Green Jobs: Resources for Jobs & Careers in Sustainable Products
A lot of folks ask us about resources for finding jobs and career opportunities in the $300 billion "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability" market.
A lot of folks ask us about resources for finding jobs and career opportunities in the $300 billion LOHAS market, i.e., the "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability" market for natural, organic, eco-friendly, and socially and environmentally responsible products and services. There are a lot of great companies and NGOs in the LOHAS market, from organic food to renewable energy and from yoga to green building. In fact, with significant growth in demand for natural, organic and sustainable products, according to the Organic Trade Association, the organic food industry is creating jobs at a much higher rate than the conventional food industry.
Here are some good resources below for finding jobs in the natural and organic foods and sustainable products industry, and for social and environmental mission based organizations.
Of course, if you identify companies you'd like to work for, check their websites. Often, the larger companies, such as Whole Foods Market, UNFI, Pacific Natural Foods, Earthbound Farm, and other brand leaders will have job postings on their own websites. Do some research of your favorite brands.
We welcome your comments and suggestions to add to the list.
Hope this helps get you started. Happy green job hunting!
Green Job Resources
Green Dream Jobs. You can search by level and region. Awesome resource presented by our friends at SustainableBusiness.com
Luke's Circle is a great resource for sales, marketing, management and executive level jobs in the Denver/Boulder region, created by our friend and colleague Luke Vernon. www.lukescircle.com
GreenBiz has a great sustainable jobs board. http://jobs.greenbiz.com
Just Means job listings have a social mission and NGO focus. http://www.justmeans.com/alljobs
Natural and Organic Industry Careers and Resources. A good compendium of industry resources and job opportunities. http://www.naturalindustryjobs.com
Food Force posts career opportunities with natural, organic, specialty and conventional food companies and brand leaders. http://www.foodforce.com
The Green Jobs Network "empowers people seeking careers in sustainability and environmental responsibility to find jobs, career resources, and build their professional network." http://www.greenjobs.net
Naturally Boulder is another resource for job listings in the Boulder/Denver region. https://www.naturallyboulder.org/resources/jobs/
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Wanting a Peace Corps-like volunteer experience, but on an organic farm somewhere around the world where you can learn about organic agriculture? Feeling young and adventurous? Check out WWOOF. http://www.wwoof.org
Green Career Guide job thread. http://greencareerguide.jobthread.com
California Certified Organic Farmers, an excellent organization for organic producers, posts job listings. http://www.ccof.org/classifieds.php#emp
ReWork: Founded in 2011 by alumni of the Unreasonable Institute in Boulder, ReWork helps people find careers in values-based, socially responsible and sustainable businesses. http://rework.jobs/talent
Project NOSH: Project NOSH covers the world of entrepreneurial food companies and services that are expanding rapidly due to interest in Natural, Organic, Sustainable, and Healthy (NOSH) products and businesses. Project NOSH helps food and beverage companies to find the right employees, and develop business success. http://www.projectnosh.com/jobs
VeganJobs.com is a free global vegan job and resume hub operated by vegans for vegans and plant-based/vegan-oriented businesses and organizations. https://veganjobs.com/
Food+Tech Jobs: Search for tech, business, design, sales, marketing, operations and PR jobs at leading food companies. https://jobs.foodtechconnect.com/
Food Industry Executive launched its job board in April 2018, and while it is still building steam, it should prove to be a good resource for senior level career opportunities in the food business. http://foodindustryexecutive.com/jobs/
Green Jobs Network contains more than 100 environmental and social impact jobs. If you apply for one of these opportunities, please indicate that you learned about it from Green Jobs Network. https://mailchi.mp/f56a682687be/gjn-july2020
Jobganic: Are you organic, natural, and eco-conscious driven? Looking for jobs opportunities that give you greater satisfaction and that fit your healthy lifestyle? Let recruiters at leading and emerging companies discover you at Jobganic. https://jobganic.com/
SENPA: The Job Board for Natural Products Retailers and Manufacturers. Post a Job. Find a Job. List Your Resume. Find a Candidate. All Natural Products. All in One Place. https://jobs.senpa.org/
One Step Closer: This network of purpose-driven, values-aligned CEOs in the natural products industry offers a job board. Find a job or post a job. https://jobs.osc2.org/jobs/f7222645-9802-4378-a7dd-0ffab0308480
Naturally Network: Search or post jobs on the board at Naturally Network, the natural and organic products ecosystem. https://jobs.naturallynetwork.org/
JAMBAR Poised to JAM Through the Summer by Sponsoring Array of Top Music Festivals and Events
Organic artisan energy bar company JAMBAR donates 50% of profits to organizations that support music and active living
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – As part of its commitment to make the planet a better place through music, the organic artisan energy bar company JAMBAR is partnering with more than 30 live music festivals and events in northern California this summer, including Mill Valley Music Festival, BOTTLEROCK Napa Valley, The Fairfax Festival & Ecofest, Sound Summit and KC Turner Presents Cookout Series at HopMonk.
JAMBAR was launched in 2021 by Jennifer Maxwell, a musician, runner, nutritionist and mom. Jenny was also the co-founder of the original PowerBar. Maxwell’s mission with JAMBAR is to fuel healthy bodies and healthy communities. Not only are JAMBAR’s energy bars made with premium organic ingredients—including ancient grains, natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins—but the company also donates 50% of its profits to organizations that support music and active living.
“Bringing music into more people’s lives has always been a central part of JAMBAR,” said Maxwell, who, in addition to serving as CEO of JAMBAR, is a drummer in two Bay Area bands. “The lineup of talent coming to the Bay Area this summer is incredible, and we’re going to do our best to keep the energy high by fueling festivalgoers and musicians alike.”
JAMBAR hosted a booth offering samples of JAMBARs to hungry Mill Valley festivalgoers. JAMBARs were also placed in musician green rooms, providing performers with clean, organic energy. Festivalgoers who chose to travel by bike received a complimentary JAMBAR at the Marin County Bike Coalition’s parking area.
Following the Mill Valley festival, JAMBAR will journey to Napa Valley for the BOTTLEROCK festival of music, food, wine and brews on May 26-28. Billed as “the first taste of summer,” the festival boasts a powerhouse lineup of more than 70 performers, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Lizzo, Duran Duran, Lil Nas X and the Smashing Pumpkins. JAMBARs will be featured in BOTTLEROCK musician green rooms, culinary suites, VIP suites and staff rooms. JAMBAR athlete, Olympic gold medalist skier and music fan Jonny Moseley will be at BOTTLEROCK on Friday, May 26, introducing culinary guests as part of this growing partnership.
On May 29, JAMBAR will kick off the KC Turner Presents 10th Annual Cookout Concert Series at the HopMonk Tavern in Novato, California. This summer concert series features over 25 shows from late May through October. Headliners include crowd favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Maria Muldaur, Anders Osborne, Bob Schneider, Brett Dennen, Shawn Mullins and G. Love. Every concert attendee will receive a free JAMBAR as they exit each show. Perfect fuel after a long night of dancing! This is the second year for JAMBAR as the headline sponsor.
“KC Turner Presents and HopMonk are thrilled to be teaming up again with JAMBAR. Their support and love of live music make this a win-win sponsorship! We can't wait to Get Our Jam On at this year's Cookout Concert Series!” said founder KC Turner.
On June 10-11, JAMBAR will be an official partner at The Fairfax Festival & Ecofest in Fairfax, California. This funky, eclectic celebration of music and the arts features musicians, a parade, artist and artisan booths, a flea market and a family film night. JAMBAR will welcome festival attendees who ride their bikes with complimentary JAMBARs at the JAMBAR Parking Area with the Marin County Bike Coalition.
JAMBAR will close out the summer concert season with a booth and sampling at Sound Summit 2023 on September 9. This is the second year that JAMBAR will partner with this outdoor concert on Mount Tamalpais, which raises funds for the Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, a popular hiking, running and biking destination. The lineup for this festival includes artists such as Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Kevin Morby, Brokedown in Bakersfield and Vinyl.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading grocery stores, including Mollie Stone’s Markets, Earth Fare, Good Earth, Nugget Markets, United Markets, Berkeley Bowl, select Safeway stores and more. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
Collegiate Running Association and JAMBAR Announce Partnership
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and JAMBAR are excited to announce their partnership, with JAMBAR becoming the official energy bar of the association. JAMBAR is an organic energy bar crafted with high-quality protein and fiber, and naturally sweetened for a healthier alternative to traditional energy bars.
Jennifer Maxwell, the founder and CEO of JAMBAR, has been a pioneer in the energy bar industry since 1987, when she founded PowerBar with her husband, Brian Maxwell. After Brian’s death in 2004, Maxwell took time to heal and raise her six children before crafting JAMBAR for a new generation of fitness enthusiasts.
JAMBAR is more than just an energy bar – it promotes community and healthy organic nutrition, with a purpose that goes beyond fueling optimum performance. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music. The name is inspired by Maxwell’s passion for music, and the bars are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California. Certified organic JAMBARs include vegan and gluten-free options and come in four flavors: Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha, Musical Mango and Jammin’ Jazzleberry.
