Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1383836
AGENDA • JUNE 23, 2021 11:30 – 11:35: Welcome Remarks 11: 35 – 11:45: Keynote speaker 11:50 – 12:30: Session 1 – Building Your Cannabis Ecosystem 12:35 – 1:15: Session 2 - Differentiation in the Increasingly Competitive Cannabis Industry 1:30: Closing remarks KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Shaleen Title, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, The Ohio State University College of Law Drug Enforcement and Policy Center Shaleen Title is an Indian-American attorney and longtime drug policy activist who currently serves as a visiting expert at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and as vice-chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition. She is a frequent lecturer and consultant on cannabis policy and has testified in front of governmental bodies around the world about restorative justice in marijuana laws. From 2017-2020, she was appointed by the Massachusetts governor, attorney general, and treasurer to serve as one of five inaugural commissioners of the Cannabis Control Commission. She was widely recognized during her term for her focus on racial justice and her efforts to make the cannabis industry more fair and inclusive, including being named to the Worcester Business Journal's 2019 Power 50. She holds a business degree, law degree, and graduate degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and was previously a part of the multistate tax group at Deloitte Tax. DAY 2, SESSION 1: BUILDING YOUR CANNABIS ECOSYSTEM Hear from experienced operators and financial service professionals about the unique challenges and opportunities typically encountered when running a cannabis business operation, and the importance of developing a knowledgeable team of professionals to help you build the foundation you will need for your operation's long-term success and sustainability. • Understanding and navigating the legal, regulatory, compliance and tax landscape • How to align yourself/your organization with the appropriate professionals • Banking and insurance solutions for the cannabis industry MODERATOR: Tina Sbrega, President, Lighthouse Biz Solutions, LLC Tina M. Sbrega is the President of Lighthouse Biz Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GFA Federal Credit Union, formed to serve the legal cannabis industry. She previously served as President & CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union from 2009 - 2021. Restricted by federal laws to secure banking services in federally insured financial institutions, legal cannabis businesses have been forced to conduct all transactions in cash. Recognizing the risks a cash-intensive business poses for public safety, in 2018 GFA Federal Credit Union Board made the decision to bring compliant banking services to legal cannabis operators and their employees. As such, they were the first financial institution in MA to provide banking to both recreational and medicinal operators. They are proud to be serving the cannabis industry and providing a turnkey banking solution to assist them in managing their legitimate businesses. Ms. Sbrega is regarded as an innovative industry leader and an engaged member of the community, having served as a director to many non-profit organizations. She is the recipient of numerous awards for both her innovative style and community leadership. Ms. Sbrega earned her BSBA from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. PANELISTS: Mitzi Keating, Partner, Citrin Cooperman Mitzi Keating is a partner in the firm's Braintree, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island offices and Co-Leader of the Cannabis Advisory Services Practice. She has over 15 years of experience providing accounting and audit services, tax planning, business consulting, and forensic services. Mitzi has a unique perspective on the cannabis business, being an elected official in the town of Lakeville, MA, where she is able to understand the local regulatory challenges facing this industry. Having established a network of cannabis advisors, Mitzi is able to translate her knowledge to the