The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) awarded Edward Fletcher, president and COO of Native Botanicals, with the first-ever Michael McGuffin Extraordinary Service Award. The award was presented to Fletcher by Graham Rigby, president and CEO of AHPA, last week at the 2025 AHPA Botanical Congress.

The new award was established to memorialize Michael McGuffin, AHPA’s former president, and recognizes individuals who embody McGuffin’s spirit of “extraordinary service” to the herbal products community.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene last year, Fletcher distributed supplies and aided in recovery efforts with a chainsaw in hand, and Native Botanicals donated all profits to disaster relief in the directly impacted Appalachian community. His efforts, combined with a lifelong commitment to plants and the botanical industry, moved the herbal community. Before his passing, McGuffin was brought to tears by recounting Fletcher’s contributions, and he expressed hope that Fletcher, his longtime friend and peer, would be recognized, AHPA reported.

“It’s been a long journey through many things with Michael, and, now, without him,” said Fletcher when receiving the award. “It’s an honor to receive this award.

“At the AHPA annual member meeting at Expo West, I once said, ‘It’s nice to look out and see you, friends and colleagues,’ and I put it in that order on purpose. To me, you are not only my colleagues but also my friends,” Fletcher continued. “That’s how I see this industry; the plants bring us together, but it’s the people that keep us together.”

“With the unanimous support of AHPA’s communications committee and board of trustees, including Michael’s life partner, Staci Eisner, this award carries special meaning as a tribute to both Michael’s legacy and Ed’s example of service,” AHPA reported.  “AHPA is honored to recognize Edward Fletcher as the first recipient of the Michael McGuffin Extraordinary Service Award and to celebrate the spirit of generosity and community that will guide this honor for years to come.”