NOW’s Jim Emme named ABC Champion for 2018

18-Feb-2019 - Last updated on 18-Feb-2019 at 14:41 GMT

Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group, is to receive the American Botanical Council (ABC) Champion Award for 2018, in recognition of his generous support of ABC and other nonprofit organizations in the natural products community over the years.

Emme has over two decades of experience in the natural products industry. He joined NOW Foods in 1995 as Plant Manager and became COO some years later before being promoted to the role of President and CEO of NOW Health Group. He has been a key player in Now Health Group’s global expansion efforts, and instrumental in developing the operational resources and facilities in North America.

Emme holds multiple industry leadership positions including the Natural Products Association Board of Directors, Alliance for Natural Health, and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, in addition to other initiatives.

“Jim Emme is a particularly giving and supportive person,” said Mark Blumenthal, ABC founder and executive director. “He is quick to see the potential and value of an ABC initiative and/or plan. In fact, because of Jim, NOW Health Group was the first company to underwrite ABC’s newest initiative, our Sustainable Herbs Program partnership, which we announced last November.

“Over the years, Jim has answered many a call to support ABC’s efforts. He is a true ‘champion’ of our nonprofit educational mission and efforts.”

The ABC Champion Award was created to recognize individuals who have been outstanding supporters of ABC and have helped the organization promote and achieve its nonprofit research and educational mission. The generosity of ABC’s friends and members is vital to the nonprofit’s continued success and growth.

Emme thanked ABC for the award, stating: “NOW is proud to support the American Botanical Council, and honored by this recognition. My first introduction to botanicals education was when my sister Dorie gave me her copy of an issue of HerbalGram in the early 1980’s. As a food scientist, I was impressed with the details. How would I have known that my bootleg copy of HerbalGram would be the gateway to my interest in natural products?

“Just as ABC is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through the science-based, responsible use of herbs, NOW’s mission is to provide products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives, so we are aligned in passion and purpose. I look forward to working with Mark and his great staff for many years to come.”

Jim Emme will accept the award at the annual ABC Botanical Celebration and Awards Ceremony in Anaheim, California, on March 6, 2019.