which consists of the dried root of Smilax species and acts as a blood purifier that facilitate the removal of wastes from the blood either by promoting better circulation or improving liver or kidney action or by insuring regular bowel movements or by opening the pores of the skin;
quassia wood, which stimulates secretion of the gastric juices, increases appetite and aids digestion; and
saw palmetto berry, which helps prevent and treat benign prostatic hypertrophy; and
thyme leaf, which is used calm upset stomachs, kill bacteria, relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and uterus, increase expectoration, kill worms and improve the secretion of the digestive enzymes.
The Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic also contains added minerals, such as boron, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Network Marketing Strategy
We market and distribute our products through a network marketing system and sell directly to distributors and preferred customers. We recognize the need to aggressively grow our distributor sales force, thereby building new sales. We had approximately 9,900 distributors and 4,300 retail customers at May 31, 2006, compared with approximately 9,300 distributors and 3,600 retail customers at May 31, 2005. Network marketing is a form of person-to-person direct selling through a network of vertically organized independent distributors who purchase products at wholesale prices from the manufacturer for resale to retail consumers. The emergence of readily available means of mass communication such as personal computers, facsimiles, low-cost long distance telephone services, and the Internet has contributed to the rapid growth of network marketing. The concept of network marketing is based on the strength of personal recommendations that frequently come from friends, neighbors, relatives, and close acquaintances. We believe that network marketing is an effective way to distribute our products because it allows person-to-person product education, which is not as readily available through other distribution channels. We believe our network marketing system appeals to a broad cross-section of people, particularly those seeking to supplement family income, start a home business, or pursue employment opportunities other than conventional, full-time employment. Most of our distributors therefore sell our products on a part-time basis.
We believe that our network marketing system is ideally suited to market our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic because sales are strengthened by ongoing personal contact between retail consumers and distributors, many of whom themselves use our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. Sales are made through direct personal sales presentations as well as presentations made to groups. These sales methods are designed to encourage individuals to purchase our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic by informing potential customers and distributors of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, results of personal use, and the potential financial benefits of becoming a distributor. The objective of the marketing program is to develop a broad based network marketing organization within a relatively short period.
Our network marketing program encourages individuals to develop their own downline network marketing organizations. Each new distributor is either linked to the existing distributor that personally enrolled the new distributor into our network marketing organization or the existing distributor in the enrolling distributor's downline as specified at the time of enrollment. Growth of an distributor's downline organization is dependent upon the recruiting and enrollment of additional distributors within such distributor's downline organization.
Distributors are encouraged to assume responsibility for training and motivation of others within their downline organization and to conduct opportunity meetings as soon as they are appropriately trained. We strive to maintain a high level of motivation, morale, enthusiasm and integrity among the members of our network marketing organization. We believe this result is achieved through a combination of sales incentives, personal recognition, or outstanding achievement, and quality promotional materials. Under our network marketing program, distributors purchase sales aids and brochures from us and assume the costs of advertising and marketing the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic to their customers as well as the direct costs of recruiting new distributors. We believe that this form of sales organization is cost efficient because our direct sales expenses are limited.
We continually strive to improve our marketing strategies, including the compensation structure within our network marketing organization, to attract and motivate distributors. These efforts are designed to increase monthly product sales and the recruiting of distributors.
We believe that in addition to the United States and Canadian markets, significant growth opportunities continue to exist in international markets. We intend to select new markets following an assessment of several factors including market size, anticipated demand for the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, receptivity to network marketing, and ease of entry, which includes consideration of possible regulatory restrictions on our products or network marketing system.
Material Agreements
Intellectual Property License Agreement
On approximately January 1, 1999, we entered into an intellectual property license agreement (the "License Agreement") with Jurak Holdings Limited ("JHL"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Alberta and an affiliate of our Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors. Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the License Agreement, we are required to pay the greater of $500,000 for fiscal year 2003 and each calendar year thereafter, during the first ten years of the License Agreement (the "Minimum Royalty Fee"), or eight percent of the net sales price of all license products sold under the License Agreement (the "Continuing Royalty Fee"). After fiscal 2013, we are required to make payments in the amount of the Continuing Royalty Fee.
The accrued payments due and owing to JHL under the License Agreement for the Minimum Royalty Fee and the Continuing Royalty Fee was $250,000 at May 31, 2006.
Intellectual Property
Patents and other proprietary rights are vital to our business operations. We protect our technology through a trademark that Jurak Holdings Limited ("JHL") owns and can license. JHL's policy is to seek appropriate protection both in the United States and abroad for our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic and other products. We have acquired trademark protection as follows.
JC Tonic
On January 15, 2002, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a certificate of registration, registration no. 2,530,329, to JHL for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "JC Tonic". The certificate of registration for "JC Tonic" was issued under Class 6, 18, 44, 46, 51 and 52 for herbal, mineral and vitamin supplements, and shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
The Youth Solution
On May 3, 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued an
application serial no. 78/618,318, registration no. 2625515, to JHL for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "The Youth Solution". The certificate of registration for "The Youth Solution" was issued under Class 3 for body lotions, and shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
On September 24, 2002, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a certificate of registration, serial no. 75/703,055, registration no. 2,625,515, to JHL for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "The Youth Solution". The certificate of registration for "The Youth Solution" was issued under Class 5 and 32 for herbal supplements, and shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
Helena
On November 29, 2004, the United States Patent and Trademark Office accepted JHL's application for registration under serial no. 78/523,794, for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "Helena". The application was filed for "Helena" under Class 3 for non-medicated skin care preparation. Once final approval is obtained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the trademark shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
Vimirex
On January 18, 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office accepted JHL's application for registration under serial no. 78/549,525, for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "Vimirex". The application was filed for "Vimirex" under Class 5 for vitamins and minerals. Once final approval is obtained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the trademark shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
JC Junior
On June 28, 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office accepted JHL's application for registration under serial no. 78/659,837, for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "JC Junior". The application was filed for "JC Junior" under Class 5 and 32 for herbal supplements. Once final approval is obtained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the trademark shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
"Take An Ounce and Feel the Bounce"
On June 13, 2000, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a certificate of registration, serial no. 76/069,199, registration no. 2,490,428, to us for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "Take An Ounce and Feel the Bounce". The certificate of registration for "Take An Ounce and Feel the Bounce" was issued under Class 32 for herbal supplements, and shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
Ambassador of Health
On May 5, 1999, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a certificate of registration, serial no. 75/702,892, registration no. 2,613,042, to us for protection of our exclusive use of the trademark "Ambassador of Health". The certificate of registration for "Ambassador of Health" was issued under Class 16 and 35 for magazines and newsletters on health and nutrition and for personnel recruitment and business consultation, and shall remain in force and effect for ten years from the date of issuance.
We may consider filing additional patent applications with respect to our technologies and any novel aspects of our technology to protect our intellectual property. Future patents, if issued, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Thus, any patent that we own or license from third parties may not provide adequate protection against competitors. The patent applications that we may file in the future may not result in issued patents. Also, patents may not provide us with adequate proprietary protection or advantages against competitors with similar or competing technologies. As a result of potential conflicts with the proprietary rights of others, we may in the future have to prove that we are not infringing the patent rights of others or be required to obtain a license to the patent. We do not know whether such a license would be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
We also rely on trade secrets and unpatentable know-how that we seek to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements. However, it is possible that parties may breach those agreements, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. It is also possible that our trade secrets or unpatentable know-how will otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors. There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement or other claims against us with respect to any existing or future products, or that licenses would be available if our technology were successfully challenged by a third party, or if it became desirable to use any third-party technology to enhance our products. Litigation to protect our proprietary information or to determine the validity of any third-party claims could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, whether or not we are successful in such litigation.
While we have no knowledge that we are infringing the proprietary rights of any third party, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted in the future with respect to our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic or future products. Any such assertion by a third party could require us to pay royalties, to participate in costly litigation and defend licensees in any such suit pursuant to indemnification agreements, or to refrain from selling an alleged infringing product or service.
COMPETITION
The business of developing and distributing nutritional and personal care products such as the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is highly competitive. Numerous manufacturers, distributors and retailers compete for consumers and, in the case of other network marketing companies, for distributors. We compete directly with other entities that develop, manufacture, market and distribute dietary supplements. We compete with these entities by emphasizing the underlying science, value and high quality of the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, as well as the convenience and financial benefits afforded by our network marketing system and compensation plan. However, many of our competitors may be substantially larger and have greater financial resources and broader name recognition. Our markets are highly sensitive to the introduction of new products that may rapidly capture a significant share of those markets.
