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      Barton Morris

      By Barton Morris, Mergers and Acquisitions: The Next Stage in Michigan's Commercial Cannabis Industry |

      The cannabis industry in Michigan is quickly evolving. M&A deals will play a significant role over the next couple years. As the number of licenses issued will start declining, successful cannabis companies will be looking to add licenses to their portfolios while those less successful will be looking to recoup their loses. Plus, multi-state operators still see Michigan as an exciting market. Performing these transactions properly and with the right due diligence is critical.

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      Barton Morris

      Mergers and Acquisitions: The Next Stage in Michigan's Commercial Cannabis Industry |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Barton Morris is the principal attorney and founder of the Cannabis Legal Group, specializing in all marijuana-related legal issues including business law, corporate law, licensing, consulting, land use, and real property. He was an official spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, and instrumental in the successful legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan. He is currently an officer of the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar or Michigan.

      Max Juhasz

      By Max Juhasz, Digital Marketing basics for New Cannabiz Companies |

      Learn what your business will absolutely need to operate online… and in compliance. At our last event, our team spoke with dozens of newly licensed business owners who had no clue what to do next when it came to (A) getting their business online and (B) marketing their business online. Let us help you with the first steps.

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      Max Juhasz

      Digital Marketing basics for New Cannabiz Companies |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Max Juhasz has been doing digital marketing and SEO for cannabis and cbd companies for almost 5 years. He has helped multiple companies grow from 6 to 7 figures just from SEO. Regardless of what kind of cannabusiness you operate, organic traffic is the safest and easiest way to attract new customers online. He is the founder of Cannabiz Marketing Solutions

      Lynn Timmer

      By Lynn Timmer, What Growers Need to Know About the Worker Protection Standard |

      Cannabis growers pest management practices may involve applying pesticides that require compliance with the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The goal of WPS is to inform and protect workers and handlers from exposure to pesticides as well as mitigate an exposure. This presentation will provide an overview of several WPS requirements and what growers are required to implement to be in compliance.

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      Lynn Timmer

      What Growers Need to Know About the Worker Protection Standard |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Lynn Timmer is a lead pesticide inspector with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). MDARD is the state regulatory agency for pesticide sale and use. MDARD Inspectors conduct inspections and investigations to determine compliance with State and Federal pesticide requirements. Lynn holds a BS in Horticulture from Michigan State University.

      Rachel Fredrickson

      By Rachel Fredrickson, Cultivating Energy Savings with Indoor Agriculture |

      Indoor grow facilities are power-hungry buildings. Learn about the various strategies that can help indoor grow facilities become energy efficient. Learn about where your energy goes, the importance of energy efficiency, and how to tap into cash incentives in 2022 to become energy efficient.

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      Rachel Fredrickson

      Cultivating Energy Savings with Indoor Agriculture |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Rachel Fredrickson joined the Consumers Energy team in 2015. She started off on the Consumers Energy Assessment team, and would travel around Michigan to preform energy assessments for business. After a year, she joined the Engineering Department for the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Program as an Energy Advisor. 2019 she started focusing on indoor agriculture, and has helped create and manages the Consumers Energy Indoor Agriculture Program.

      Annette Compo

      By Annette Compo, Amp the Trajectory of Your Business with Your Next Leadership Crew! |

      Want to grow your business and your team to reach its potential? This presentation will focus on creating leaders, finding the right talent for your organization, working at maximum efficiency, and changing your mindset. Annette Compo offers a unique inside perspective of the Cannabis Industry. You will leave her presentation feeling inspired personally and professionally.

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      Annette Compo

      Amp the Trajectory of Your Business with Your Next Leadership Crew! |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Serial Entrepreneur Annette Compo is internationally known for her high-energy, interactive and entertaining sessions. Having worked with hundreds of corporations nationwide, Annette has an insider's knowledge of organizations and uses this unique perspective to create customized presentations on key issues such as personal accountability, communication, and life balance. Her business expertise allows Annette to inspire her audiences in their personal and professional development.

      Aaron Herzberg

      By Aaron Herzberg, Winning Merit Based Retail Dispensary Applications in Highly Competitive Jurisdictions |

      Our goal is to provide both cannabis executives and aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs guidance on creating a merit-based application that will win licenses. During the presentation our panel will explain the importance of, and how to increase scores, for the following application items: understanding the scoring rubric of the application, real estate site selection, real estate acquisition and negotiation, security plan, community engagement, employee benefits, social equity, and budgets.

