Natural Products Association: Most Effective Advocacy Organization in the Natural Products Industry Storms Capitol Hill

The Natural Products Association, known as the most effective advocacy organization in the natural products industry, hosted the 22nd Annual Natural Products Day (NPD) on Sept. 10.

“We are the only association in the industry capitalizing on the opportunity to turn out and build alliances with key government leaders. This year at Natural Products Day we demonstrated yet again that we are hands down the strongest advocacy force in the industry,” said Dan Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “In light of persistent consumer-safety issues like the need for FDA to set level for cannabidiol (CBD) products and gaps in new dietary ingredient enforcement, it is especially important for us to stay vigilant and maintain our relationships with elected officials.”

View photos of Natural Products Day on flickr.

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NPD attendees, who included retailers, suppliers, distributors and other industry consultant members, met with Members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ roles in preventive health care and overall wellness. The excitement from Hill meetings culminated with a reception where NPA presented Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) with the “Natural Championship Award,” followed by remarks from Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) and Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02).

NPD advocacy training was kicked off by Natural Products Association president and CEO, Dr. Daniel Fabricant. The training session gave attendees an outline on how to best inform their elected officials, and prepared attendees for a successful lobby day with tools to build strong relationships with their lawmakers.

NPA members discussed important issues for the natural products industry with lawmakers and their staff, including:

• Inclusion of dietary supplements in allowable HSA/FSA/HRA expenses;
• the need for Food & Drug Administration to set a safe level for CBD consumption in dietary supplements and food, and regulate accordingly;
• the China Section 301 tariff action and exclusion process;
• regulation of new dietary ingredients; and
• patent eligibility for dietary supplement products.

Attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain that offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

Natural Products Association: Most Effective Advocacy Organization in the Natural Products Industry Storms Capitol Hill

Record Registration for Natural Products Day: Over 100 Attendees from 27 States Head to Capitol Hill for 200 Meetings

The Natural Products Association, known as the most effective advocacy organization in the natural products industry, hosted the 21st Annual Natural Products Day on April 17-18. NPA registered a record number of attendees for the industry’s premier advocacy event, engaging in 200 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. “We are the only association in the industry capitalizing on the opportunity to turn out and build alliances with key government leaders. This year at Natural Products Day we demonstrated yet again that we are hands down the strongest advocacy force in the industry,” said Dan Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “As longtime champions like Senator Orrin Hatch move towards retirement this year, it is especially important for us to stay vigilant and maintain our relationships with elected officials.”

NPD attendees, who included retailers, suppliers, distributors and other industry consultant members, had 200 meetings with Members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ roles in preventive health care and overall wellness. The excitement from Hill meetings culminated in a watershed moment for the industry. NPD attendees from Utah had the opportunity to meet with longtime industry champion Orrin Hatch (R-UT) who will be retiring from the United States Senate after almost four decades of service. Attendees provided an emotional farewell to the Senator and thanked him for his years of service.

NPA hosted a welcome breakfast as well as a mixer event in the House Energy and Commerce room on April 17th to welcome attendees to Washington. NPD advocacy training was kicked off by Dr. Fabricant. NPD attendees gather outside the U.S. Capitol followed by remarks from Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Dave Brat (R-VA). The training session gave attendees an outline on how to best inform their elected officials. The advocacy training prepared  attendees for a successful lobby day, providing the necessary tools to build strong relationships with their lawmakers.

NPA members discussed important issues for the natural products industry with lawmakers and their staff, including:

• Inclusion of dietary supplement in HSA/FSA;
• Inclusion of multivitamins in Women, Infant Children (WIC) program;
• regulation of new dietary ingredients; and
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) overreach.

Attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain that offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

NPA will continue to work with members of Congress to strengthen the industry’s position and add members to the Dietary Supplement Caucus.

Over 100 industry stakeholders from 25 Key States took to Capitol Hill for more than 100 meetings with legislators making it the largest fly-in day in the natural products industry.

The Natural Products Association hosted its members from across the nation for its 20th Annual Natural Products Day (NPD) in Washington, D.C. on March 21st and 22nd.

NPD attendees, which included retailers, suppliers, distributors and other industry consultant members, met with over 90 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ roles in preventive health care and overall wellness.

The NPA Political Action Committee (NPA PAC) hosted a reception on March 21st. The reception was highly attended, with over 75 NPA members in attendance. NPA PAC is currently the largest PAC of any trade association in the dietary supplement or natural products industry.

NPD advocacy training was kicked off with Derek Harley, Chief of Staff for Rep. Brad Wenstrup, and Stuart Portman, Legislative Aide for Senator Orrin Hatch. The training session gave attendees an outline on how to best inform their elected officials. The advocacy training prepared attendees for a successful lobby day, providing the necessary tools to build strong relationships with their lawmakers.

NPA members discussed important issues for the natural products industry with lawmakers and their staff, including:

• Inclusion of dietary supplement in HSA/FSA;
• Inclusion of multivitamins in Women, Infant Children (WIC) program;
• regulation of new dietary ingredients;
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) overreach; and
• developing a definition for ‘medical foods’.

Attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

The day on Capitol Hill concluded with a Congressional reception held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, where one of NPA’s long-time champions, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) stopped by to address the well attended event.

“The NPA has readymade solutions to grow the economy and make valuable contributions to Americans’ health,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO of NPA.  “Dietary supplements and natural products are used by more than half of all Americans to promote their health.  Our members including many small business owners are part of an industry that contributes billions of dollars each year and thousands of American jobs to the economy.  NPD attendees look forward to not only meeting with members of Congress and their staff, but also developing a relationship to further discuss important issues impacting their business.”

