NPA Celebrates 75 Years of Advocating for Natural Products in America

NPA's Popular Consumer and Industry Programs Help Millions of Americans

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Natural Products Association (NPA) celebrates 75 years of advocacy for the natural products industry. NPA will commemorate its 75th anniversary with special events and recognition at Natural Products Association MarketPlace, the official show of the Natural Products Association, June 23-25 in Las Vegas. Qualified retailers who register by May 6 can attend for free by using promo code NPA. Learn more at www.NPAMarketPlace.com.

NPA's primary mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health. Each year, NPA hosts Natural Products Day in Washington, D.C., for NPA members and others in the industry to meet with members of Congress. This year's event will be held on April 6. For more information, visit www.npainfo.org/NPD11.

"The Natural Products Association, as the leading voice of the natural products industry, represents more than 1,900 members who share a vision of a healthier America. Our 75th anniversary focuses on the valuable contribution that our industry makes to the health and well-being of millions of people," said John Gay, NPA executive director and CEO. "With over $108 billion of natural products sold in the United States each year, this growing industry not only helps Americans lead more healthful lives, it also supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs."

"As a long time supplement retailer, I am proud to celebrate the important role that natural products play in achieving a sustainable and healthy future for all Americans. The benefits of these products to our country are far-reaching, both in health care savings and in strengthening our nation's economy," said Pat Sardell, NPA president. "NPA members–both retailers and suppliers–create jobs, generate revenue, and contribute significant tax dollars to local communities. As an industry, we broadly contribute to the health and well-being of millions of Americans every day."

NPA offers popular self-regulatory programs that help both consumers and the industry:

• Natural Seal: NPA helps millions of Americans easily identify personal care and home care products that are truly natural under the NPA Natural Seal—the first and only natural certification in the United States. Nearly 600 personal care and home care products and ingredients have been certified since the program began in 2008. Get a complete list at www.TheNaturalSeal.org.
• GMP Certification: NPA launched a GMP certification program in 1999, the first third-party GMP certification program for the manufacturing of dietary supplements and ingredients. Nearly 80 companies have achieved certification.

NPA also helps consumers find nearby retailers that sell natural products with the Natural Products Store Locator, the most popular section of the NPA website. NPA retail members get listed at www.npainfo.org/storelocator.

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• John Gay, executive director and CEO: John Gay, CAE, has been recognized by The Hill newspaper as one of the "best in the business for America's business sectors." He has worked in Washington, D.C., on policy issues for nearly 25 years. Gay previously served as senior vice president of government affairs and public policy for the National Restaurant Association and led government affairs activities for the International Franchise Association. He began his career on Capitol Hill working in a senate office.
• Cara Welch, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs: Cara Welch oversees NPA's quality assurance programs, including GMP certification and the NPA Natural Seal. She advises NPA members on regulatory, safety, nutrition, and health issues. Additionally, Dr. Welch assists natural product industry members to implement policies in response to government initiatives in the regulatory arena, and works with officials in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies whose actions have a direct impact on the natural products industry.

Natural Products Association

The Natural Products Association (NPA), founded in 1936, is the largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. NPA represents over 1,900 members accounting for more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. As the leading voice of the natural products industry, NPA's mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products. Visit www.NPAInfo.org.

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SOURCE Natural Products Association