The nutritional supplement market is characterized by: (i) large selection of essentially similar products that may be difficult to differentiate; (ii) retail consumer emphasis on value pricing; (iii) constantly changing formulations based on evolving scientific research; (iv) low entry barriers resulting from low brand loyalty, rapid change, widely available manufacturing, low regulatory requirements, and ready access to large distribution channels; and (v) a lack of uniform standards regarding product ingredient sources, potency, purity, absorption rate, and form.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete in this intensely competitive environment. In addition, nutritional and personal care products can be purchased in a wide variety distribution channels, including retail stores. Our product offering line is relatively limited compared to the wide variety of products offered by many of our competitors, and are often premium priced. As a result, our ability to remain competitive depends in part upon the successful marketing of the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic.
We also compete with other network marketing organizations for time, attention and commitment of new and current distributors. Our ability to remain competitive depends, in significant part, on our success in recruiting and retaining distributors. We believe that we offer a rewarding and unique compensation plan and attractive benefits and services. To the extent practicable, our compensation plan is designed to be seamless, permitting international expansion without re-entry requirements. There can be no assurance that our program for recruiting and retaining distributors will be successful. The pool of individuals interested in the business opportunities presented by network marketing tends to be limited in certain markets, and is reduced to the extent other network marketing companies successfully recruit these individuals into their businesses. Although we believe that we offer an attractive opportunity for our distributors, there can be no assurance that other network marketing companies will not be able to recruit our existing distributors or deplete the pool of potential distributors in a given market.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves a number of very significant risks. You should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties in addition to other information in evaluating our company and its business before purchasing shares of our common stock. Our business, operating results and financial condition could be seriously harmed due to any of the following risks. The risks described below are all of the material risks that we are currently aware of that are facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us may also impair our business operations. You could lose all or part of your investment due to any of these risks.
Risks Related to Our Business
We Have a History of Operating Losses and There Can Be No Assurance We Will Be Profitable in the Future; Need to Raise Capital to Continue Our Growth.
We have a history of operating losses, expect to continue to incur losses, and may never be profitable. We do not expect positive cash flow from operations in the near term. Further, we have been dependent on sales of our equity securities and debt financing to meet our cash requirements. We incurred a net loss of $1,087,846 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006, and have an aggregate net loss of $4,635,264 as of May 31, 2006. As of May 31, 2006, we had a working capital deficit of $493,745. There is no assurance that actual cash requirements will not exceed our estimates. In particular, additional capital may be required in the event that we encounter greater costs associated with general and administrative expenses and costs of offering equity securities or debt financing.
We May Need to Raise Capital to Continue Our Growth.
Based upon our historical losses from operations, we will require additional funding in the future. If we cannot obtain capital through financings or otherwise, our ability to execute our development plans and achieve profitable operational levels will be greatly limited. Historically, we have funded our operations through the issuance of equity and short-term debt financing arrangements. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, if at all. Our future cash flows and the availability of financing will be subject to a number of variables, including potential production and the market prices of our products. Further, debt financing could lead to a diversion of cash flow to satisfy debt-servicing obligations and create restrictions on business operations. If we are unable to raise additional funds, it would have a materially adverse effect upon our operations.
Our Success Depends on the Ability of Our Suppliers With Whom We Have Business Arrangements.
We currently obtain all of our raw materials from many botanical houses and, therefore, are dependent on the stable and reliable supply of such raw materials in these regions. The supply of these raw materials can be adversely affected by any material change in the climatic or environmental conditions which may, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the cost of our raw materials and on our operations.
We depend on a number of suppliers that produce our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. Failure to maintain continuous access to these suppliers may have a materially adverse affect our business. Such suppliers may experience equipment failures and service interruptions, of which we have no control, which could adversely affect customer confidence, our business operations and our reputation. Moreover, we may have to compete with other companies for the production capacity of suppliers. Because we are a small enterprise and many of these companies with whom we may compete for production capacity may have greater financial and other resources than we have, they may have an advantage in the competition for production capacity. If we experience a significant increase in demand, we may have to expand our third party suppliers. We cannot be assured that additional suppliers will be available to us, or that if available it will be available on terms that are acceptable to us. If we cannot produce a sufficient quantity of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic to meet demand or delivery schedules, our customers might reduce demand, reduce the purchase price they are willing to pay for our product, or replace our product with the product of a competitor, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and operations.
