Focus on the Future Draws 75 Execs to Arizona

Focus on the Future Draws 75 Execs to Arizona

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Virgo Publishing's first Focus on the Future ExecutiveConference drew 75 industry members to Scottsdale, Ariz., to learn, network andrelax while considering a major question confronting the natural productsindustry--Where do we go from here?

"We were very pleased with the participation by thespeakers and attendees, and the chance to engage in meaningful conversationsabout the future of the natural products industry," said Peggy Jackson,director of publishing for Virgo's Health & Nutrition Division."Everyone took the time to get down to business in a relaxed setting andenjoyed building connections for a stronger future."

David Zach, a trained futurist, started the conference with adiscussion on the power of technology and the dangers of "hyperliving"--skimmingthe surface because we are too busy to spend time on priorities. Zach quotedauthor and philosopher Eric Hoffer: "The feeling of being hurried is notusually the result of living a full life and having no time. It is, rather, bornof a vague fear that we are wasting our life." Zach also urged attendees tonot only stay cognizant of the issues presently facing them, but to learn fromthe past and build their business on strong foundations of science while takingchances. "The future is full of alternatives," he said. "Itdoesn't just happen--it's something we build day by day."

Attendees took the time to listen to and learn from theFutureFocus presentations. Two of the most controversial presentations featuredSusan Walker, M.D., from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Jane Brody,a columnist from The New York Times. Walker was a stand-in for ChristineLewis Taylor, who was attending the first meeting of FDA's newly establishedhealth claims task force. Walker informed the group that the good manufacturingpractices (GMPs) regulations should be published soon, but gave no clue as tothe content. She did note there are some "excellent" GMP programs inthe industry already, and hopefully some aspects of those programs could beincorporated into the federal GMPs. Other topics of interest were her review ofthe health claims task force work, the need for more guidance on new dietaryingredient petitions and the status of the CFSAN Adverse Events Reporting System(CAERS). Walker was questioned about the disparity in requiring adverse eventreporting for dietary supplements but not for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, aswell as the Catch-22 in establishing clinical efficacy for a dietary ingredientwhen the condition-specific science makes the substance a drug and not a newdietary ingredient.

Brody's presentation hit a lot of the same topics she addressedat SupplySide East in 2001--including a lack of established quality proceduresfor supplements, various safety concerns and her opinion that substances likebotanicals that have drug-like actions should be regulated as drugs. "Stoptrying to bamboozle the public," she said. "Your industry can andshould play an important role in health promotion, but the time is overdue forthis industry to clean up its act." Brody urged companies to give fullinformation about products to the consumer and said she would be willing toconsider research on nutritional supplements, if it comes from peer-reviewedjournals. Elliott Balbert, president of Natrol, and Michael Morton, president ofThe Healthy Foundation, were among those who, in return, asked Brody forbalanced reporting and consideration of the positive contributions manycompanies are making in promoting public health.

Other sessions did not generate the same heat as Brody andWalker's presentations, but still gave considerable food for thought. Rep. FrankPallone (D-N.J.) emphasized the importance of revitalizing the grassrootsactivism that put the dietary supplement industry on the radar screen inWashington. He also urged industry members to educate the media and the new FDAcommissioner about the benefits of dietary supplements. Paul Coates, director ofthe Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH),gave an overview of the ways in which ODS works with other NIH institutions topromote research into nutritional compounds and diseases, and discussed ongoingefforts to develop validated analytical methods and reference materials fordietary supplements. Coates also let attendees know NIH expects to release itssystematic review of the efficacy and safety of ephedra early this year; it willbe followed by a review of omega-3 fatty acids.

David Heilman, chief financial officer from General NutritionCenters (GNC), addressed the challenges retailers confront with an increasinglyskeptical shopping base, as well as the possibilities if retailers offer qualityproducts and a shopping "experience." Heilman also touched on thepower of targeting niche demographics, an area that Andrew Nuttney fromDatamonitor covered in depth. Nuttney discussed the growing ethnic face ofAmerica and how companies must become "locally acculturated" to reachurban consumers and grow business incrementally in ethnic markets.

The final FutureFocus session gave attendees the chance todiscuss what they believe the future may hold. A great deal of discussionfocused on the role of industry associations and groups such as the DietarySupplement Education Alliance (DSEA) and how, with a grassroots push, progresscould be made in educating consumers and raising the quality profile of industryproducts.

"This was a great conference that raised a lot of importantissues," said Gail Montgomery, president and chief executive officer ofPurchase, N.Y.-based Nutrition 21. "We must figure out how we can reinventthe strategies we're using to get our story told."

Networking opportunities abounded outside of seminar sessions aswell. Sunday found Focus on the Future participants watching for Vijay Singhfrom a corporate tent on the 18th hole of the Phoenix Open while enjoying80-degree weather and a catered lunch. That evening at the Millennium Resort,Buccaneer and Raiders fans faced off to watch the Super Bowl--and theadvertisements--with a Western cookout dinner. And Monday night brought arelaxed dessert and cordial reception at a villa at the resort.

"The take home message from this gathering is that ourindustry has the talent, resources and institutions to overcome today'schallenges and secure its future," said Jon Benninger, Virgo's director ofbusiness development. "We just need to re-ignite the passion and commitmentthat has always been the source of our industry's prosperity."