Industry To Rally In Washington At Natural Products Day

On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the Natural Products Association (NPA) hosts its 12th annual lobbying effort on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Natural Products Day is designed to broaden the natural products industry's base of political support by educating members of Congress about the important role natural products play in keeping Americans healthy, and the overwhelming public benefits of preventative care.

Each year, participants visit their legislators' congressional offices and talk to staffers about key legislation affecting the natural products industry. Natural Products Day continues growing in popularity, with hundreds of retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and supporters of the natural products industry gathering at the Capitol or participating in a "virtual fly-in" via e-mail and videos to rally for natural products. Natural Products Day will focus on bills in the House and Senate regarding issues like child nutrition, food quality and safety, safe manufacturing practices, and assured access to dietary supplements.

Like last year, the association will offer an evening cruise along the Potomac on a private yacht the Monday before the lobbying event.

Natural Products Day features a morning session with association and government relations experts to teach participants effective ways to communicate with legislators, and provide briefings on key legislation. Following afternoon appointments, participants will attend a reception in the new Capitol Visitor's Center, honoring NPA Congressional Champions, legislators who have worked hard to support initiatives important to the industry.

"Natural Products Day is a fun and effective way for industry members to establish and strengthen personal relationships with members of Congress," said David Seckman, NPA executive director and CEO. "It helps legislators stay aware of issues important to our industry and to their districts, and is an essential tool in gaining support for our many important initiatives, particularly with more than 65 freshmen senators and representatives and their staffs beginning new terms on the Hill."

To register for Natural Products Day, visit http://www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org/npd09.

The Natural Products Association is the nation's largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Association members meet annually each July in Las Vegas at the association's official tradeshow, Natural Market Place.

© Medical News Today, January 27, 2009: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/136834.php