The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announced the winners of its 2014 AHPA Awards. The awards will be presented during AHPA's annual member meeting and breakfast on March 6 at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA.
Daniel Gagnon, owner of Herbs, Etc. and a practicing herbalist since 1976, was awarded the AHPA Herbal Hero Award for his outstanding contributions to AHPA committees and initiatives.
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, a pioneer of certified organic personal care products and socially responsible business practices, was awarded the AHPA Herbal Industry Leader Award for taking steps to advance the herbal products industry.
Lyle Cracker, Ph.D., was awarded the AHPA Herbal Insight Award for his efforts to increase and further knowledge and understanding of botanicals and their uses. He has been a researcher in the field of medicinal plants for more than 30 years and is currently a professor in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Six members of the VIRGO executive team were awarded the AHPA Visionary Award for supporting and promoting the industry's responsible growth through education. VIRGO owns the Natural Products INSIDER and SupplySide brands. VIRGO awardees are Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief of Natural Products INSIDER; Jon Benninger, vice president of VIRGO's health and nutrition network; Heather Granato, vice president of content for VIRGO's health and nutrition network; Dana Hicks, senior vice president and director of SupplySide; John Siefert, CEO of VIRGO; and Natasha Weaver, J.D., event and education manager in VIRGO's health and nutrition network.
Founded in 1982, AHPA is the oldest of the nonprofit organizations that specializes in service to the herbal industry. AHPAs annual award program was established in 2006, and acknowledges individuals and organizations that make substantive, positive contributions to the herbal products industry.