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BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New Hope Network, together with Natural Foods Merchandiser, announced the 2017 Retailer of the Year winners awarded at Natural Product Expo East in Baltimore. The annual awards recognize natural retailers that represent the values of the natural and organic industry. This year's standouts are celebrated for growing community, renovating or building creatively, representing natural health through the years, and leading as women.

Natural retailers lead in many ways, starting in their communities while also impacting the world in great ways. The 2017 Retailer of the Year categories include: Inspiring Retail Woman, Best Community Project, Creative New Store/Remodel and Standout Health Food/Supplement Store.

"The Retailer of the Year awards honor individuals and organizations that best exhibit the spirit of the natural and organic industry," said Christine Kapperman, Senior Content Director, New Hope Network. "This year's winners are no exception. They each demonstrate leadership, stewardship, education, creativity, community and caring and are advancing the industry in unique ways everyday."

To select the winners, a cross-departmental New Hope Network team narrowed the field to 11 finalists that were then voted on by a board including natural products associations, distributors, retailers and brokers. The winners were celebrated during a ceremony held at Natural Products Expo East's Friday evening celebration on September 15.

The 2017 Retailer of the Year winners are:

• Inspiring Retail Woman – Allison Buckingham, Co-owner and Vice President of Operations at Perelandra Natural Food Center in Brooklyn, New York. Buckingham solidifies Perelandra's stature in the community by affecting change locally through custom products and partnerships benefiting charitable organizations, community enrichment, and academic outreach. Read more about Allison's passion for nutrition and community here.
• Best Community Project – Leg Up Farmers Market, founded to support programs and facilities for special needs children and adults, is serving the inhabitants of York, Pennsylvania through one-of-a-kind educational and training services. Learn more about how Leg Up Farmers Market is benefiting its community here.
• Creative Store/Remodel – MaMa Jean's Natural Market in Springfield, Missouri debuted a new concept store called MJ's Market and Deli in 2016 to keep up with growing demand for freshly prepared food. This new model provides shoppers with a brand new experience for grabbing lunch on the go or dinner dining-in. Read more about MJ's Market and Deli and its method for attaining new clientele here.
• Standout Health Food/Supplement Store – Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-Op in St. Paul, Minnesota has developed a series of programs and initiatives to support local producers and enable shoppers of all incomes to access the foods and information needed to live a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about how Mississippi Market increases access for all here.

For more exclusive content on these winners visit http://www.newhope.com/news/authentic-natural-leaders-2017-retailer-year-winners.   

About New Hope Network
New Hope Network is at the forefront of the healthy lifestyle products industry. With solutions for the complete supply chain from manufacturers, retailers/distributors, service providers and ingredient suppliers, the network offers a robust portfolio of content, events, data, research and consultative services. Through its mission of growing healthy markets to bring more health to more people, New Hope Network helps businesses identify the people, products, partnerships and trends that create better opportunities and connections. For more information visit www.newhope.com.

About Informa Exhibitions
New Hope Network is part of Informa's Global Exhibitions Division. With over 200 trade and consumer exhibitions annually, Informa Exhibitions is a global market leader in such end markets as Boating, Beauty, Construction & Real Estate, Life Sciences, Maritime, Health & Nutrition, Agriculture and Pop Culture. Through face to face and digital channels, its transaction-oriented exhibitions enable communities to engage, experience and do business. In doing so, Informa brings together people who want to buy and sell, network, do business and gain inspiration. Industry insight, coupled with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach, provides Informa Exhibitions customers and partners with the opportunity to create business advantage and access markets. 

Informa Exhibitions is a division of Informa PLC, a leading business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. Informa PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.

Contact:
Carrie Kocik
New Hope Network
Public Relations
617-694-5971
ckocik@newhope.com

SOURCE New Hope Network