Both Jennifer and Brian Maxwell were competitive collegiate runners, Brian was an Olympic marathoner, and all of their six children are also runners. “As a lifelong runner, I wanted to create a great-tasting, highly digestible bar with a texture and nutritional profile that is perfect for training, as well as pre- and post-race,” said Maxwell. “The CRA is a natural match for JAMBAR and we are honored to fuel the next generation of runners with them.”
The CRA is thrilled to partner with JAMBAR, providing their athletes with a premium energy bar option that aligns with the association’s values of promoting a healthy lifestyle and community engagement. The partnership will include JAMBAR’s participation in CRA events and promotions, as well as exclusive offers for CRA members.
“We are excited to partner with JAMBAR and provide our athletes with a high-quality, organic energy bar option that is not only delicious but aligns with our values as an organization,” said Steve Taylor, president and co-founder of the Collegiate Running Association. “Jennifer Maxwell’s dedication to promoting healthy nutrition and community engagement is inspiring, and we look forward to working with JAMBAR to further promote these values within the running community.”
About the Collegiate Running Association
The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy living and active lifestyles among college students through distance running. It organizes national championship events in road, mountain, trail and snowshoe running and hosts a diverse range of races and events throughout the year. Notably, the CRA is the first and currently the only running organization that offers prize money races exclusively for college athletes. It was established in 2013. Visit them at www.CollegiateRunning.org.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins. Runner’s World named JAMBAR as the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also gave JAMBAR a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, on Amazon.com and at select grocery, running and sports specialty stores. Learn more at www.jambar.com.
For more information about the partnership or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural: steve@compassnatural.com, (303) 807-1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR: debbie@jambar.com, (206) 669-3580
Steve Taylor, Collegiate Running Association: steve.taylor@collegiaterunning.org, (804) 349-3367
Natural & Organic Industry Set to Surpass $300 Billion in Sales in 2023, Despite Slower Growth, Inflation
This article first appeared in Presence Marketing’s May 2023 newsletter.
By Steven Hoffman
The U.S. natural and organic products industry is on pace to surpass $300 billion in total industry sales in 2023, despite slower growth and inflation, according to early estimates by Nutrition Business Journal.
Presenting the data at Natural Products Expo West in March, New Hope Network SVP and Market Leader Carlotta Mast said, “This would represent a doubling of industry sales over the last decade. That’s huge. We are a sizeable, impactful, meaningful industry. We’re not a fad anymore. We’re not this niche industry.”
Photo: Unsplash
U.S. consumer sales of natural and organic products reached $278 billion in 2022, with growth slowing from 7% in 2021 to 5.4% in 2022, according to preliminary research by Nutrition Business Journal, based on data provided by market research firm SPINS. This follows an unprecedented spike of 10% growth in 2020, as a result of the pandemic. Sales growth is expected to recover somewhat going forward, according to Mast, and is projected to reach 6% in 2024 and 2025.
The bulk of the growth in 2022 was driven by natural, organic and functional food and beverage sales, led by carbonated drinks, dairy alternatives, “better-for-you” sweeteners, baby products and canned and dried soups. These categories outperformed the overall natural and organic products industry, Mast noted. In functional foods and beverages, sports and energy drinks, soft drinks, frozen desserts and snack chips that include functional ingredients such as mushrooms, adaptogens, electrolytes, prebiotics and healthy fats helped drive sales in the category.
Hitting a milestone in 2022, as well, were sales of organic food and beverage products, with sales estimated at more than $50 billion. According to Mast, this figure represents a doubling in organic food and beverage sales since 2014. Product categories that performed strongly in the organic sector last year included organic baby formula, candy, dips, soft drinks and yogurt, according to New Hope and SPINS data.
However, after seeing record growth in 2020, most impacted by inflationary pressures was the dietary supplements category, which rose only 1.7% in 2022 to $60.9 billion in sales, based on the data presented at Expo West and reported on by Food Navigator-USA.
Kathryn Peters, Chief of Staff at SPINS, shared with attendees at Expo West that natural and organic foods are continuing to expand into the mainstream, with sales of natural products in conventional grocery and convenience outpacing growth in traditional natural food stores. Growth in sales of natural products in 2022 increased 9.2% in convenience, followed by a 7.4% increase in “conventional multi-outlet,” and a 4.1% increase in regional grocery, compared to 2.5% growth in the natural channel, based on SPINS data and reported by Food Navigator-USA.
While shoppers continue to look for deals and best prices across multiple channels including supermarkets, mass retailers, club stores and online to help reduce the impact of higher food prices, according to The Hartman Group and FMI — The Food Industry Association, 32% of shoppers concerned about rising food prices reported buying fewer items as a strategy to save money in February 2023. That’s down from 41% of shoppers who reported buying fewer items to save on food costs in October 2022.
