2016 Annual Meeting Recap

March, 2016—Thirty-two members of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) came together to discuss the most pressing industry issues as well as the association’s current programs and initiatives. The annual meeting took place on March 11, 2016 during the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif.

Attendees learned about the complexities—and potentially significant financial burden—of California Proposition 65 from attorney and keynote speaker Monty Agarwal. In addition to providing examples of Prop 65 limits, Monty also showed attendees how to calculate chemical content in potentially affected products. Members who wish to access Monty’s presentation should email info@theaahp.org.

The meeting also addressed AAHP’s latest legislative advocacy efforts: AAHP counsel Al Lorman provided an overview on 2015 interactions with the FDA and FTC while AAHP lobbyist Pete Evich reported on tentative efforts to work with congressional members both by educating them about homeopathy and by encouraging them to consider legislative action.

Additionally, attendees heard from several members of AAHP’s Board of Directors. Treasurer Mark Phillips reported on the association’s financial position and introduced a new 4-year financial plan. Denise Eaton updated attendees on recent efforts to market the association to prospective members and the homeopathic community. After being honored for her many years leading the education committee, Mary Beth Watkins reported that five webinars are in the works for the next 12 months.

Later, the membership reelected the following five persons to the board: Mary Borneman (Standard Homeopathic Company), Denise Eaton (Nelson/Bach USA), Guillaume Lois (Brandstorm HBC), Dan Quail (Similiasan Corp.) and Eric L. Foxman.