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      Aaron Herzberg

      Winning Merit Based Retail Dispensary Applications in Highly Competitive Jurisdictions |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Aaron Herzberg is a cannabis regulatory attorney specializing in Cannabis Retail Site Selection & Real Estate Consulting. He has hands-on operations experience through his ownership of dispensaries and is a partner/ owner in many dispensaries with major operators including Cookies Retail, Stizzy, Culture Cannabis Club, and several more. Aaron founded the Puzzle Group Law Firm where he develops new cannabis dispensaries and advises on governmental affairs, licensing, and transactional matters.

      Jim Mattson

      By Jim Mattson, Navigating Through the Complexities of Risk Management & Insurance |

      The insurance industry is constantly evolving in an effort to provide protection for both early stage and established cannabis companies. Quantifying risks, analyzing exposures, recommending controls, and finding competitive risk transfer solutions in a non-standard insurance market is a critical component in the cannabis industry today. Navigating through these complexities with a strong risk management plan can pay dividends for your business in the long run.

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      Jim Mattson

      Navigating Through the Complexities of Risk Management & Insurance |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Since 1990, Jim Mattson has held loss control positions with insurance carriers, agencies, and large corporations. His approach is to understand company operations, management, and culture. This knowledge provides assistance for clients to build on their success through risk mitigation and transfer, establishing procedures, training, and monitoring for success. Jim has worked with some of Michigan’s largest grow & retail cannabis firms to provide safety, risk management, and security strategies.

      Jesse Taylor

      By Jesse Taylor, Cannabis Banking |

      Discussing the complexities of establishing a banking relationship that can serve the ever expanding needs of the fast growing cannabis market, including reliable cash management, forward thinking compliance procedures, having a single account to serve in multiple states, managing payroll, debit card solutions, debt and equity capital providers.

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      Jesse Taylor

      Cannabis Banking |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Jesse has over 7 years of experience operating up and down the Cannabis supply chain with a focus on executive level B2B partnerships complementing over 9 years’ worth of experience building and operating a $375 million wealth management practice. He currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for PayQwick, providing cannabis banking solutions. He also has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of business and BBA in Finance from Georgia State University.

      Joseph Zahaitis

      By Joseph Zahaitis, The State of Cannabis – A Payments Perspective |

      – Current state of cannabis payments (Best Practices do’s and don’ts)
      – Payment considerations (things to watch out for)
      – Payment considerations (things to LOOK for)
      – Simple banking considerations (some more do’s and don’ts)
      – Crypto
      – Wallets
      – Credit Cards

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      Joseph Zahaitis

      The State of Cannabis – A Payments Perspective |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Learn about the key issues facing cannabis retailers from someone who has been doing this for over 29 years, with a focus on removing as much cash from the equation as possible. Join us for some very “un-varnished” discussion about the options facing the industry today and how business owners can prepare themselves for the future. With Joe’s extensive experience in the payment industry, he will share both facts and his observations of the industry highlighting best practices for payment acceptance. Bankcard International Group (BIG) is a boutique merchant services payment processor based in Vancouver WA focused on servicing higher risk payment processing clients, with a particular focus on the cannabis industry. With a management team that has been helping clients for over a decade with their cannabis related business based on an honest approach to this unique and growing industry.

      Jill Carreiro

      By Jill Carreiro, Refining the Extraction Process with On-site Testing |

      In the rapidly evolving world of cannabis extraction, there exists a wide spectrum of philosophies on ideal methods and best practices. Process-tracking practices with on-site analytical technology can provide real-time data to extractors, helping them optimize end products, achieve quality goals, improve operations, and support commercial success. This presentation highlights real-world case studies and success stories from extractors utilizing on-site testing within their operations.

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      Jill Carreiro

      Refining the Extraction Process with On-site Testing |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Jill Carreiro is the Vice President, Sales, for New Hampshire-headquartered Orange Photonics, manufacturer of LightLab Portable Cannabis Analyzer, the world’s only fit-for-purpose portable HPLC that can determine cannabinoid profile and potency. Coming from the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, Jill brings a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, GMP, and the intersection of quality testing, product consistency, and consumer safety.

      RAYMOND GUNS

      By RAYMOND GUNS, Lender and Investor Preparedness |

      Cannabis is a capital-intensive game. Get inside the head of an investor to understand the due diligence they do before investing in your comapny. We will go from a novice in raising capital to expert in 1 hour. Going forward, investors will be much more demanding of cannabis, CBD, & Hemp startups. They expect better internal controls and better accounting policies & procedures. Investors want to see plans for their audit trail.

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      RAYMOND GUNS

      Lender and Investor Preparedness |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Ray is an experienced CPA professional with national and international companies within the fields of audit, accounting, financing, and tax. He is the COO of the company known as DOPE CFO Certified Advisors which exclusively service’s business’s that are operating in the blooming cannabis industry. After graduating with his Masters, obtaining his CPA license, and rising through the corporate ranks for 8 years he saw a need within the cannabis niche and started his own accounting practice. Ray has had a passion for the cannabis space since his youth when his family members started to grow for the industry. With his 8+ years of international corporate experience, and 4+ years of cannabis accounting and tax experience; he has developed the professional but flexible skills needed for serving the ambiguous and uniquely challenging cannabis industry.