“Our national survey reveals persistent consumer concern about food and beverage prices, as the weekly spend for groceries increased in late 2022 and early in 2023,” Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, said in a statement. “To address higher prices, shoppers are visiting more stores and seeking deals to stretch their dollars but are now less likely to cut back on the number of items purchased compared to six months or a year ago. This is an opportunity for our industry to continue connecting with shoppers on food-inflation-mitigating solutions.”
According to FMI and The Hartman Group’s findings, food price concerns cut across shopper demographics, however, “Boomers are more worried about rising food prices than any other group, with 80% showing concern in February 2023 versus 69% in October 2022. Millennials polled close behind with 76% saying they are concerned, 5% more than one year ago. Such concerns about food costs coincide with an increase in spending in this inflationary environment. In February, on average, consumers spent $164 per week on groceries, up from $148 in both October and February of 2022,” FMI said.
Natural and organic food shoppers, in particular, may be less sensitive to price than traditional shoppers, but they still want quality, taste, nutrition, value … and sustainability. Younger consumers are driving demand toward brands that reduce waste and minimize carbon footprint and environmental impact. “The values-oriented shopper is a really important and valuable shopper,” Peters of SPINS noted, and according to Nutrition Business Journal, organic products are one of the last places consumers say they are willing to trade down to fight food inflation.
In a Chicago Tribune feature article published on April 3, 2023, Tonya Lofgren, Marketing Manager of Ciranda, a leading organic ingredient supplier based in Hudson, WI, said, “What’s cool about the natural and organic shopper is that if they value that, they’ll prioritize it over other ways to adjust spending because they realize how important it is.” Ciranda CEO Doug Audette added, “We are seeing consumers rationalizing their spending decisions. Overall, that has tempered the growth in organic. But we see no letting up in the long-term growth of organic, sustainable and fair-trade ingredients.”
In a March 2023 organic market report, USDA reported that, after a surge in pantry stocking pushed sales to record heights in 2020, organic food sales declined for the first time in decades in 2021 on an inflation-adjusted basis. However, “more than 15 million new customers entered the organic and natural foods market between early March and mid-April 2020,” USDA said. Time will tell if these consumers stick with organic.
According to USDA’s market report, organic consumers are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, education, and income, though millennials purchase organic food at larger rates than other generations. Households with children are also more likely to purchase organic food than households without children, USDA noted.
Yet, challenging new and dedicated organic consumers alike is the fact that organic foods are seeing some of the steepest price hikes amid stubbornly high food inflation. Prices for organic fruit and vegetables rose 13.1% over the past year, compared with just under 10% for conventional produce, according to a February 2023 analysis of USDA retail pricing data by Lending Tree.
Among all the food groups included in Lending Tree’s analysis, organic chicken prices increased the most, at 19.5%. “That's more than three times the price jump for conventionally raised chicken, which rose 5.9% over the last year, the report shows. For households already struggling with the nation's worst bout of inflation in 40 years, such spikes could force many consumers to opt for nonorganic options instead,” CBS News reported.
Sales data for 2022 show organic fruits and vegetables growing in revenue but declining in sale volume, according to the Organic Produce Network. However, that’s a common theme across the food industry as consumers pay more for less in the face of heavy inflation, the Chicago Tribune noted.
According to the Tribune, a quarter of consumers surveyed by Nutrition Business Journal over the past year said they’re unlikely to stop buying organic produce, packaged food and meat to save money on groceries. Fewer than half of respondents said they are likely to cut those products out.
Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural, providing public relations, brand marketing, social media, and strategic business development services to natural, organic, sustainable and hemp/CBD products businesses. Compass Natural serves in PR and programming for NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo, and Hoffman serves as Editor of the weekly Let’s Talk Hemp Newsletter, published by We Are for Better Alternatives. Contact steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com.
U.S. Hemp Leaders Unite on Plan of Action as 2023 Farm Bill Deliberations Approach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Key industry stakeholders convened at the NoCo9 Hemp Expo in March to finalize a policy document that 31 nonprofits have now signed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2023) – As the 2023 Farm Bill deliberations approach, U.S. hemp leaders are united behind a plan of action. And this unprecedented alliance among 31 nonprofit hemp organizations portends promise for congressional enactment of the industry’s agenda.
This winter, three of the nation’s leading hemp organizations – Hemp Industries Association (HIA), National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) and U.S. Hemp Roundtable (USHR) – joined in collaboration for the very first time to develop a series of policy priorities for enactment in the 2023 Farm Bill. The three groups then asked industry leader Morris Beegle to convene a meeting of more than 75 key hemp stakeholders at the leading national hemp gathering that he produces, the NoCo Hemp Expo. After an intense discussion, and follow-up breakout groups to expound on the deliberations, a priority policy document was finalized. Since then, 31 state, regional and national nonprofit organizations have signed on in support.
