C O U N C I L F O R R E S P O N S I B L E N U T R I T I O N 17 CRN’s Communications team publicly amplified the work of the association, in concert with subject experts from other departments. The team voiced science-based endorsements—and defenses—of the safety and benefits of supplements and functional food to promote a positive industry image. Key accomplishments and activities in 2017 include: RAPID RESPONSE • Responded to 16 studies/reports on a range of topics, including: supplement exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers (Journal of Medical Toxicology); liver injury from supplements (Hepatology); memory supplements (U.S. GAO report); and more. PROACTIVE MESSAGING • Placed flagship statistic from CRN’s Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements as a USA SNAPSHOT on the front page of the Life section of USA TODAY—the 2016 stat appeared in January 2017 and the 2017 stat (shown left) appeared in December. • Further promoted results from its 2016 Consumer Survey and fielded 2017’s survey, releasing initial results at The Conference. • Issued 72 press releases and published 20 bylined articles in trade publications. • New CRN website won an Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts “Communicator Award.” • Commissioned blogger tour featuring 25 influencers publishing personal blog posts on the benefits of living #LifeSupplemented—reaching 8,020,599 followers. ALLIANCE BUILDING • Sponsored/presented at the invitation-only FoodFluence meeting for the second consecutive year, reaching 30 high-profile registered dietitians (RDs); resulted in publicity in the Miami Herald, Boston Globe, New York Daily News and more. • Sponsored/presented at invitation-only Shopping for Health event for 20+ select RDs/nutritionists/ advisors at supermarket and retail chains. CRN spoke about regulation, trustworthy resources and survey data. EXPANDED POSITIVE PUBLICITY • CRN continued its partnership with boutique PR firm Wyatt Communications to help generate positive publicity for dietary supplements. 2017 results include: – 96 stories published—75 online, 21 in print, via outlets such as those shown above— garnering more than 4 million impressions online alone. – 41 positive scientific studies promoted. PROTECTING CONSUMERS & RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRY • Issued statements on hot-button topics, including a warning about Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), working with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), and an alert emphasizing that supplements may not make claims to treat opioid addiction.