The Heart of Nikken is an award that recognizes the uniquely giving spirit inherent in the Nikken philosophy: personal accomplishment based on helping others to achieve their dreams. Recipients find the award especially meaningful because winners are chosen by a peer group of President's Club members. This year, the award was presented at the 2008 North American Convention to Diamond Consultant Ed Wiens.

Ed and his wife Ginger have long been known throughout Nikken for their selfless commitment to helping others reach new levels of success. Sadly, Ginger passed away late last year, and it was a bittersweet moment for Ed when he realized they had been selected for this significant honor. "Ginger was the heart of this business — many people who knew her nicknamed her 'Mother Teresa,'" says Ed. "She always had a passion for service, which is why the Nikken opportunity resonated with us right from the start."

At the Convention, shortly before his name was called, Ed joked with a friend seated nearby that if Nikken ever came up with a kidney or gall bladder award, perhaps he would win! So it was with complete surprise, humility and joy that he stood to accept the Heart of Nikken Award, naturally with very special thanks to Ginger.

Ed notes that Nikken provides an especially timely business opportunity today, as more and more people begin looking for significance and purpose in their lives and careers. "There's a new emphasis on contribution as opposed to acquisition," he explains. "Nikken is a great business with the potential for tremendous financial success, and it also allows you to help people at the very core of their beings to lead healthier, more meaningful lives."

Looking to the future, Ed says he feels a certain responsibility to carry on the legacy left by Ginger, and in a sense, continue to live up to this award by demonstrating the Heart of Nikken on a daily basis.

"I'm continually reminded that there are people out there who have yet to discover Nikken. I'm honored to have received this award and excited about continuing to cultivate and grow this business that Ginger and I built together."