'Magic' Johnson Set As SupplySide West Keynoter

LAS VEGAS--Virgo Publishing announced basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson will deliver the keynote address at SupplySide West, Oct. 2, at the Venetian Hotel. The keynote address is sponsored by Unigen Pharmaceuticals Inc. (www.unigenpharma.com), a leading research and development company that specializes in identifying and producing unique phytotherapeutic compounds for the nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

During his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson won three Most Valuable Player awards and five NBA championships, and the Lakers made nine appearances in the NBA finals. Johnson was also an original member of the 1992 Olympic Dream Team. As vice president and co-owner of the Lakers, Johnson is still very much a part of the team; its 2001-2002 championship season garnered Johnson his eighth championship ring.

"Unigen is thrilled to sponsor Magic's keynote at SupplySide West," said Derek Hall, president of Unigen Pharmaceuticals. "Magic represents the pinnacle of his sport, and his commitment to the health and wellness of his community is a great example for our industry to follow."

Off the court, Johnson lends his time to support many worthy causes through the non-profit Magic Johnson Foundation, which awards grants to other non-profit organizations that address health, educational and social needs of those residing in the inner city. Programs funded by the Foundation include the National Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative, the Taylor Michael's Scholarship Fund (which has sent more than 3,000 students to nationally accredited colleges and universities) and the BREATHE (Bringing Education on Asthma to Homes Everywhere) program.

Johnson is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace, speaking to kids about drugs, violence and other social issues. As a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) vice president and event chair for the annual Magic Johnson Sports Star Award Dinner and Auction, Johnson has helped MDA raise more than $1.5 million.

The keynote address is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 2, and the SupplySide West exhibit hall will open at 11 a.m. Johnson will meet attendees and sign autographs at the Unigen Pharmaceuticals booth (#1716) from 11 a.m. to noon.

SupplySide West will take place Oct. 1 to 3, 2003, at the Venetian Hotel and the Sands Exposition Center in Las Vegas. Information is available at www.supplysideshow.com or by calling Virgo Publishing at (480) 990-1101. SupplySide West, the world's largest trade show and conference for manufacturers, marketers and suppliers of healthy and natural products, is produced by Phoenix-based Virgo Publishing Inc., publisher of Natural Products Industry INSIDER and HSR: Health Supplement Retailer.