CRN's Growth Continues with Six New Members

—Blatman, Hathcock Promoted to Senior VPs—

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 27, 2008 — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the dietary supplement industry's leading trade association, is pleased to announce the addition of the following six members to its roster: voting members—Avon Products, Inc. of New York, N.Y.; and Country Life Vitamins of Hauppauge, N.Y.; associate members—Burdock Group of Orlando, Fla.; EAS Consulting Group, LLC, of Alexandria, Va; Grifcon Enterprises, Inc., of Lincoln, Calif.; and Miami Research Associates of Miami, Fla.

"We are pleased to have added two voting companies in segments of the industry that offer important growth.   Avon is a household name worldwide and they add to the prestigious portion of our direct selling representation.   Country Life represents a segment of the industry—the natural health business—that we view as integral to the sale of supplements," said Steve Mister, president/CEO, CRN.   "We recently began offering an Associate Membership Benefits Package and are gratified to now have the EAS Consulting Group and Miami Research Associates back at CRN along with the addition of the Burdock Group and Grifcon Enterprises."  

Avon is a top global brand with a rich heritage in direct selling and a commitment to social responsibility.   The Avon Wellness brand offers health and fitness products, including vitamins, to promote a well-balanced lifestyle.

Country Life Vitamins, a leader in the field of nutrition for over 36 years, has an extensive product line of dietary supplements that are available in better health food storesnationally and are distributed worldwide.

The Burdock Group has a two-decade history of offering consulting services for safety and regulatory issues facing the food and beverage, dietary supplement, cosmetics and personal care, and pet food industries.

The EAS Consulting Group specializes in FDA regulatory matters, assisting dietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical, medical device and cosmetic firms with compliance with applicable laws and regulations.   The company, which offers consulting, submission and auditing services, is also known and respected for its regulatory seminars.  

Grifcon Enterprises offers a full range of commercial general liability insurance for manufacturers, wholesalers, multi-level marketers, importers/exporters of raw and finished products, and online marketers of dietary and health food supplement products.

Miami Research Associates (MRA) is a multi-specialty clinical research facility.   Founded in 1996, MRA specializes in conducting clinical research with accuracy, integrity and quality data for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and specialty products.  

In addition to welcoming six new members, CRN's Board of Directors also announced the promotions of two CRN staffers at its March quarterly meeting.   Judy Blatman, who joined CRN in 2001, has been promoted to senior vice president, communications, and John Hathcock, Ph.D., with a 12-year history with the association, has been promoted to senior vice president, scientific and international affairs.

According to Marjorie Fine, chair, CRN Board of Directors, and Shaklee Corporation executive vice president and general counsel, "Ms. Blatman has spearheaded numerous successful communications initiatives at CRN and Dr. Hathcock has brought world-wide recognition to the association's commitment to science.   Both have demonstrated loyalty to CRN and a desire to improve the business environment for responsible supplement companies. We extend our congratulations to them both."

For a complete list of CRN member companies, click here. For information on membership in CRN, please contact Joyce Nyero, member services coordinator, CRN, at 202-776-7930 or jnyero@crnusa.org.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing dietary supplement industry ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices.