WASHINGTON—Three newly reorganized regional affiliates were announced by The Natural Products Association (NPA) to better serve the Northwest, Southwest and Midwest regions of the United States. The reorganization involves 13 states in the former NPA West and Rocky Mountain regions. The Northwest, Southwest and Midwest affiliates worked cooperatively together, through their boards of directors and the NPA national leadership, to best address the realignment of these states. As a result, each of these affiliates expanded the number of states they serve, achieving the best outcome for all involved.
NPA also has East and Southeast regional affiliates. Each NPA regional affiliate serves as a local industry liaison, tracking state legislation and protecting the right to do business in those states. California and Hawaii are not covered by any regional affiliates and remain the responsibility of the NPA national office. NPA pays special attention at the national level to California due to its large marketplace and stringent regulatory actions that are sometimes adopted by other states.
The NPA Board of Directors voted unanimously to make these changes to the NPA regional affiliates. NPA president Pat Sardell said, “It is critically important we maintain a high level of effectiveness in representing the industry at both the local, state and national levels. This action will ensure a stronger future for the entire natural products industry."
Elizabeth Hurst, NPA state government relations manager, joined NPA in July 2010 to focus on state advocacy. She monitors state and local policy proposals that can affect the natural products industry, and works with the NPA regional affiliates on an effective response. Hurst also leads NPA’s advocacy in California and Hawaii.
“NPA is the voice of retailers and manufacturers, both large and small that employ tens of thousands of Americans. Our most important role in serving the industry is advocacy," said NPA executive director and CEO John Gay. “Bad ideas enacted in one state can sometimes spread to others. NPA is well-positioned to provide even greater support to our regional affiliates."
Each NPA regional affiliate has primary responsibility for advocacy in their states under the leadership of an independent board. An NPA affiliate will set its own dues and provide unique benefits and services to its members.