The document, attached hereto, lists nine key policy priorities for consideration by Congress. These include requiring FDA to regulate hemp extracts such as CBD; easing the regulatory burden on hemp farmers; repealing the hemp felon ban from the 2018 Farm Bill; and addressing THC limits for hemp. This document is being shared with key members of Congress and will serve as the foundation for drafting legislative language to be included in the Farm Bill.
NIHC President and CEO Patrick Atagi praised the work of the hemp industry for broadly coming together to endorse hemp priorities and hemp-specific Farm Bill priorities. “’Working Together Works’ are true words taught to me by my mentor, former USDA Undersecretary William ‘Bill’ Hawks,” Atagi said. “I am glad to see the hemp industry come together; it is a sign of great things to come.”
“This is an historic moment for hemp,” stated Jonathan Miller, USHR’s General Counsel. “The five years since legalization have been challenging, and the 2023 Farm Bill is our next and best opportunity to take this industry a step forward. The unity within the industry is remarkable and telling: Our shared voice will resonate with Congress and help us turn this opportunity into meaningful progress for hemp farmers and product consumers.”
Said Morris Beegle, co-founder and president of We Are For Better Alternatives, or WAFBA: “The last five years have taught us a lot, and more than anything, that we as stakeholders need to align our interests and our voices going into the 2023 Farm Bill so that we correct the regulatory deficiencies that have plagued the growth and development of this nascent industry. I’m optimistic and encouraged by so many organizations coming together at this time to collaborate and work in unison to improve the future of the hemp industry.”
Contact
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, info@nocohempexpo.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
WAFBA Announces a Pause for 2023 Southern Hemp Expo in Nashville
SHE became dominated by Delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids popular in areas where adult-use cannabis is not legal.
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 18, 2023) -- WAFBA -- We Are For Better Alternatives, the umbrella organization that hosts and produces NoCo Hemp Expo, Southern Hemp Expo, Hawaii Hemp Conference, Winter Hemp Summit and other hemp-centric conferences, trade shows and events -- is going to pause the 2023 Southern Hemp Expo. The Southern Hemp Expo, aka SHE, launched in 2018 in Nashville as the sister show to NoCo Hemp Expo, the most comprehensive hemp exposition and trade show on the planet.
SHE was a highly successful event in both 2018 and 2019 but was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. SHE moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2021 and back to Nashville in 2022. Both shows struggled to regain the momentum that the hemp industry had prior to the pandemic and both shows ended up being dominated by the rise in the intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid category, including Delta-8, HHC and other derivatives that have come to be popular with the consumer market in areas of the United States where adult-use cannabis is not yet legal.
Hemp for Health and Wellness
Both NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo were founded on the decades-long mission and mantra that hemp is for health and wellness for humans and animals and an environmental benefactor for the planet in being able to produce eco-friendly, carbon-neutral to carbon-negative materials for a variety of industrial applications. These include commercial and residential construction products, textiles, automotive components, paper and packaging, bioplastics and biocomposites, animal bedding, biochar and more.
Another long-standing mantra for the hemp industry has been “hemp does not get you high,” which was the case until the domestic oversupply of CBD biomass increased significantly in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the FDA continued to skirt its regulatory responsibilities given to the agency by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill to regulate the burgeoning and popular CBD market. The lack of regulatory oversight kept major retailers and major consumer brands on the sidelines as well as investment money out of the industry. This in turn was a factor in the increased oversupply and the eventual development of the synthesized, hemp-derived cannabinoid market that is proliferating today. This market has opened up a variety of concerns, from consumer safety issues to state product bans as well as state legislation approving of these products, and other various regulatory murkiness around the country. To put it simply, it's a mess and extremely complicated to navigate in this new category of the hemp industry. To be clear, WAFBA, Southern Hemp Expo and its management are not in favor of "banning" or making "illegal" this new category of hemp-derived products. This category of products needs federal regulation, which we hope will occur in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
Focus on Flagship Event
With the above-mentioned confusion, complexity and the state of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, WAFBA has made the decision to focus its trade show and event energy on its flagship event, NoCo Hemp Expo, and to do everything we can to build this event as the international hub and gathering spot of hemp-based heath, wellness, nutrition, environmental, and socially impactful opportunities that can benefit humanity and the planet.
For additional information and to keep abreast of future activities and events, we encourage the industry and interested parties to subscribe to our newsletter and visit our media platform at www.letstalkhemp.com.
Contact
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, info@nocohempexpo.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
JAMBAR Partners With UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business MBA Program to Create a Long-Term Sustainability Plan
JAMBAR, the organic artisan energy bar that donates 50% of profits to communities, furthers its commitment to minimizing environmental impact
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (April 18, 2023) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR® today announced it is working with The Walter A. Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley Haas), to create an actionable, long-term sustainability plan. JAMBAR was selected by the Berkeley Haas Center for Responsible Business as a semester-long consulting project for a team of MBA students.
