Who: Small, minority and women-owned business owners, entrepreneurs, local and state officials, NJ cannabis industry experts and advocates and local press.
What: An in-depth forum with legislative leaders, business, and industry experts to inform the South Jersey/Camden County business community and to develop strategies for small, minority, and women-owned business to participate in the future New Jersey Cannabis Industry.
Why: To ensure the community is informed on social justice implications of the new legislation, the impact on the local economy and to ensure that small, minority, and women-owned businesses are prepared, informed and have a voice in shaping the business landscape of the NJ cannabis industry.
Agenda (Updated 2.26.18):
12:30 pm - 1:15pm - Registration Check-in, Lunch & Networking
1:15 pm - 1:30 pm - Welcome Message: Dispelling the myths - Cannabis industry cliff notes
Confirmed Speakers: Leo Bridgewater, Co-Founder New Jersey Cannabis Commission, President Minorities for
Medial Marijuana NJ Chapter
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Legislation Update - Current State of Affairs
Update and overview of the current bill and proposed legislation presented to the NJ Congress/Senate
Confirmed Speakers: Scott Rudder, President, Board of Directors New Jersey CannaBusiness Association
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm - Social/Criminal Justice reform and the impact on Business & The economy
Why justice reform is a crucial part of the cannabis legislation as well as the economic impact it will have on the NJ economy with supporting trends and data.
Confirmed Speakers: Meagan Glaser, Deputy State Director Drug Policy Alliance NJ
Nelson Guerrero, Executive Director/Co-Founder The Cannabis Cultural Association
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm - The Cannabis Flower Business - Medical/Dispensary/Growers
An overview of the opportunities and requirements and examples of licensing to leverage these business areas by industry experts and investors
Confirmed Speakers: Gia Moran, Executive Vice President Women Grow
Jessie Johnson, Chief Peacemaker Purple Peace
Michael A. Brown, CEO Environmental Construction Services, Inc. / Managing Partner Element Mechanical Services, LLC.
Tammeisha Smith, Managing Partner/Corporate Relations Vice President Obsidian Investment Association
3:30 pm - 4:15pm - The Support Business - Ancillary Business & Investment Opportunities in the Industry
Transportation, testing, security, legal, marketing, electricians, etc. An in-depth discussion on the impact to ancillary businesses and services
Confirmed Speakers: Rani Soto, Founder LeafLaunch Accelerator
Jake Plowden Deputy Director/Co-founder The Cannabis Cultural Association
LaQuay Juel, General Partner/President Obsidian Investment Association
Moderator: Kristin L. Jordan, Esq. | Newman Ferrara LLP
4:15 pm - 5:00 - Community Climate - Feedback and Q&A from Community Leaders:
Local officials, Clergy, Non-Profit leaders, etc. discuss the current climate of their constituents as well as Q&A with the audience on preparing their respective communities for legalization.
Confirmed Speakers: John Harmon, President African-American Chamber of Commerce NJ
Mayor David Mayer of Gloucester Township
Moderator: Yessenia Garcia-Lebron, Founder HOLA Lets Connect
5:00 pm - Closing remarks
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Networking - Enjoy Complimentary Beer/Wine Happy Hour