NASC Recognizes Companies for Improving the Standards of Animal Health Supplements during the 2014 Annual Conference
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) hosted its 4th annual awards ceremony oceanfront at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach during the NASC 2014 Annual Conference held on May 7-9. Companies were honored for exceptional efforts in their commitment to quality, education and improving the standards of the animal health supplement industry. During the 3-day conference, over 225 executives representing over 130 NASC member companies and numerous guests participated in workshops and training sessions focused on the most up-to-date industry trends and regulatory news. The conference began with a one-day basic training session for NASC members and nonmembers. Participants received an overview of how to operate in the animal health supplement industry including proper product labeling and allowable claims.
Nineteen NASC audited member companies received a Visibility Award for efforts above and beyond in promoting the goals of NASC and the NASC Quality Seal in all aspects of their business. The recipients included: Ark Naturals, Garmon Corporation, Grand Meadows Nutritional Products Inc., Herbs for Life Inc., Hilton Herbs, Ltd., In Clover Inc., Kemin Companion Animal Health, Med-Vet Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Nutri-Pet Research, Inc., The Saskatoon Colostrum Company, Ltd., Silver Lining Herbs, SOURCE Inc., Uckele Health and Nutrition Inc., Van Beek Natural Science, Vetimed, Inc., Vets Plus, Inc., Virbac Animal Health, Wapiti Labs, Inc. and Wholistic Pet Organics.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote Address – Howard Baskin, from Big Cat Rescue, presented his organization’s advocacy efforts to end the abuse of big cats in the US. Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats and is home to over 100 tigers, lions, bobcats, cougars and other species.
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine – Dr. Daniel McChesney, Director, Office of Surveillance and Compliance, discussed the Food Safety Modernization Act and its focus on prevention of food safety problems as well as its impact on the animal supplement industry.
Finding Your Next Customer – Executive Director of Strategic Development for New Hope Media, Len Monheit, delivered tactical and strategic tips for reaching consumers with pet and companion supplement products.
Trends and News for Business Planning – Senior consultant for Brakke Consulting Inc., Joel Adamson, examined trends and observations in the animal health markert and how to use this information in strategic and tactical business planning.
How to Structure Clinial Trials – Dr. Mal Evans, Scientific Director at KGK Synergize, and Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable LLP, addressed how to design clinical trials that will support product development, obtaining regulatory approvals, and meeting advertising and marketing objectives.
Quality Control That Works – A panel moderated by Mike Uckele, CEO of Uckele Health and Nutrition Inc., addressed the challenges facing animal supplement companies in managing supply chains with traceability, accountability and compliance in today’s dynamic markets.
Canine Cognitive Decline – The role of nutraceuticals in supporting senior and aging dogs suffering from this problem was presented by Dr. Ajay Srivastava from the University of Utah.
Be the Best: Plan for the Worst – Being prepared with a product withdrawal/recall plan and product withdrawal/recall liability insurance is the smart thing to do and improves your return on investment. Kathy Francis from Specialty Insurance and John Kirkpatrick from Recall Infolink Inc. presented the tools and programs available to accomplish this.