“I created JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about what they eat, as well as the impact they can have on their local community, which includes being as Earth-friendly a company as possible,” said Jennifer Maxwell, founder and CEO of JAMBAR. “We’ve been hugely impressed by the innovation, professionalism and creativity our Haas MBA team brings and feel confident their work will result in a top-tier sustainability roadmap for us to follow.”
The Haas MBA team began its work by conducting an analysis of sustainability initiatives and best practices in the energy bar category. At the end of the partnership, the Haas students will present a comprehensive strategic plan with recommendations to help JAMBAR do business in environmentally responsible ways.
“It’s clear that since its inception, JAMBAR has kept sustainability top-of-mind when it comes to business practices, including sourcing, processing and shipping,” said Matt Rittenhouse, a project team member who will graduate from Berkeley Haas with an MBA in 2023. “Our objective is to provide recommendations and create a long-term plan with goals and success metrics, and to help JAMBAR communicate its initiatives to consumers and partners.”
This partnership marks the continuation of a long relationship between JAMBAR’s founder, Jennifer Maxwell, and UC Berkeley. Jennifer and her late husband, Brian, both ran track at Cal and together in 1985 created PowerBar®, the original energy bar. For many years, PowerBar’s headquarters were in downtown Berkeley, overlooking the Cal campus. After Brian’s death, Jennifer created the Brian Maxwell Fellows program at Berkeley Haas with the goal of helping entrepreneurs “to create opportunities, to innovate and bring real value and change to the world.”
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading grocery stores, including Mollie Stone’s Markets, Earth Fare, Good Earth, Nugget Markets, United Markets, Berkeley Bowl, select Safeway stores and more. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel 206.669.3580
NoCo9 Hemp Pitch and WAFBA Award Winners Exemplify Innovation, Dedication in the Hemp Industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The ninth annual NoCo Hemp Expo, held March 29-31 in Colorado Springs, featured an awards ceremony and pitch slam.
LOVELAND, CO (April 11, 2023) – This year’s WAFBA Awards of Excellence were presented during a lively welcome reception to kick off the NoCo9 Hemp Expo at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs. Winners were announced to cheers and applause as industry participants gathered to celebrate the growth of the industry and its dedicated pioneers.
“I’m so glad to see everyone gathered again in the spirit of optimism and growth,” said Morris Beegle, producer of NoCo9 Hemp Expo and president of WAFBA, who presented many of the awards. “It’s great to see so many advances in the industry since last year.”
WAFBA Awards 2023:
Elevation Award (Advancing the Industry Through Impeccable Leadership)
Melissa Nelson
Someone who drives the industry forward by breaking down barriers, thus paving the way for others. They are an advocate who focuses on developing others while being committed to their own personal development. Their impact goes beyond the industry. Their values led them to influence positive change for marginalized, medically challenged or under-resourced individuals, communities and nonprofits.
2022 recipient: Carla Boyd
Community Economic Impact Award
IND Hemp
Someone who has demonstrated extraordinary stewardship by positively impacting their community through job creation and opportunity, contributing to clean-up, strengthening financial stability, inclusivity and leading by example. Dedicated to educating their community and developing bonds that will further their social impact.
2022 recipient: Melissa Nelson
Mother Earth Award (Lady of Agriculture)
Anndrea Hermann
A woman whose entrepreneurial spirit has ushered a new era of business leaders through her skills and execution in agriculture. She is a visionary who has cultivated relationships through education, inclusivity and collaboration. Her determination and dedication support our farmers and contribute immensely to building the supply chain, making her a trailblazer and an inspiration to others.
2022 recipient: Winona LaDuke
Best New Tech Award/Tech Innovation
Global Fiber Processing -- Structural Hemp Block
Bast Fibre Tech -- Sero Natural Hemp Fibre
A person or group whose work is at the forefront of the industry with their game-changing technical tools for improvement and impact to further the hemp industry. Their brand has grown exponentially over the last year, whose product or services filled a gap in the market or both.
2022 recipient: Corbett Hefner and Formation Ag
Carbon Solution Award
Patrick Brown -- Hempfinity/Brown Family Farms
Acting as a change agent through their processes and efforts by creating ways to reduce carbon emissions with their own practices and/or through the products they produce. They lead the way in lowering their carbon footprint while providing direction for others to do the same in the joint effort against the carbon crisis.
2022 recipient: Sergiy “Doctor Hemphouse” Kovalenkov
Legacy Award
Chris Boucher
This award is to honor a remarkable person whose legacy has and will continue to embolden others. They are well-respected and their efforts have not gone unrecognized. Their passion for hemp has not wavered. Their perseverance remained steady through challenges they may have faced over time.
