by Grow Up Conference | Aug 9, 2018
Jay Rosenthal has a 20-year career at the intersection of media, business, politics, and policy — especially as it relates to heavily regulated industries. The Co-Founder and President of Business of Cannabis, Canada’s authoritative source for news and analysis of the cannabis industry, he provides context and insight into this dynamic and ever-changing Canadian sector. A sought-after media commentator on cannabis related issues, Jay has appeared in The Globe and Mail, and on CBC Radio, BNN and Breakfast Television. He is also a contributor to The Huffington Post.
With a background in government, Jay launched several successful consultancies and start-ups before launching Business of Cannabis. He began his career in the US Capitol, working for United States Senator Barbara Boxer. Moving to the Bay Area in the late 90s, he deepened his interest in the intersection of politics and technology, serving in the administration of the Mayor of San Jose, the 10th largest City in the US and the heart of Silicon Valley.
Jay also founded a strategic communications firm that worked with Fortune 500 companies, and launched and sold an online publication which focused on California politics. From 2013 to 2017, Jay directed special projects at Public Inc., a social impact marketing agency, where he led two separate Public Health Agency of Canada-funded projects focused on workplace health and wellness.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 9, 2018
Teacher, writer, photographer, and author of 20 cookbooks including The Herbalist’s Kitchen, The Healing Herbs Cookbook, Preserving, and Coconut 24/7, Pat Crocker is a foodie and culinary herbalist.
With over 1.5 million books in print and over a dozen translated into eleven languages, Pat has been honored twice by the International Herb Association and she received the
2009 Gertrude H. Foster award from the Herb Society of America for Excellence in
Herbal Literature. Her books, The Juicing Bible and The Vegan Cook’s Bible attained
‘Best in the World’ awards from the International Gourmand Culinary Guild.
A professional Home Economist (BAA, BEd), specializing in herbs and healthy foods, Pat has been growing, photographing, teaching, and writing about herbs, herb gardens, food, and healthy diets for over four decades.
Former high school foods teacher; owner of Crocker International Communications Inc., a niche food public relations company operating in Toronto; and former host of River- song Herb Walk and Wild Gourmet Lunch programs, Pat knows about food and herbs from the ground up. Now a regular writer for food and garden magazines, Pat’s articles have appeared in national magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S.
Past president of both the Ontario Herbalists’ and the Ontario Home Economics Associa- tions, Pat actively participates in the Herb Society of America, the International Herb Association, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Cuisine Canada, Garden Writers of America, and the Culinary Historians of Canada.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 9, 2018
Michael Nashat has over 12 years of experience in patient care, quality assurance, medical and regulatory affairs and R&D. Prior to joining TerrAscend, Mr. Nashat was the Executive Director of OnPharm Independent Pharmacy Group, which represents over 300 pharmacies. A former board member of Ontario College of Pharmacists, Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Pharmacy Council.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Dineh Benally is the son of JoAnn C. and Donald Benally. He served as a Civil Engineer/ Project Manager for the federal government civil service qualifications responsible for the construction of schools, justice centers, fire stations, roads and Community Infrastructure design, implementation and support in Indian Country.
As President of the Navajo Nation Farm Board – San Juan River Farm Board, Dineh stands firm in repudiating any plan that seeks to terminate programs upon which his people depend. He is constantly collaborating with Council Delegates, Grazing Officials, and Chapter Officials to protect native water rights and improve the economy and livelihood of the Navajo People. With this mission in mind, if elected, Dineh intends to tackle several issues within Indian Country. The Navajo healthcare infrastructure, farming and jobs, medicine, housing and education are all topics that he wishes to address as President.
Dineh works with experts, both within the Nation and outside, to bring the necessary services and products for the Navajo people to benefit from. Dineh Benally loves Navajo Nation, and he is a Proud Son that is dedicated and committed to helping all his people.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
A seasoned cannabis industry professional Omar comes to High Tide from one of the world’s leading global communications companies, where he served as National Cannabis Sector Lead. During his tenure, Omar worked with several licensed cannabis producers, retailers and companies involved in the cannabis ancillary space to affect public policy changes and build corporate profile.