We Rely on the Network Marketing System.
We have relied on the network marketing system to distribute, market and sell Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. We have no long-term contractual relationship with these distributors. While we believe that the distributors will continue to provide their services, there can be no assurance that the distributors will be available in the future, and if available, will be available on terms deemed acceptable to us.
Our Continued Operations Depend on the Successful Marketing of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic.
Our business plan is based on the marketing and distribution of primarily one product, the Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. This entails circumstances currently prevailing and the bases and assumptions that certain circumstances will or will not occur, as well as the inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the marketing and distribution of one product. There is no assurance that we will be successful in implementing our marketing strategies or that our marketing strategies, even if implemented, will lead to the successful achievement of our objectives. If we are not able to successfully implement our marketing strategies, our business operations and financial performance may be adversely affected. The novelty and the design of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is important to our success and competitive position, and if we are unable to continue to develop and offer such a unique product to our customers, our business could suffer. We cannot be certain that our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic will be or continue to be in demand. Should the competitive demand steer away from our product, our business could be adversely affected. To date, our product line has consisted primarily of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. There can be no assurance that we can successfully sell our product or that we can successfully develop, introduce, or sell any additional products.
Our Growth Could Harm Our Future Business Results.
We expect to experience significant and rapid growth. If we are unable to hire staff to manage our operations, our growth could harm our future business results and may strain our managerial and operational resources. As we proceed with the production, marketing and sale of our existing and anticipated products, we expect to experience significant and rapid growth of our business. We may need to add staff to manage operations, handle marketing efforts and perform finance and accounting functions. We may be required to hire a broad range of additional personnel in order to successfully advance our operations. This growth is likely to place a strain on our management and operational resources. The failure to develop and implement effective operational and financial systems, or to hire and retain sufficient personnel for the performance of all of the functions necessary to effectively service and manage our potential business, or the failure to manage growth effectively, could have a materially adverse affect on our business and financial condition.
Our Success is Dependent Upon the Acceptance of Our Products and Our Business.
Our success depends upon our achieving significant market acceptance of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic. We cannot guarantee that consumers will purchase our product. Acceptance of herbal supplemental products will depend on the success of our advertising, promotional and marketing efforts. To date, we have not spent significant funds on marketing and promotional efforts, although in order to increase awareness of our products we expect to spend a significant amount on promotion, marketing and advertising in the future. If these expenses fail to develop an awareness of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, these expenses may never be recovered and we may never be able to generate any significant future revenues. In addition, even if awareness of our product increases, we may not be able to produce enough of our product to meet demand.
Loss of Key Management Personnel.
The loss of Mr. Anthony Jurak or any of our key management personnel would have an adverse impact on our future development and could impair our ability to succeed. Our performance is substantially dependent upon the expertise of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Anthony Jurak, and other key management personnel and our ability to continue to hire and retain such personnel. Mr. Jurak spends substantially all of his time working for us. It may be difficult to find sufficiently qualified individuals to replace Mr. Jurak or other key management personnel if we were to lose any one or more of them. The loss of Mr. Jurak or any of our other key management personnel could have a materially adverse effect on our business, development, financial condition, and operating results. We do not maintain "key person" life insurance on any of our directors or senior executive officers.
Many of Our Competitors Are Larger and Have Greater Financial and Other Resources Than We Do.
The herbal supplement industry, in general, is intensely competitive. Our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic competes with other herbal supplemental based products. Such based products are currently marketed by well-established, successful companies that possess greater financial, marketing, distribution, personnel and other resources than us. Using these resources, these companies can implement extensive advertising and promotional campaigns, both generally and in response to specific marketing efforts by competitors, to enter into new markets rapidly and to introduce new products. Competitors with greater financial resources also may be able to enter the market in direct competition with us, offering attractive marketing tools to encourage the sale of products that compete with our products or present cost features which consumers may find attractive.
Government Regulation.
Any changes in regulation by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and/or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") with respect to labeling and advertising of our products could have an adverse affect on our business. A change in these requirements could add additional cost to the production of our products.
