The Green Rush
Greetings from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, where I have been “working” all week. In support of FlwrPwr, our latest venture, M+M Communications Director and biz partner Kent Brockwell and I are partaking in all that the world’s largest cannabis industry trade show – has to offer. This week, the Weekly Report comes fresh-baked from MJBizCon.
All kidding aside, the legal recreational cannabis industry is a modern-day Gold Rush, or Green Rush, if you will. Non-medical, recreational sales of cannabis reached almost $26.4 billion last year, and conservative estimates are that number will more than double in the next five years.
With that kind of potential business growth, there is a Green Rush across the nation and now in Virginia, where Mary Jane was “legalized” on July 1, 2021. Celebrating its 10th year, MJBizCon is bigger and busier than ever. Despite a worldwide pandemic, uncertain geo-political climate, supply chain nightmares, and a stop-start economy, more than 30,000 attendees have flown in from around the country to attend more than 100 seminars and presentations while perusing 4.5 million square feet of exhibition space.
Every single business that directly or indirectly supports the cannabis industry is here; growers, producers, bankers, builders, investors, insurance companies, consultants, manufacturers, etc. You’d expect companies like Zippo and ZigZag to be here, but you’ll also find many name-brand companies making the move into this emerging industry. Hitachi, Paychex, Fujitsu, Ingersoll Rand, Sunbelt Rentals, and a host of other mainstream companies have invested in this show.
And so did Madison+Main. This is Kent’s passion. He walks through the expo like a kid in a candy shop. (If only that candy shop was selling edibles.) So when our buddy Kent talks, we listen. He did the research and pitched us on the idea of launching FlwrPwr, Virginia’s first full-service cannabis marketing agency. And we said, “Let’s do it.” We staked our claim on the Green Rush. Are you going to capitalize on this market? Let us know how! Email me here.
MONDAY:
A Job Well Done
This week, the team celebrated two recent Madison+Main-iac promotions! Wordsmith Derek Fair is updating his business cards to read Sr. Copywriter — a title that is very well deserved. Allison Nida also celebrated a big win, changing her title to Accounts Supervisor! Congratulations you two, we’re lucky to have you.
TUESDAY:
Halloween Happenings
Lots of clients are getting in the Halloween spirit, but Compass Entertainment Complex is hosting the biggest Halloween party in the Northern Neck with drink specials, photo booths, and costume contests. Got some kiddos and creative DIY Spiderman suits? Bring them to Compass next weekend!
Meanwhile in RVA, Atlas42 has a rocking Halloween planned for Saturday October 30th – Highway to Helloween. The event will feature AC/DC and Cheap Trick cover bands and lots of great food. Get your tickets here.
Our client Hermitage Richmond, a Pinnacle Living community, is hosting a Harvest Festival this weekend! Join them Saturday to celebrate the season with music, local artisans, food, and more on their front lawn.
WEDNESDAY:
You’re the Key
On Wednesday, Jr. Communications Specialist Kennedy Heidel and Accounts Supervisor Allison Nida attended Housing Families First’s Public Launch and Breakfast Kickoff for their Capital Campaign “Opening Doors for Families.” The ribbon-cutting event was a major success and the two had a blast. This incredible campaign is hoping to raise $4.4 million to create improvements to their shelter and campus to help even more house-insecure families in Richmond. And of course, you can help this great group with a generous donation.
THURSDAY:
Drink It In
Creative Director Art Webb and Alison Nida were on-site at Brown Distributing for a photo and video shoot again this week. They had a great time with Brown’s team Broadscope Media capturing some incredible content for their new website we’re working on. More to come soon.
FRIDAY:
Distillery of the Year
Our client A. Smith Bowman Distillery was recently named 2021 Distillery of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA). The announcement was made at the organization’s 2021 Ordinary Awards show, which celebrates the best in Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry. Congrats to the entire Bowman team for being Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning Distillery.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Texas Inn’s 86-Day Food Drive
Lynchburg, VA
The Lynchburg Legend is hosting a food drive to give back to the community and Blue Ridge Food Bank. Drop canned goods at both locations of the T Room – Downtown & Cornerstone.
Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education Performances
Chesterfield, VA
New Performances Weekly!