NPA will continue to work with all members of Congress to strengthen the industry’s position and add members to the Dietary Supplement Caucus.

View the pictures from NPD 2017:

• PAC Reception
• Training
• Lobby Day
• Congressional Reception

The Natural Products Association (NPA) hosted its members and other industry supporters from across the nation for its 19th Annual Natural Products Day (NPD) in Washington, D.C. on April 12th & 13th.

NPD attendees included retailers, suppliers and other industry members, met with over 75 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ role in preventive health and overall wellness. Dr. Daniel Fabricant, Executive Director and CEO of NPA, kicked off NPD with advocacy training along with NPA’s veteran lobbyists. The training session gave attendees an outline on how to best inform their elected officials on the natural industry and current issues to focus on while talking with legislators and congressional staff. The advocacy training prepared attendees for a successful lobby day, and provided the necessary tools to continue building strong relationships with their lawmakers.

Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus member, Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin) addressed the attendees, voicing his support of the industry and admiration for the industry supporters taking the time to come to Capitol Hill. He also gave the attendees helpful advice on meeting with legislators and congressional staff. While Rep. Ribble’s term is ending this year, NPA appreciated his continued support of the industry.

Following the advocacy training, the NPA Political Action Committee (NPA PAC) hosted a reception. The reception was highly attended, and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) stopped by and spoke of his support for the natural products industry. The NPA PAC is currently the largest PAC of any trade association in the natural products industry.

On the day of the event, attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

Additionally, legislators and staff also learned about a grassroots campaign that NPA is currently running regarding the Health Savings Act of 2016, which would allow reimbursement for dietary supplements through Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA).

The day on Capitol Hill concluded with a Congressional reception held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

“The more voices we have advocating for the natural industry will make our efforts even more successful and our industry stronger,” said Dr. Daniel Fabricant. “NPD is a successful day for our industry, but it shouldn’t stop there, we need everyone to maintain communication with their senators and representatives and keep them informed on the current issues. We encourage everyone to continue to make our voices heard through NPA’s grassroots efforts, and encouraging others to do the same, which will unite this industry as one robust voice.

We appreciate our loyal industry supporters who took time out of their schedules to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. NPD was a success, with our attendees getting our issues heard and informing their legislators of critical information regarding the issues. NPD aids the foundation for developing and evolving relationships with current and future industry champions.”

NPA will continue to work with all members of Congress to strengthen the industry’s position in the political landscape.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) hosted industry stakeholders and supporters from across the nation for its 18th Annual Natural Products Day in Washington, D.C., on March 24. Attendance increased at the industry’s cornerstone advocacy event by 30 percent, and included a diverse range of retailers, suppliers and other industry members who met with over 90 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ role in preventive health and overall wellness.

The day included a well-attended reception on Capitol Hill, complete with attendees, legislators and congressional staff. Industry Champion Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, spoke on the trials the industry has faced, and how he will continue to support the industry in the fight against misinformation and unfounded attacks. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., also addressed the attendees, voicing his support for the natural products industry.

The Natural Products Association Political Action Committee (NPA PAC) also hosted a reception the evening prior to Natural Products Day to help grow the industry’s influence with key legislators. The reception was highly attended, and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., stopped by and spoke of his commitment to ensure businesses will thrive in today’s complex regulatory climate. Additionally, NPA’s Board of Directors met this past Monday, and were visited by Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

On the day of the event, attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff members from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers and backgrounders provided by NPA as leave behind materials to ensure entire offices were fully informed on the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

Legislators and staff also learned about key issues the industry is facing, many of which NPA is currently running successful grassroots campaigns around, such as the multiple actions taken against the industry by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman despite a clear lack of authority, and defending the definition of organic as non-GMO in any pending legislation. The senators and representatives were also informed about the overly burdensome requirements being pushed on NPA members by the Federal Trade Commission. Other topics discussed included holding the Food and Drug Administration accountable in the regulation of dietary supplements, and possible cosmetics legislation that could soon be introduced.

“The more voices we have advocating for natural products will make our efforts even more successful and our industry even stronger. All industry members should take every opportunity to participate, and make a significant difference in the success of this industry,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., CEO and Executive Director of NPA. “The association will continue to connect members with lawmakers who impact their bottom line, but we need the help of all industry stakeholders, who can grow our influence year round by directly communicating with their senators and representatives. Events like Natural Products Day aren’t the only opportunity to raise your voice – by playing a role in NPA’s grassroots efforts, and encouraging others to do the same, you help solidify this industry as one with strength.

We appreciate our loyal members who stormed Capitol Hill on Natural Products Day to talk to their lawmakers about key industry issues. Every one of the meetings was a success, and we are hopeful that after getting our issues in front of members of Congress, we’ve cultivated future champions for our industry while continuing to nurture our existing relationships. We were especially pleased by the senators who showed their support by addressing attendees during the day’s events and provided their insight on the industry’s history and future.”

Dr. Fabricant led the breakfast and advocacy training session to kick off the day, along with NPA’s seasoned lobbyists. The training session gave attendees an outline on how to best educate their elected officials on the industry, as well as provided a run through of the specific industry issues to focus on while talking with legislators and congressional staff. This session prepared attendees for a successful lobby day, as well as provided the necessary tools to continue building strong relationships with their lawmakers.

NPA will continue to work with all members of Congress to strengthen the industry’s position in the political landscape. Learn how to get involved at NPAnational.org