Northeastern Industry Dinner
The Northeastern Industry Dinner is for the industry; for license holders, badge holders and ancillary businesses – the people who are building the industry. success. The Northeastern states are emerging markets with million dollar and billion dollar yearly sales numbers. The numbers will only go up.
The Northeastern Industry Dinner kicks off with a Strategic Networking Meet & Mingle, Hor d’oeuvres, cocktails and conversations. A guest list with contact information is provided prior to the evening to facilitate strategic connections. Menus & Venue Information
The topic for the evening is “How to Succeed in the Industry”. The keynote speaker is Wanda James.
Wanda James managed two congressional campaigns, including Re. Jared Polis, now Governor of Colorado. She was appointed to Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee.
Wanda served on Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Amendment 64 Task Force Work Groups. Amendment 64 helped end prohibition in Colorado, virtually creating today’s recreational landscape.
Wanda James and husband, Scott Durrah, were the first Black licensees in the United States to own a dispensary, grow operation, and edibles. They opened the Apothecary of Colorado, in 2009 and Simply Pure Medicated Edibles in 2010, becoming the largest edible medical cannabis company in Colorado. Simply Pure Dispensary opened in 2015 in the Denver LoHi neighborhood. Simply Pure Trenton, New Jersey opened in 2023 under the leadership of owner Tahir.
In 2023, Regent Wanda James became the first Black woman elected to the board in over 44 years. She will serve in Colorado’s First Congressional District.
The keynote speaker is followed by a curated panel offering their perspectives based on expertise, success and longevity in the cannabis industry. The How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry panelist are:
Michael James, The James Firm LLC, Corporate Attorney and Cannabis Licensing Attorney, providing a balance of legal, business, operational, and financial strategies that had clear execution and built-in problem-solving contingencies. Licensed in New Jersey and New York. LinkedIn
April Rodriguez Designated Broker at Zoned Properties Brokerage, 20 years in real estate. Advocate and Advisor on Cannabis specific opportunities with or without real estate. Specialist in green parcel verifications for Cultivation, Retail & Testing Locations. Multi-State licensed. LinkedIn
Erica Sloan CPA, CFE, MBA, FMVA, CGMA, CCCP, DOPE CFO Certified Advisor. 15+ years of success as a trusted advisor in her field. She is well-versed in policy creation, complex tax regulations and compliance, budget development, financial management best practices, internal controls, strategic planning, CFO services, and more. LinkedIn
Patricia Walker, Luna Verde Consulting, Cannabis Operations & Strategy Specialist, Advocate, Purchasing & Business Development Expert, NJ Business Action Center instructor for the inaugural Cannabis Training Academy. LinkedIn
Rachel Amin, Panel Moderator LinkedIn
Menu
Assortment of imported cheeses, Assorted crackers
Charcuterie of turkey, salami, ham
Fresh assorted seasonal fruit
Crudité Platter – Homemade Hummus
Bruschetta – Pizza breads
Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss, ham & Dijon mustard
Panko crusted shrimp with chili lime sauce
Coconut Lobster lollipop with mango salsa
Vegetable Spring Roll with sweet chili sauce
Parmesan crusted artichoke heart tempura with horseradish sauce
Filet mignon crostini, boursin cheese, red onion marmalade
Buffet
Garden Salad, mixed greens, cucumbers, grape tomatoes & shaved carrots
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter – Chicken Marsala
Roast Beef with Gravy – Pork Medallions
Penne with Vodka Sauce
Seasonal Vegetables – Red Roasted Potatoes
Pastry Chef’s choice of Desserts – Coffee & Tea