The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is issuing its annual call for candidates for elected trustees to the association's Board of Trustees. Due to the cancellation of Expo West in Anaheim, the Board of Trustees has made the decision that the election for the 2021 cycle will be held in a virtual format during AHPA's annual member meeting, to also be held virtually on March 9, 2021. Candidates should be prepared to participate in an online platform where they will have the opportunity to give a short address to the membership.
The Association's bylaws and election policies will govern this nomination process and election.
"AHPA's trustees provide invaluable individual experience and expertise to the staff and to the membership at large, and we value their leadership," said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. "We encourage all eligible companies to nominate a representative and take advantage of this opportunity to become involved in helping to shape the future of this industry."
A candidate for the board may be an owner, employee, consultant, or other designated representative of the company wishing to be represented on the board. A candidate must be officially nominated in writing by completing and returning an Intent to Stand for Election form.
The number of seats on the board of trustees consists of a minimum of 22. Two elected seats are reserved for "small business members," defined as those Active Members with $5 million or less in annual herbal revenues. The remaining elected seats are available to all Active Members in good standing. The term of office for all elected trustees is three years.
The board meets three times each year (including in-person meetings at Natural Products Expo West and SupplySide West trade shows), and trustees are expected to attend all meetings. In addition, trustees are expected to participate in ongoing functions of the organization. While trustees receive no remuneration for their services, the benefits to the companies represented, and the industry as a whole, are well recognized.
The deadline to submit your intent to stand for election form is Tuesday, February 2, 2021. All active AHPA members in good standing are qualified and encouraged to nominate a candidate.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Stan Cowan, 301.588.1171 x102.