      John Hartsell

      By John Hartsell, Technology in the Cannabis Packaging Space |

      Supply chain issues are some of the hardest challenges for businesses to overcome today. In the highly regulated cannabis industry, these difficulties are augmented due to state-by-state laws, the fluctuation in organic cannabis matter over time, and the complexities of compliance regulations. However, early planning, coupled with the right technology and automation, can help businesses navigate the cannabis supply chain effectively. Attendees will learn how to develop a sophisticated logistics plan to mitigate risk and propel operations forward. A comprehensive overview of the different types of technologies available and how to integrate them into an operation’s seed-to-sale processes to ensure both quality and compliance will also be covered, including the impact of state weights and measures laws.

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      John Hartsell

      Technology in the Cannabis Packaging Space |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      John “Harts” Hartsell is the charismatic co-founder and CEO of DIZPOT, a leading-edge global cannabis packaging company providing customers operating in highly regulated markets with a single source branding, packaging, and proprietary technology solution, bringing products to market compliantly and quickly in the highly competitive CPG environment. Hartsell is actively involved on a state and federal level with lobbying and political activities that move the industry forward.

      THOMAS MJ Lavigne JD

      By THOMAS MJ Lavigne JD, Regulatory Compliance |

      Learn some of the regulations governing commercial cannabis businesses. Since recreational legalization kicked in December of 2018, Michigan has become the fastest growing state in the recreational cannabis industry. Already the 2nd largest medical cannabis market in the US, the recreational market in Michigan could reach $1 billion dollars in sales this year, and sales may climb past $3 billion each year in the near future.

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      THOMAS MJ Lavigne JD

      Regulatory Compliance |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Thomas MJ Lavigne, JD is the managing partner at Cannabis Counsel® Law Firm, providing legal services to cannabis businesses pursuing state and local commercial licenses under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act as well as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, including municipal litigation, regulatory compliance, and administrative law. He has practiced law for more than 30-years. Tom’s core focus as an attorney at law has been cannabis law since 2010.

      Chris Atkinson

      By Chris Atkinson, Building a Compliant Facility |

      The cannabis industry is burdened with strict regulatory requirements & challenging schedule expectations, making it difficult for business owners to receive their license & become operational. This presentation will provide a detailed overview and outline best practices for navigating the complex licensure & construction process for both dispensary & cultivation facilities. It will dive into the myriad of regulatory & compliance requirements related to real estate, security & construction.

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      Chris Atkinson

      Building a Compliant Facility |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Chris leads the Redmond's growing portfolio of cannabis dispensary & cultivation projects. She brings deep expertise in cannabis operations, facility construction & stakeholder management. To date, she has built out nearly 300,000 SF of retail & cultivation facilities across the country, including 21 dispensaries & four cultivation facilities. Chris has experience working with local municipalities, state regulatory bodies, REITs, zoning & code variances.

      David Rozanski

      By David Rozanski, Law & Cannabis Businesses: What All Owners & Operators Should Know |

      The cannabis industry challenges business owners and operators with unforgiving, complicated laws and regulations as well as complex transactions with sophisticated parties, who are all attempting to maximize profits. This vital session provides a broad overview of legal topics that directly impact every member of the cannabis industry. Attendees can expect to expect to walk away with an understanding of legal issues facing cannabis businesses and how to mitigate the associated risks.

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      David Rozanski

      Law & Cannabis Businesses: What All Owners & Operators Should Know |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      David Rozanski, a Senior Associate with Scott Roberts Law, has more than 13 years of experience between business consulting and law. David is a proud Michigan native who obtained his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University after graduating from the University of Michigan – Flint Campus with a dual major in economics and political science. Since the State of Michigan first released applications for medical cannabis facilities, David has leveraged his unique skillset to help many cannabis businesses become market leaders while remaining fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Prior to joining Scott Roberts Law, David was in-house counsel for Wild Bill’s Tobacco, which is a national leader in tobacco retail and has a rapidly growing portfolio of vertically-integrated cannabis facilities. David also ran his own professional services firm focused on helping legal cannabis businesses navigate difficult regulatory and licensing requirements, in addition to offering various legal and business solutions. Before joining the cannabis industry, David consulted for such companies as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Quicken Loans. David’s extensive experience allows him to help clients identify and mitigate risks before they become costly nuisances. Even when facing complex matters, David’s innovative approach provides peace of mind to his business clients through expedient and comprehensive solutions. David’s passion is derived from not only helping his clients understand how law and business can function best together, but also from helping other entrepreneurs realize their dreams. In the emerging market of legal cannabis and hemp, David is determined to make a difference as both a staunch advocate and a leader of client-focused strategies for business clients.