If Our Competitors Misappropriate Proprietary Know-How and Our Trade Secrets, it Could Have a Materially Adverse Affect on our Business.
The loss of or inability to enforce our trademarks and other proprietary know-how and trade secrets could adversely affect our business. We depend heavily on our trade secrets. If any of our competitors copies or otherwise gains access to our trade secrets or develops similar herbal tonic products independently, we would not be able to compete as effectively. The measures we take to protect our trade secrets and design expertise may not be adequate to prevent their unauthorized use. Further, the laws of foreign countries may provide inadequate protection of such intellectual property rights. We may need to bring legal claims to enforce or protect such intellectual property rights. Any litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and diversions of resources. In addition, notwithstanding the rights we have secured in our intellectual property, other persons may bring claims against us that we have infringed on their intellectual property rights or claims that our intellectual property right interests are not valid. Any claims against us, with or without merit, could be time consuming and costly to defend or litigate and therefore could have an adverse affect on our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
Sale of Restricted Common Stock.
As of May 31, 2006, there are 90,631,791 outstanding shares of our common stock, of which 85,450,317 are restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Although the Securities Act and Rule 144 place certain prohibitions on the sale of restricted securities, restricted securities may be sold into the public market under certain conditions. As of May 31, 2006, there are no warrants outstanding other than the 395,000 the company issued during the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004, in a private placement of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at the price of $1.00 per share. During the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004, 200,000 and 195,000 shares, respectively, were issued related to the private placement. The placement includes a warrant for each share purchased and is exercisable at $1.25 per share for two years from that date.
Any significant downward pressure on the price of our common stock as certain stockholders sell their shares of our common stock may encourage short sales. Any such short sales could place further downward pressure on the price of our common stock.
The Trading Price of Our Common Stock on the OTC Bulletin Board Has Been and May Continue to Fluctuate Significantly and Stockholders May Have Difficulty Reselling Their Shares.
Our common stock has traded as low as $0.12 and as high as $1.99. In addition to volatility associated with Bulletin Board securities in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of our common stock: (i) changes in the demand for our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic; (ii) disappointing results from our marketing and sales efforts; (iii) failure to meet our revenue or profit goals or operating budget; (iv) decline in demand for our common stock; (v) downward revisions in securities analysts' estimates or changes in general market conditions; (vi) lack of funding generated for operations; (vii) investor perception of our industry or our business prospects; and (viii) general economic trends.
In addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations and the market prices of securities have been highly volatile. These fluctuations are often unrelated to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, investors may be unable to sell their shares at a fair price and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Additional Issuances of Equity Securities May Result in Dilution to Our Existing Shareholders.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of our capital stock to provide additional financing in the future and the issuance of any such shares may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If we do issue any such additional shares, such issuance also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other stockholders. As a result of such dilution, if you acquire shares of our common stock, your proportionate ownership interest and voting power could be decreased. Further, any such issuance could result in a change of control.
We are authorized to issue shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors, without shareholder approval, may issue shares of preferred stock with rights superior to the rights of the holders of shares of common stock. As a result, shares of preferred stock could be issued quickly and easily, adversely affecting the rights of holders of shares of common stock and could be issued with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. Although we have no present plans to issue shares of preferred stock, the issuance of preferred stock in the future could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock and reduce the value of the common stock.
Our Common Stock is Classified as a "Penny Stock" under SEC Rules Which Limits the Market for Our Common Stock.
Because our stock is not traded on a stock exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market or the NASDAQ Small Cap Market, and because the market price of the common stock is less than $5 per share, the common stock is classified as a "penny stock." Our stock has not traded above $5 per share. SEC Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as an "established customer" or an "accredited investor." This includes the requirement that a broker-dealer must make a determination that investments in penny stocks are suitable for the customer and must make special disclosures to the customers concerning the risk of penny stocks. Many broker-dealers decline to participate in penny stock transactions because of the extra requirements imposed on penny stock transactions. Application of the penny stock rules to our common stock reduces the market liquidity of our shares, which in turn affects the ability of holders of our common stock to resell the shares they purchase, and they may not be able to resell at prices at or above the prices they paid.
A Decline in the Price of Our Common Stock Could Affect Our Ability to Raise Further Working Capital and Adversely Impact Our Operations.
A decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise additional capital for our operations. Because our operations to date have been principally financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could have an adverse effect upon our liquidity and our continued operations. A reduction in our ability to raise equity capital in the future would have a materially adverse effect upon our business plan and operations, including our ability to continue our current operations. If our stock price declines, we may not be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
In the United States, where we primarily sell our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, we are subject to laws, regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar restrictions at the federal, state and local levels, collectively known as "regulations". These regulations include and pertain to, among other things: (i) the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution, sale and storage of our product; (ii) our product claims and advertising, including label claims, direct claims, as well as claims and advertising by our distributor, for which we may be held responsible; and (iii) our network marketing organization and activities.
Products
The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution, and sale and storage of our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic is subject to regulation by a number of governmental agencies. The federal agencies include the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture, and others. Our activities are also regulated by various codes and agencies of the states and localities in which our product is or may be manufactured, distributed or sold. The FDA, in particular, regulates the formulation, manufacturing and labeling of dietary and herbal supplements, which includes our product.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 ("DSHEA"), revised the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act ("FFDCA"), concerning the composition and labeling of dietary supplements, which we believe is generally favorable to the dietary supplement industry. DSHEA created a new statutory category of products or "dietary supplements". This new category includes vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other dietary substances for human use to supplement the diet. However, DSHEA grandfathered, with certain limitations, dietary ingredients that were on the market before October 15, 1994. A dietary supplement containing a new dietary ingredient ("NDI"), and placed on the market on or after October 15, 1994, must have a history of use or other evidence establishing a basis for expected safety. Manufacturers of dietary supplements using a "structure-function" statement or other claim must have scientific substantiation that the statement is true, accurate, and not misleading. Our product, Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic, is classified as a dietary supplement under the FFDCA and DSHEA.
The labeling requirements for dietary supplements with respect to labels affixed to containers have been set forth in final regulations effective March 23, 1999. These regulations include the serving size, dietary ingredient information, and the proper detail and format required for the "Supplement Facts" box. Our product labels are in compliance with those regulations. Many states have also recently become active in the regulation of dietary supplement products. These states may require modification of labeling of our product sold in those states, e.g., Texas, New York and California. Finally, in recent years, California courts have grown increasingly active in consumer protection and "private attorney general" lawsuits, some of which have targeted certain herbal supplement ingredients, such as Kava Kava or Ginseng. These suits have not directly affected our product or sales, but we continue to be aware of states' regulations, especially as they pertain to advertising of products and disallowance of ingredients in products sold in that state.
On January 6, 2000, the FDA published a final rule on permissible structure/function statements to be placed on labels and in brochures. Structure/function statements are claims of the benefit or positive effect of a product or an ingredient on the body's structure or function. This regulation does not significantly change the way the FDA interprets structure/function statements. We have not made any substantial label revisions based on this regulation regarding any of our structure/function product statements. Subsequently, the FDA published a final rule that the level of science needed to support a structure/function claim would be raised close to the current Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") standard, which is "competent and reliable scientific evidence". We believe that we have adequate substantiation for all label claims used.
Anti-DSHEA Proposed Legislation
We believe that the issuance of rules by the FDA on ephedra has caused Congress to rethink DSHEA, specifically as to how safety of supplements may be ensured and also as to whether specific categories of dietary supplements should not be permitted at all. In particular, there is growing sentiment (including from one herbal trade association) to make adverse event reporting ("AER") mandatory for all manufacturers and marketers of dietary supplements so that the FDA may take action more quickly than it did on ephedra when a harmful herb or other ingredient is suspected. Since February 2003, there have been several bills proposed in Congress that would amend DSHEA, make safety safeguards stricter, even approaching the rigor and reporting required for FDA-regulated drugs. Some examples are as follows:
Dietary Supplement Safety Act. The Dietary Supplement Safety Act ("DSSA") would greatly undermine DSHEA, especially Section 4 regarding safety, giving the FDA new powers of oversight and blanket authority over whole categories of supplements, including herbal supplements. To the best of our knowledge, the bill is still pending.
Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act. The Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act ("DSAAA") purports to be about safety and access for consumers to supplements, but actually recommends severe restrictions and proposes dramatic redefinitions of what constitutes a dietary supplement. This bill would impose several requirements for supplements, including unprecedented FDA pre-approval as well as strict AER reporting, and exclude only vitamins and minerals from such new requirements. The bill would reverse the safety burden of proof of Section 4 of DSHEA, and instead require the manufacturer to demonstrate safety, rather than the burden being on the FDA to show "imminent hazard" or "unreasonable risk."
We will continue to monitor these anti-DSHEA bills and determine if any of them become a serious threat to our business. In addition, two major trade associations of the dietary supplement industry - the American Herbal Products Association and the National Natural Foods Association - have both been actively lobbying against any bills that would require or lead to unreasonable restraints on the manufacture and marketing of dietary supplements.
Manufacturing
Pursuant to current law, dietary supplements are manufactured using good manufacturing practices ("GMPs"). The DSHEA empowered the FDA to issue specialized GMP's for dietary supplements, but several years passed before the FDA took the next step in the rule-making process. During June 2003, the FDA published a rule which provides comprehensive GMP's for supplements. Once final GMP regulations become effective, all our manufacturers will be required to adhere to the GMPs. The FDA will most likely institute an effective date for the GMPs, which will allow our manufacturer a reasonable amount of time to conduct this review and, if necessary, revise their manufacturing operations to comply with the final GMP regulations. Typically, the effective date for new manufacturing and labeling regulations is twelve (12) months after the promulgation of the final rule. As of the date of this Annual Report, the FDA has not yet published this final rule on GMPs.
Product Claims, Advertising and Website
The FDA considers website promotional content to constitute "labeling", and thus our website must not contain disease claims or drug claims, but only permissible structure/function claims. The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") governs the advertising of dietary supplements in any medium or vehicle - print ads, radio spots, infomercials, internet ads, and websites. The fundamental FTC rule is that all material advertising claims, whether express or implied, must be substantiated by reliable and competent scientific evidence. Because our website must comply with both FDA and FTC regulations, we routinely review our web site and our scientific substantiation for particular claims to determine if it is sufficient to ensure that there are no disease claims present. We also require our distributors' websites to be in compliance with FDA and FTC regulations. As such, and to ensure Internet compliance, distributors may only copy or link to our corporate website. Any independent websites are unauthorized and their creators are solely liable for defending any regulatory enforcement actions. Violations of this policy may result in the termination of the distributor's relationship with the Company.
Advertising of products is subject to regulation by the FTC. The FTC prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. The FTC further provides that the dissemination of, or causing to be disseminated, any false advertisement pertaining to drugs or foods, which would include dietary supplements, is an unfair or deceptive act of practice. Under the FTC's Substantiation Doctrine, an advertiser is required to have a "reasonable basis" for all objective product claims before the claims are made. Failure to adequately substantiate claims may be considered either deceptive or unfair practices. Pursuant to this FTC requirement, we are required to have adequate substantiation for all material advertising claims made for our Jurak Classic Whole Body Tonic.
In recent years, the FTC has initiated numerous investigations of and actions against dietary supplement products and companies. The FTC issued a guidance document to assist companies in understanding and complying with the substantiation requirement for advertising claims for supplements. We have organized the documentation supporting and substantiating our advertising and promotional practices in compliance with these guidelines. In particular, the FTC has been especially active, using its overlapping jurisdiction with the FDA and its joint agent enforcement mechanism called "cyber stings" via the FTC's monitoring of supplement claims found on Internet advertising. When the FTC finds compliance violations, the FDA then sends out warning letters regarding these Internet claims, called "Cyber Letters". The FTC may enforce compliance with the law in a variety of ways, both administratively and judicially, using compulsory process, cease and desist orders, and injunctions. FTC enforcement can result in orders requiring, among other things, limits on advertising, corrective advertising, disgorgement of profits, consumer redress, divestiture of assets, rescission of contracts, and such other relief as the agency deems necessary to protect the public. Violation of these orders could result in substantial financial or other penalties. We have not been notified that we have been or are the subject of any enforcement action by the FTC. However, any such action in the future by the FTC could materially adversely affect our ability to successfully market our product. Therefore, we pay careful attention to new guidelines and recent investigations launched, complaints filed, and fines imposed by the FTC.
We attempt to remain in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution and advertising of our product.