He has over 15 years of experience working as a political and communications strategist in Canadian federal and provincial politics, including serving as Chief of Staff to several Ontario Ministers, including, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade and the Minister of Government Services. With a diverse policy background across healthcare, economics, regulatory affairs, and labour relations, Omar has a proven track record developing complex policy proposals, building stakeholder coalitions, and leading and executing communications plans.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Kim specializes in public affairs at the municipal level and brings more than a decade of extensive experience providing senior counsel to clients across multiple industries. She levers deep knowledge about the processes and practises of the municipal sector, related agencies, authorities and school boards to achieve client goals.
While the majority of Kim’s work has been focused in the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA), she tracks key issues and votes across Canada, and provides strategic counsel to national and international clients. Kim has built and executed successful public affairs engagements on a wide range of municipal issues including infrastructure, transportation, budget/taxation, labour relations, public health, waste management and licensing. She has successfully managed various aspects of development files, changes to a variety of municipal by-laws and policies, and overseen procurement responses and processes.
Kim’s expertise is not limited to one level of government—her political experience spans 25 years at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Prior to her career in public affairs, she spent several years at Queen’s Park with the NDP Caucus providing political and legislative counsel. In addition, she served as executive assistant to two Toronto District School Board Trustees.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Current Position
Melissa has more than a decade of experience serving as a strategic communications leader in high-profile positions across the most senior ranks of the federal government, political campaigns across Canada and in the private sector. With a diverse background spanning Finance, Trade, Foreign Affairs and the Environment, Melissa has a proven track record developing successful public affairs and communications engagement campaigns as well as effective issues management strategies. A seasoned communicator, Melissa brings focused experience in problem solving and strategy development for public affairs & stakeholder engagement campaigns as well as reputation, issues management and crisis communications.
Experience
Prior to joining H+K, Melissa was head of Premier Doug Ford’s 2018 Campaign Warroom and served as chief spokesperson for the campaign. Prior to that she served as Caroline Mulroney’s Leadership Campaign Director. Melissa has also held senior roles in the 2008, 2011 and 2015 federal Conservative Party of Canada campaign warrooms. From 2007 to 2015, Melissa served as Director of Communications for Canada’s Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Environment. She provided strategic communications advice, speech-writing and media relations support to Ministers in an intense and highly scrutinized media environments. Melissa also brings private sector experience in financial communications having worked as a Senior Director at CIBC World Markets. Melissa has provided media-training, debate prep and speech coaching to both political leaders and C-Suite executives. She is also frequent media commentator on the topic of Canadian politics.
Melissa graduated (summa cum laude) from the University of Toronto and went on to graduate studies at Ottawa University. Melissa is active in community service as a volunteer, board member and mentor with several organizations. She serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Jewish Public Affairs Committee (CJPAC) and on the board of the Canadian Council of Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in Toronto. Melissa is a mentor with Women in Politics (WIP) and is active in fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Melissa is fluent in English, French and Russian.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Sarah has more than 15 years experience in politics, stakeholder relations and public engagement. She has provided advice to cabinet ministers, the Liberal Party of Canada, federal and municipal governments, and leading corporations and associations.
Prior to joining Auxly and Nesta, Sarah was Vice President, Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill+Knowlton where she provided strategic advice regarding medical cannabis and the emerging regime of legalized cannabis. She was registered to lobby the government regarding policies and regulations relating to the distribution of cannabis, and helped her clients understand Health Canada guidelines and the legislative process as Canada moved towards implementation of the Cannabis Act.
Sarah holds a Honours Bachelor degree from the University of Ottawa, which included an International Exchange at l’Université de Picardie, France.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Robyn Rabinovich is a business development professional with extensive experience in the cannabis space. Her knowledge supports her ability to evaluate business development opportunities within Canada and across the globe. Robyn obtained her International Business Degree from Dalhousie University.
by Grow Up Conference | Aug 8, 2018
Christine Stein is PL Light System’s Regional Sales Manager for Central & Western Canada. When your crop is your livelihood and passion, you want partners in business that share that sensibility and Christine takes this responsibility to heart. Working directly with growers, owners and investor groups, Christine ensures their investment in lighting provides the solution to maximize their crop health and yield. Christine knows there is no one solution for every operation, so she brings her 30+ years of training, knowledge and experience in business operations and customer relations, enhanced by her 13+ years in crop needs management, to the table (or bench) to understand a client’s business needs and provide a customized solution.
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