      Francesca Vavala

      By Francesca Vavala, No One Grows Alone: The Sales Approach that Can Save Cannabis Business |

      While the stigma around cannabis is breaking, the stigmas inside the industry hold businesses back. Francesca shares an elevated mindset and practical applications that take companies from surviving to thriving. How? By making professional sales the second priority in their business. She challenges the status quo of current sales models and shows the audience how to improve revenues immediately, strengthen brand identity, and build long term success.

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      Francesca Vavala

      No One Grows Alone: The Sales Approach that Can Save Cannabis Business |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Francesca is the President of The Sales Joint, a sales agency that helps bring professional sales strategies, tools, and best practices to the cannabis industry on behalf of cannabis producers. With a background in education and sales, she believes that an effective, strong sales cycle is tied to better patient care as well as better business. Her team's five years of national sales success is rooted in her company's core philosophy, "no one grows alone."

      Stephen Arndt

      By Stephen Arndt, Technology, Security, & Compliance |

      This seminar focuses on the security and compliance issues that effect all types of cannabis businesses from manufacturing to a growth facility to dispensaries. I will show you the technology and a few simple steps you can take right now to make sure your business can effectively and economically deploy security measures as well as simplifying your compliance strategies.

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      Stephen Arndt

      Technology, Security, & Compliance |

      Presentation Abstract:
      About:
      Stephen Matthew Arndt (CEO and CIO), a national healthcare and cannabis information technology consultant and industry leader, is an innovator, change agent, and problem solver who focuses on results. Stephen has spent more than 25 years in IT, specializing in healthcare for more than 15 years and cannabis the last 3 years. Prior to this, Stephen served as managing director, Consulting CIO, and senior consultant for IT Powered a VCPI Company. He holds a BA in Management and MBA with on IT.

      Khadijah Adams

      Getting Your Business Funded in the Cannabis Industry

      By Khadijah Adams, |

      The audience will learn detailed information about the type of documents investors require prior to funding consideration, identifying the right investors for your company and how to go about finding them, other unique ways of raising capital without seeking investors and what not to do or say when speaking with investors.

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      Khadijah Adams

      Getting Your Business Funded in the Cannabis Industry
      |

      Presentation Abstract:
      Learn detailed information about the type of documents investors require prior to funding consideration, identifying the right investors for your company and how to go about finding them, other unique ways of raising capital without seeking investors and what not to do or say when speaking with investors.
      About:
      Ms. Adams is a motivational speaker. She sits on the Advisory Board of The Color of Cannabis (TCC) 2020-2021 and is the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) 2020-2021, she is a Board Member of Gratitude Blossom CBD (San Diego), Advisory Board Member of Calyxeum Cultivation (MI) and Board Member of CannaCan (Ohio). Khadijah is the founder of Khadijah Adams, LLC dba “Girl, Get That Money” business empowerment and coaching movement. Her goal is to empower women in business by providing them with the resources and tools needed to help them become successful. She is the author of “Rewriting Your Mental Script – 8 Mindsets That Defeat Self Sabotage” published by Sisterhood Publishing and released on February 1, 2021.

      Johnathan McFarlane

      The Cannabis Marketing Pyramid: A Step-By-Step Process to Creating a Winning Cannabis Brand

      By Johnathan McFarlane, |

      Johnathan is the Director or Strategy for Hybrid Marketing Co, a cannabis-specialized agency whose clients include an impressive roster of companies across the US and Canada. He established himself as a marketing leader in the Canadian market, working with industry heavyweights like Aurora, Canopy, and Tilray. Johnathan prides himself on finding creative solutions to the marketing and advertising restrictions faced by the cannabis industry .

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      Johnathan McFarlane

      The Cannabis Marketing Pyramid: A Step-By-Step Process to Creating a Winning Cannabis Brand
      |

      Presentation Abstract:
      Welcome to the new WILD WEST of marketing: the cannabis industry! Boundaries and restrictions force cannabis marketers to think creatively and take big risks. In this session, we’ll explore the strategies, tactics, and tools that you can implement in your own business. From foundational to advanced, this session provides the audience a step-by-step process to creating a winning cannabis brand.
      About:
      Johnathan is the Director or Strategy for Hybrid Marketing Co, a cannabis-specialized agency whose clients include an impressive roster of companies across the US and Canada. He established himself as a marketing leader in the Canadian market, working with industry heavyweights like Aurora, Canopy, and Tilray. Johnathan prides himself on finding creative solutions to the marketing and advertising restrictions faced by the cannabis industry.

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