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 APPMA Provides New Government & Regulatory Affairs Services New Resources to Go with a New Name One of the many ways APPMA benefits its members is through legislative and regulatory monitoring and advocacy. For over two decades, APPMA has provided a unified industry perspective on a wide range of issues including pet food and pesticide regulation, aquarium heater standards and other important issues affecting our members. For many years, this service was known at "Product Issues." Product issues are legislative and regulatory actions that affect the manufacturing, distribution and sale of pet products. "Product Issues" was so named in order to distinguish it from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Counsel (PIJAC), the pet industry's voice in Washington, DC, which focuses on "live animal issues." Live animal issues regard the sale and care of pet animals and range from pet warranty legislation to pet guardian definitions in the law. Over the last few years, APPMA has shifted its activities to be even more member responsive. As part of this shift, APPMA renamed its "Product Issues" service to "Government and Regulatory Affairs." APPMA's "Government and Regulatory Affairs" service provides information to educate members about regulatory news. In addition, "Government and Regulatory Affairs" assists our members' special interest committees such as the Minor Animal Species Remedies Committee, the Pet Treat Subcommittee and the Nutraceuticals Committee, which gives APPMA members an opportunity to work together on issues of common concern and educate each other. With the new name came a new energy to provide optimum service. The dawn of the Internet brought new opportunities for APPMA to put legislative and regulatory information at members' fingertips. APPMA's weekly E-update provides members with the latest regulatory news. The "Products and Law" section of the APPMA web site has numerous resources to assist our members. Now the status of bills and proposed regulations are a click away. We are continually adding to our pet product law library, which includes topics such as labeling, advertising, promotion, warranties, import/export and customs guidance, and other business and legal tools specially tailored to pet product manufacturer needs. The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same These new features are in addition to the variety of other programs and services available to APPMA members. For example, members regularly choose to approach APPMA's legislative and regulatory professionals with specific questions on pet food, aquatic chemicals, pesticides and other products. APPMA's two consultants, as well as, its in-house legal staff are the springboard for many members who are researching new and innovative products to bring to market. Moreover, APPMA provides educational opportunities including two presentations to be made at the upcoming APPMA Show. At the March 2004 APPMA Show in New Orleans, Dr. Dave Dzanis, an expert in pet nutrition, will address novel ingredient usage in pet products and the National Research Council's report on dog and cat nutrient requirements. Also, Dr. Roy Yanong will make a presentation on the role of the veterinarian in the ornamental fish sector of the industry. For more information about these meetings, or the Government and Regulatory Affairs service contact Gina Valeri, APPMA's Director of Legislative Affairs & General Counsel, at gina@appma.org. Access more information about specific issues or services on the APPMA Website at www.appma.org and click on the "Products & the Law" icon. |
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