Network Marketing System
Laws and regulations prevent the use of deceptive or fraudulent practices that have sometimes been inappropriately associated with legitimate direct selling and network marketing activities. These laws include anti-pyramiding, securities, lottery, referral selling, anti-fraud and business opportunity statutes, regulations and court cases. Illegal schemes, typically referred to as "pyramid", "chain distribution", or "endless chain" schemes, compensate participants primarily and solely for the introduction or enrollment of additional participants into the scheme. Often these schemes are characterized by large up-front entry or sign-up fees, over-priced products of low value, little or no emphasis on the sale or use of products, high-pressure recruiting tactics, and claims of huge and quick financial rewards requiring little or no effort. Generally, these laws are directed at ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within sales organization is based on sales of the enterprise's products, rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales related criteria or activity. We ensure through counsel that our network marketing system is in regulatory compliance.
We currently have distributors in all fifty states. In addition to federal regulation, each state has enacted its own "little FTC Act" to regulate sales and advertising. We may receive requests to supply information regarding our network marketing plan to regulatory agencies. We believe that our network marketing program is in compliance with laws and regulations relating to network marketing activities in our current markets. Nevertheless, we remain subject to the risk that, in one or more of our present or future markets, the marketing system or the conduct of certain distributors could be found to be not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure by a distributor or us to comply with these laws and regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business in a particular market or in general. Any or all of these factors could adversely affect the way we do business and could affect our ability to attract potential distributors or enter new markets. The FTC has been active in its enforcement efforts against both pyramid schemes and legitimate network marketing organizations with certain legally problematic components, having instituted several enforcement actions resulting in signed settlement agreements and payment of large fines. Although to our knowledge, we have not been the target of an FTC investigation, there can be no assurance that the FTC will not investigate us in the future. Noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations could: (i) result in enforcement action and imposition of penalties; (ii) require modification of our network marketing system; (iii) result in negative publicity; or (iv) have a negative effect on distributor moral and loyalty. Any of these consequences could have a materially adverse effect on our sales as well as our financial condition.
We cannot predict the nature of any future law, regulation, interpretation, or application, nor can we predict what effect additional governmental legislation or regulations, judicial decisions or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business in the future. It is possible that future developments may require that we revise our network marketing program or our product manufacturing and labeling. Any or all of these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial conditions.
EMPLOYEES
We currently employ seven (7) employees, all of whom are full-time employees. In addition to our current staff, we have less than 5,000 distributors nationwide.
REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS
We are currently a reporting issuer in the U.S. and are subject to reporting requirements under section 13 or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 , as amended. We are required to file the following with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"): (i) quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB; (ii) an annual report on Form 10-KSB; (iii) a Form 8-K to report the occurrence of certain reportable events; (iv) Forms 3, 4 and 5 to report insider sales and acquisition of our securities; and (v) proxy statements. We are required to deliver an annual report to our stockholders prior to or with the distribution of proxy materials relating to annual stockholder meetings.
THIS IS FROM ART KONSTANTINO TO YOU REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF JC TONIC
Now, the reason you are here is because I sell this product by a process I call "Direct Distribution." You deal direct with me, aka 45 Healthy Choices, LLC. I sell and support you with all you need to see to it that JC Tonic works for you, the individual as well as your family and friends. I use this product every day. I swear by this product. My wife is an extraordinary example of how well this product works. We have a network of customers and friends that feel they might be dead if it were not for JC Tonic. It is my heart's desire to keep this product alive and well during the worst of economic times.
In the last 10 years, JC Tonic has been the most powerful factor in my walk of healing. I do believe in lots of fruit and vegetables, but these tonic herbs do something that NO OTHER PRODUCT has ever done for my body and my wife as well! You cannot pay me enough money to make a statement like that.
Please call 352-529-0555 to place your order and arrange for delivery. The cost is $60.00 which amounts to $2.00 per day if you take one ounce in a half gallon of purified water. We make our own distilled water and sell distillers as well.
Consider doing the right thing for your body once and for all. Experience the gift of health to yourself. I have earned my health. My Father lost his life at 41 to a massive heart attack in front of my brother and myself. I hear this kind of a story from plenty of people every week. You do not have to die young just because it runs in the family. I live each day to enoy my health and be happy.
Thank You,
Art Konstantino
352-529-0527