The National Products Association (NPA East) was established in 1970 in Washington, D.C., as a non-profit corporation, U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501-C (6). We promote optimum health by preserving access to, and facilitating markets for natural products, including natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements and cosmetics. NPA East serves members in 12 states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

NPA East is the leading political voice in the region, with a committed network of members and advocacy officials who monitor state legislation that may be damaging to our industry.

We scrutinize pending legislation in all 12 states and take appropriate action whenever necessary. On any given day, there are several bills being promoted by legislators looking to make a name for themselves at the expense of natural products retailers. And even when the proposed bills are clearly frivolous, just a hint of them can send the press and others into a feeding frenzy of unsubstantiated claims about our industry that reach consumers and affect their perception of all natural products.

These bills have a wide range of negative effects from restricting sales to minors (which might require that dietary supplements be merchandised behind the counter) to unique state-level labeling requirements that would severely disrupt continuity of supply and increase the cost of goods for consumers. NPA East is working hard to stop these harmful bills from becoming law.

NPA East has invested thousands of dollars in successful lobbying efforts to thwart the passage of these bills before they can become laws so onerous to our industry that they could affect our very livelihoods. We ask you to take an active role in protecting your future by joining NNFA today.

Mission Statement
The mission of the NPA East is to support and sustain the rights of the natural products industry to do business in the 12 states that comprise the East region. As the leading voice for the profession, our primary purpose is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maximize and maintain their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products.

Objective
NPA East unites a diverse membership, from the small health food store owner to the largest natural foods suppliers and manufacturers. We champion consumers' freedom of choice in our marketplace as well as strengthening and safeguarding the rights of retailers, suppliers, and others who support our industry. NPA East creates an environment that stimulates strong markets, which in turn, fuel growth for our constituency. We act together with uncompromising integrity, and we encourage all to reach even higher standards of quality.

Benefits of Membership
The primary benefit of membership in NPA East is advocacy. By building a network of active members throughout the region, we champion the rights of retailers at the statehouses, keeping watchful eyes on legislation that could harm our industry and prevent our members' right to do business. We also encourage legislation that supports the goals and objectives of the industry. No other organization provides this critical service to the retailers and suppliers that reside in the East region.

By promoting activities and events like, Education Day, Natural Products Lobbying Day, and Expo East, NPA East provides many networking opportunities for members throughout the year. These are excellent ways for our members to discuss pressing issues and to obtain and receive advice on everything from finding reliable suppliers to developing cost-effective marketing campaigns.

Through an agreement with Chase Paymentech, a nationally respected credit card processing agency, NPA East members have access to a program that could save them hundreds and even thousands of dollars annually on your processing fees.

NPA East also employs a full-time Executive Director who is available to help you make the most of your membership in NPA East on a daily basis.

Board of Directors

Officers:

John Garvey, President
UNFI, Inc.
Providence, RI
Retail

Karen Clarke, Treasurer
Thayers Natural Remedies
Westport, CT
Supply

John Montague, Secretary                                                   Webvitamins
Windsor, CT
Retail
 

Adam Goodman
Nature's Supplement Brokers Brand Development
Suffern, NY

Norman Benjamin
Tree of Life
Greenwich, NY

Mike Pelton
Inner Circle Sales
Glastonbury, CT
 

Sue Bennett
For Goodness Sake Natural Foods
Leesburg,VA

Denise de la Montaigne
(Retail) Better Thymes Natural Foods
Front Royal, VA

Erika Dworkin
Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe
Manchester, Connecticut

Theresa Bessette
Fiddleheads Natural Food Cooperative
Westerly, Rhode Island

Paul Kushner
Marlton, NJ
e-mail: info@npaeast.org
phone: 856.985.5446

NPA East Committees:

 

Advocacy	John Montague, Chair John Garvey Karen Clarke Michael Pelton Jay Jacobowitz Sue Bennett Norman Benjamin Adam Goodman Theresa Erika
Convention	Karen Clarke, Chair John Garvey Mike Pelton
Education	Michael Pelton, Chair Jay Jacobowitz Michael Hennessey
Finance	Karen Clarke, Chair Sue Bennett Michael Pelton
Membership	Norman Benjamin, Chair Sue Bennett
Communications	Paul Kushner, Chair Mike Pelton John Montague
Strategic Planning	John Garvey, Chair John Montague Karen Clarke
Nominating	Sue Bennett, Chair

Links: