AHPA awards: Sen. Tom Harkin get Lifetime Achievement Award
“AHPA is pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of these individuals and organizations and greatly appreciates their contributions to the herbal products industry,” said AHPA president Michael McGuffin.
Herbal Hero Award
Steven Dentali, PhD, Research Fellow, botanical development for Herbalife, was presented with the AHPA Herbal Hero Award by Herbs Etc. owner Daniel Gagnon. Gagnon highlighted the many contributions Dentali has made to AHPA throughout his career, including serving on committees, the board of trustees, and representing AHPA and the herbal products industry at a number of scientific and technical committees.
“I have always admired Steven's commitment to the industry, his love of herbs, learning and sharing what he's learned,” said Gagnon. “He is always willing to help his colleagues.”
“I've always worked to link herbalists and scientists,” said Dentali. “Bringing together these different points of view helps the community develop a better perspective.”
Herbal Industry Leadership Award
Aveda, The Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences, received the AHPA Herbal Industry Leadership Award. The award was presented to Cindy Angerhofer, PhD, Aveda's Executive Director of Botanical Research, by Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist & Alchemist.
“Aveda continues to demonstrate that profit, environmental responsibility and sustainable sourcing can work together,” said Lambert said.
“There is a lot of passion in this company to let plants and botanicals speak through Aveda products,” Angerhofer said when accepting the award.
Herbal Insight Award
Paula Brown, PhD, Director of the British Columbia Institute of Technology's Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG), received the AHPA Herbal Insight Award.
“Throughout her career, Paul has demonstrated a breadth and depth of knowledge that is impressive and unique,” said Steven Dentali, who presented the award. Dentali noted that Dr Brown is a pioneer in the science of botanical quality and has published validated methods for botanicals important to AHPA, including Hoodia, Aloe, and Turmeric.
“The progress of the last few years has convinced me that ensuring quality of botanical products doesn't need to be that hard,” Brown said when accepting the award. “I predict that we will continue to make great progress in the coming years.”
Visionary Award
Robert (Bob) Ullman was bestowed with the AHPA Visionary Award posthumously for his unprecedented contributions to the herbal products industry that have helped ensure future success.
Tony Young, AHPA's General Counsel, presented the award to Ullman’s son Marc. Young described Bob Ullman as a stalwart and legal cornerstone of the supplement industry.
“Bob understood the long game and pulled the industry through the FDA and FDC minefields to help ensure the success the industry enjoys today,” said Young
“My father fought to preserve the rights of Americans to make their own choices in healthcare,” said Ullman. “He took cases that no other lawyer would take and won because common sense was on his side and he worked harder than anyone else.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sen. Tom Harkin received the AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award for his unique and significant contributions to the herbal products industry throughout his entire career.
The award was presented by AHPA President Michael McGuffin, and he stressed the importance of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which the Senator co-authored.
“We must not forget that DSHEA was needed because there was a real threat of FDA acting to reduce consumer choice,” McGuffin said. “Harkin and his colleagues didn't act on the industry's behalf, but on consumers' behalf to help shift from disease care to health care.”
Harkin joked that the award was premature because he hasn't completed his work to benefit consumers by improving the country's healthcare system.
“You're not through with me yet,” he said, noting that his recently created Harkin Institute will work to continue the health and wellness legacy he created in the US Senate. “Keep your eye out. We're going to continue this effort and we're going to be asking for your support.”