2022 recipient: Tim Shaughnessy
The Das Award/aka The Service Award
Alex White Plume
Service is what life is all about. Service doesn’t have to be big and grandiose to be meaningful and make a difference. Goodness is the only investment that never fails. As we serve others, we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well. Our rewards in life will always be in direct ratio to our service. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
2022 recipient: Agua Das Ellis
Hemp Pitch Winners 2023
This year’s NoCo Hemp Expo also featured the second annual NoCo Hemp Pitch, where six finalist companies vied for prizes, including legal fees and other services.
Sponsored by Michael Best, a leading law firm serving the hemp and cannabis markets, the NoCo Hemp Pitch competition gave the finalists six minutes each to pitch their brand or idea to a live audience and to judges, who included hemp industry start-up consultants, attorneys and investors.
This year’s winners:
1st place: Bee Delightful, led by Skyler Johnstone and master beekeeper Daniel Weaver, produces wildflower honey from rescue bees in Central Texas and infuses the raw honey with a carefully extracted, naturally occurring cannabidiol (CBD) from organic hemp farms in Colorado, Oregon and Kentucky.
2nd place: Pure BioPlastics, led by Ed Lehrburger out of Colorado, creates hemp fiber produced by PureHemp, which has been manufactured and sold into various markets to make first-generation hemp plastics. During the past five years, the company has developed a new technology to convert hemp stalks into 100% bioplastics (second-generation hemp plastics).
Tree Free Hemp Charity Golf Challenge
The team from Sawyer Labs/Trusted Harvest won the first annual Tree Free Hemp Charity Golf Challenge, to benefit the Realm of Caring Foundation.
2024 Hemp Expo Announced
The 10th NoCo Hemp Expo will take place next year at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, from March 20-22, 2024. To exhibit or sponsor, click here.
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, Patagonia Led Distinguished Group of Sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo is pleased to recognize our Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor First Citizens Bank. “Having a leading, agriculture-focused financial institution such as First Citizens Bank, with its 100-plus-year history of serving farmers and ag-related businesses, step up and serve as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it’s needed most,” said Beegle. “We’re also thrilled to welcome EarthX as our Environmental NGO partner and Patagonia as Sustainable Apparel Sponsor. Additional lead sponsors include Global Fiber Processing, Michael Best, CannaConsortium, Advanced Bio-Materials Technologies, Divita Hemp Block & Weaving Vibes. We are very excited about these categories that bring focus to areas where hemp can make a difference in sustainability and improving the environment.”
About NoCo Hemp Expo
For a decade, NoCo Hemp Expo — the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp exposition and conference — has brought together international business and government leaders, academics, nonprofits, media and the public to collaborate on important initiatives, opportunities and solutions for the future of a crop and an industry that can have significant positive impact on human, animal and planetary health.
NoCo is produced by We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), a leading organization dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education and legalization. WAFBA also is the publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp, the industry’s leading news source. Learn more about the hemp and cannabis industry and subscribe to the latest news at www.letstalkhemp.com.
Contact
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, info@nocohempexpo.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
NoCo9 Speakers Urge Industry Unity Moving Forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The ninth annual NoCo Hemp Expo featured numerous speakers who emphasized the importance of the hemp industry heading into the future with shared goals and values.
LOVELAND, CO (April 4, 2023) – The 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo, the world’s most comprehensive hemp business conference and trade show, featured speakers from all over the hemp business world, who came together to move the industry forward with examinations of policy, processing, supply chain and opportunity. Over three days of programming, speakers and workshops focused on the need for a united voice if the industry is to achieve its potential.
In his opening remarks, show producer Morris Beegle noted that industry leaders agree on 95% of what needs to be done to advance the hemp supply chain. “We need to leave the 5% behind and join hands to march with one voice to make this hemp industry what we know it can be,” he said.
Longtime industry leader and cannabis legal expert Bob Hoban echoed the message, urging hemp industry participants to look at their competition as “co-opetition” and reminding the audience that the hemp supply chain is complex. “Everyone is under the misconception that they can do things on their own,” he said.
Unprecedented Partnership and Collaboration
Jared Stanley, chief operating officer of CBD company Charlotte’s Web, said partnerships like the one his firm has with Major League Baseball will propel the hemp industry’s success. “Education is the foundation of our partnership,” he said. Stanley also noted that the company’s mission and vision “aligned” with the MLB’s, with both organizations dedicated to player wellness. It is the first such partnership for a CBD brand and a national athletic league.
