NPA Recognizes Contributions to the Natural Products Industry

Press Release

The Natural Products Association (NPA) announced winners of the 23rd Annual NPA Awards, honoring outstanding individuals in government and businesses that have made valuable contributions to the success of the natural products industry. The awards will be handed out during Natural Products Expo East on September 23.

“The Natural Products Association is once again honored to celebrate the industry’s most prominent leaders," said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D, NPA executive director and CEO. “For more than two decades, NPA has honored the best and brightest in their field and this year’s winners build upon that proud tradition. We look forward to continuing to support and collaborate with leaders in government and business who strive to further the growth of and access to natural products for consumers."

 The winners of the 2016 NPA Awards include:

 President’s Award

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Missouri)

The President’s Award recognizes an individual who has made long-term contributions or a one-time, significant impact to the natural products industry. In May 2016, Rep. Zinke successfully placed a provision into the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act which put the dietary supplement-focused Administrative Order 346 on the list of requirements the Task Force must address in its first report to Congress, due by Dec. 31, 2016. The order would place new and unnecessary regulations on the natural products industry in Puerto Rico, and Rep. Zinke’s provision would force the Task Force to consider the economic effect of Administrative Order No. 346 on the natural products industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Arizona)

The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed to a pioneer in the natural products industry. Rep. Salmon retired from Congress this year, leaving behind a storied legacy as a defender and pioneer of the natural products industry. In one of his final Congressional battles, Rep. Salmon has spoken out against the attempt to over-regulate natural products and dietary supplements in Puerto Rico. Rep. Salmon has also been a crucial defender of the natural products industry as a member of the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus.

Industry Champion Award

Jeff Novitzky

The Industry Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the natural products industry above and beyond commercial success.  Novitzky first gained renown in 2003 while working as an IRS agent in the Bay Area, where he uncovered the BALCO doping conspiracy. Later Novitzky moved to the FDA, where he helped drive the government probes that brought down Roger Clemens and Lance Armstrong. Novitzky testified at the perjury trials of both Bonds and Clemens. Novitzky has now become the vice president of athlete health and performance for the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), the world's largest promoter of mixed martial arts.

 Socially Responsible Retailer Award

Southtown Health Foods

The Socially Responsible Retailer Award recognizes an NPA member company that excels with integrating social responsibility in multiple aspects of their businesses, such as volunteerism, education, employee empowerment, environment and health. Southtown Health Foods is a family owned business founded in 1948, and their mantra has always been that family goes beyond next of kin and is about the entire neighborhood. They see their role in the community to be the one store where people can come to get healthy food products, nutritional supplements and the knowledge needed to make the best choices when it comes to their personal health and well-being.

 For more information on the winners, please visit npainfo.org/awards.