We all are members of the communities we live and work in, but we are also members of the natural products community that gathers annually in Anaheim, Calif., and Baltimore. In recognition of this, here are a few ways we plan to foster community at Expo West, which will take place March 10 to 13, 2011 in Anaheim.

Community page. The newly launched “community” page on expowest.com is a place to connect to other members of the industry, learn more about organizations working to improve our world, and discover tools that help attendees and exhibitors make the most of their time at the show and find their unique community within the larger one.

Donation module. When you register for Expo West, you’ll have the opportunity to donate to one of three powerful nonprofit organizations: Vitamin Angels, the Organic Farming Research Foundation or Community Services Unlimited. Round up your registration fee by $5, or maybe your company can donate $5,000 or $50,000. You’ll find information on each organization and the valuable work they do to give back and make the world we live in a better place on expowest.com.

Network Now. Launched at Expo East 2010, this tool allows attendees and exhibitors to connect after matching their interests and needs. On expowest.com, you can also set appointments, create a schedule, search the show directory for product categories, shop show specials and browse new products. Plus, exhibitors can invite retailers to attend.

Second Harvest. Every year, Expo West donates exhibitors’ leftover food and beverages to Second Harvest, a division of Feeding America. In alliance with Expo West, Second Harvest Food Bank works with smaller partner agencies to distribute food throughout Orange County, Calif. In 2010, we donated 31,684 pounds of food and beverages to Second Harvest.

I look forward to seeing you in Anaheim and taking in all our community has to offer.