In an unprecedented meeting, over 50 participants from more than 10 hemp advocacy and policy organizations gathered to emphasize the points where they agree on moving federal policy ahead. U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller opened the meeting by saying that he hoped participants would stay positive and work together to gain more policy advantages for the industry.
Expo producer Morris Beegle was upbeat.
“I have always focused on optimism, positivity and bringing industry stakeholders together,” Beegle said. “I’m pleased with the energy and outcome of this year's three-day show.”
NoCo Hemp Expo will take place again next year at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, from March 20-22, 2024.
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, Patagonia Led Distinguished Group of Sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo is pleased to recognize our Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor First Citizens Bank. “Having a leading, agriculture-focused financial institution such as First Citizens Bank, with its 100-plus-year history of serving farmers and ag-related businesses, step up and serve as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it’s needed most,” said Beegle. “We’re also thrilled to welcome EarthX as our Environmental NGO partner and Patagonia as Sustainable Apparel Sponsor. Additional lead sponsors include Global Fiber Processing, Michael Best, CannaConsortium, Advanced Bio-Materials Technologies, Divita Hemp Block & Weaving Vibes. We are very excited about these categories that bring focus to areas where hemp can make a difference in sustainability and improving the environment.”
2024 NoCo10 Announced
The 10th NoCo event will be held at The Broadmoor from March 20-22, 2024. To exhibit or sponsor, click here.
About NoCo Hemp Expo
For a decade, NoCo Hemp Expo — the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp exposition and conference — has brought together international business and government leaders, academics, nonprofits, media and the public to collaborate on important initiatives, opportunities and solutions for the future of a crop and an industry that can have significant positive impact on human, animal and planetary health.
NoCo is produced by We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), a leading organization dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education and legalization. WAFBA also is the publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp, the industry’s leading news source. Learn more about the hemp and cannabis industry and subscribe to the latest news at www.letstalkhemp.com.
Contact
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, info@nocohempexpo.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
Restorative Botanicals Launches New Functional Mushroom Product Line
BOULDER, CO (March 28, 2023) – Restorative Botanicals, a leading manufacturer of USDA Organic hemp extract health and wellness products, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest product line of Functional Mushroom supplements. This new line features a range of high-quality mushroom supplements designed to support the body’s immune systems, brain function and gut health and to promote better sleep!
Restorative Botanicals has harnessed the power of mushrooms to create a line of supplements that are both effective and easy to use. The Functional Mushroom products are available in capsules and gummies (that are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), each containing a unique blend of 100% Certified Organic mushroom extracts, nootropics, and adaptogens. Made with fruit-derived organic flavors, these delicious gummy supplements are available in flavors including mandarin, elderberry, guava, and passionfruit.
My IMMUNE Shrooms™ are a functional mushroom blend that delivers a powerful variety of specifically selected mushroom extracts to help support the immune system. Featuring Agaricus Blazei, Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake, these are a great way to get your daily serving of antioxidants, iron, selenium, and zinc. Cordyceps is used to promote energy and stamina, while Turkey Tail supports improved digestion and healthy aging.
My BRAIN Shrooms™ offer cognitive support with Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Rhodiola, and Black Pepper. This powerful blend of mushrooms and nootropic herbs was carefully curated to help the body work more efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re looking to improve memory, enhance mental clarity, or counter the ravages of the aging process, this product will help you reach your goals.
My GUT Shrooms™ support healthy digestion with Turkey Tail, Postbiotics, and Black Pepper. Designed to help you maintain a healthy gut, the unique formula includes postbiotics, combining the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics in a shelf-stable super bioactive compound. These supplements provide your body with a supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids to support and promote a healthier digestive system.
My SLEEP Shrooms™ combine functional mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs that promote a sense of calm and support deep, restful sleep with a blend of Reishi mushrooms, Passionflower, and Valerian root. These ingredients promote natural sleep patterns and ease the body into deeper stages of slumber. Chamomile and Coriander help to induce sleepiness, and Tryptophan supports the natural production of Melatonin and Serotonin to encourage drowsiness.
“At Restorative, our mission has always been to help people ‘feel better, naturally’ with supplements made from the remarkable cannabis plant. We have now expanded our offering with functional mushrooms, herbal adaptogens, and nootropics,” said Bernard Perry, CEO of Restorative Botanicals. “These new life-changing products provide alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and improve the lives of our customers with Mother Nature-provided natural solutions.”
Restorative Botanicals’ functional mushroom line is now available for purchase on its website and will soon be available in natural grocery and health and wellness stores across the country. For Retail inquiries, contact David Sorley at davids@restorativebotanicals.com, or by phone at 720.684.6100.
Media and Wholesale Inquiries Contact: Rachael Carlevale, Email: rachaelc@restorativebotanicals.com, Phone: 720.684.6100
Click here to read the news release on the Restorative Botanicals website.