The American Botanical Council (ABC) has named Jim Emme as the recipient of its ABC Champion Award for 2018. The non-profit group said Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group, has been remarkably generous over the years in his support of ABC and other organizations in the natural products community.
 
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 non-profit research and educational mission, whether through monetary support or contributions of time. The generosity of ABC’s friends and members is vital to ABC’s continued success and growth, the group said.

“Jim Emme is a particularly giving and supportive person,” said ABC Founder and Executive Mark Blumenthal. “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 non-profit educational mission and efforts.”
 
Emme has over 20 years of experience in the natural products industry. In 1995, he joined NOW Foods 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. His unique combination of a food science education combined with decades of experience in the design and management of food manufacturing and distribution operations make him stand out in the dietary supplement industry. He 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.

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 1980s. 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.” 

ABC created the Champion award in 2015. Previous recipients include Terry Lemerond, founder of Europharma, Inc. and Enzymatic Therapy (2014); Ed Smith, co-founder of HerbPharm (2015); medicinal plant expert Joseph Brinckmann of Traditional Medicinals (2016); and industry insurance provider Dick Griffin of Griffin Insurance Services (2017).

Emme will accept the award at the annual ABC Botanical Celebration and Awards Ceremony in Anaheim, CA, on March 6. The event, for ABC Sponsor Members, occurs during Natural Products Expo West.