Austin, TX—The American Botanical Council (ABC) announced in a press releasethat the recipient of its ABC Champion Award for 2018 is Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group.

The release said that Emme has been remarkably generous over the years in his support for ABC and other nonprofit organizations in the natural products community. Mark Blumenthal, ABC founder and executive, said in the release, “Jim Emme is a particularly giving and supportive person. 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 nonprofit educational mission and efforts.”

Emme has over 20 years of experience in the natural products industry, according to the press release. He joined NOW Foods as plant manager in 1995, and has risen through the ranks since then to the role of president and CEO of NOW Health Group. He is on the NPA Board of Directors, belongs to the Alliance for Natural Health, and is part of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.

Emme thanked ABC for the award, saying in the release, “NOW is proud to support the American Botanical Council, and honored by this recognition. My first introduction to botanicals education was when my sister gave me her copy of an issue of HerbalGram in the early 1980’s. 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.”

Emme will accept the award at the ABC Botanical Celebration and Awards Ceremony in Anaheim, California, on March 6th, during Natural Products Expo West.