A busy autumn in store for industry association

by Helen Sherrard

Like many of you, we were happy to enjoy the great weather in Ontario this summer. While things seemed as busy as usual over the summer, I hope you were able to enjoy some time off wherever in Canada you are.

As I write this, it’s difficult to say how things will look on the regulatory front by the time you read it. CHFA continues to work to bring about change that will ensure that our innovative and successful industry continues to thrive and our members continue to do what they love to do.

Here are just a few of the exciting initiatives lined up for the rest of 2011:

CHFA Expo East

Expo East is the industry trade show not to be missed and takes place this year on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 with a two day conference program on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14. Please be sure to join us at our Welcome Reception on Friday evening at Expo East so we can say hello.

Regulatory affairs

CHFA continues to advocate for changes that will enhance our members’ ability to provide Canadians with access and choice to safe, high quality and effective natural health and organic products. Make a note to attend our popular Regulatory Forum on Thursday morning at Expo East when NHPD and other key Health Canada staff will be on hand. In November, CHFA returns to Ottawa for NHP Awareness Day as we continue in our efforts to educate members of parliament and advocate on behalf of our members.

Organic Week

CHFA will once again be a national champion supporter of this event and is working with the Canada Organic Trade Association to officially kick off the week at Expo East. Planning is underway to participate in some of the week’s main events including the Globe & Mail Special Report, as well as the Parliament Day Conference and Reception in Ottawa.

National Health Food Month

November is, of course National Health Food Month, an annual initiative organized by CHFA that shines a spotlight on the demonstrated benefits of natural health and organic products. This is a great opportunity for dedicated manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and importers of natural and organic products to showcase their high-quality products.

Communications

CHFA is committed to keeping members informed and up to date on all the latest news. We provide a wide range of communications that keep you updated and informed. With the recent hire of Michelle Book, our new director of communications, CHFA will continue to strengthen and develop our member and consumer communications. Stay tuned for some exciting developments in our consumer campaign early this fall.

Membership that matters

Along with all the above initiatives, as part of your CHFA membership, you have the opportunity to receive a free listing in the Natural Health Products Canada Industry Guide, an essential networking and sourcing guide for NHP retailers, manufacturers, distributors and importers. We also offer the Certified Natural Products Advisor (CNPA) course, a one year distance-learning program which will ensure retail staff and supplier sales reps are properly trained in core skills. Contact us today for more information.

There’s more work ahead as we move into autumn and we’re looking forward to keeping things moving. We’ve also got a few special projects in the works internally that will help us serve you better in the future.

There really has never been a better time to be a member of CHFA - we invite you to join the conversation by friending us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or visiting our website at www.chfa.ca. If you’re interested in becoming a member, call us today at 800/661-4510 or drop by our booth at Expo East. If you’re already a member of CHFA, we’d love to say hello, so be sure to stop by and see us during the show. •

Helen Sherrard is the President of the Canadian Health Food Association and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .