First of all, W-O-W. What an amazing experience. I am truly honored to be a part of such a great organization! Women Grow and NCIA did a great job organizing Lobby Days in D.C. Lobbying on The Hill was a new experience for me and one I will always remember. I traveled with a new friend, Megan Stone. Megan is a local Phoenix industry expert and owns The High Road Design Studio, LLC , a design firm that specializes in interior design for dispensaries nationally. Megan and I arrived in D.C. on Wednesday, checked into the Hotel Helix, and went to sushi before the big Women Grow kick off meeting. Around 8p.m. we all rallied together at the hotel and Jane West and Jazmin Hupp, two of the Women Grow founders, addressed the group and outlined the next few days. Then, all 76 attendees were given the opportunity to introduce themselves. Women came from all over the country. The most overwhelming market presence was from Colorado and Ohio. Many attendees were household names and trailblazers in this crazy industry. We also had a few newcomers and women wanting to learn more. Being from different markets with different business focuses it provided me with a positive new outlook and perspective on the industry. I often feel isolated or like I am fighting this battle alone when the going gets tough. It’s nice to know there are other women across the U.S. that understand my goals.
On Thursday, we all attend a press conference at the National Press Club , Brook Gehring, of Patients Choice, talked about the banking issues she faces due to banks not openly accepting money from the industry. And, Jared Polis , US Representative- Colorado Congressman, addressed the group and touched on 280E (Taxation of Illegal Income) and industry banking issues we would later address on The Hill. After the Press Conference, we broke into our groups and headed to our meetings. I was partnered with Amber Langston from Show Me Cannabis. She was a great mentor with lobbying experience. We were able to meet with Representatives from Missouri, New Hampshire, and New York. All of our meetings were positive experiences. I was grateful my meetings were with representatives in states that are developing programs. Both New York and New Hampshire are states we will be or have prepared dispensary applications for. Thursday was a long day but a very powerful and invigorating experience.
On Friday we explored the city and attended a private birthday party for one of the Lobby Days attendees. Overall, a great experience. I will be back for you D.C. Until next time, Sara Join us at the next Women Grow Phoenix Chapter Meeting March 5th Register today! Other published articles on Lobby Days: Fusion.net Traders350.com WomenGrow.com
