FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank on It: First Citizens Bank Announced as the Presenting Sponsor of the 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo, Nashville, TN, August 18-20
With a legacy of serving farmers and agribusinesses for over 100 years, hemp-friendly First Citizens Bank joins the 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo (SHE4) as Presenting Sponsor. SHE4 is one of the nation’s leading business and agriculture trade shows and conferences for the industrial hemp community, held August 18-20, 2022, in Nashville, TN.
What: 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo
Dates and Time: August 18-20, 2022
Where: The Fairgrounds Nashville, 625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Exhibitor inquiries: https://www.southernhempexpo.com/registration/
More information: https://www.southernhempexpo.com
Earlybird Discount: Tickets on sale NOW.
NASHVILLE, TN (July 5, 2022) – Securing reliable, commercial banking services has often been a challenge for hemp-related businesses, despite the fact that hemp is legal throughout the U.S. as a result of passage of the 2018 federal Farm Bill. As such, few banks have wanted to take the risk of working with legitimate businesses in the hemp space… until now.
Not only has Raleigh, NC-based First Citizens Bank stepped up to serve hemp farmers and agribusinesses through its 600 locations in 22 states, but it is one of the first major financial institutions to demonstrate its commitment to hemp producers by serving as the 2022 Presenting Sponsor of the 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo, Aug. 18-20, 2022, at the newly renovated Fairgrounds Nashville in Nashville, TN.
“Our roots have a strong foundation in agricultural lending. For more than 100 years, we’ve helped family farms and suppliers grow their businesses. When the Farm Bill passed in 2018, our team quickly built a robust hemp banking program and a best-in-class, internal compliance program to help growers and farmers succeed in this rapidly expanding industry. We believe in the future of hemp markets and actively pursue quality relationships. We’re positioned to partner with many hemp businesses in our footprint, which spans the nation,” First Citizens Bank declared on its web page dedicated for hemp producers.
“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 Southern Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it’s needed most,” said Morris Beegle, Southern Hemp Expo organizer and president and founder of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
Tennessee Ag Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatcher Joins All-star Speaker Lineup
In addition to two full days of exhibits, networking opportunities and special events, Southern Hemp Expo will feature hemp industry leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, product developers, agriculturalists, thought leaders and other experts advancing the market for all things hemp.
Headlining an all-star speaker lineup this year will be such luminaries as Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, DVM. Dr. Hatcher, a “10th generation American farmer and 5thgeneration Tennessee farmer,” previously served as State Veterinarian for the state’s Department of Agriculture.
“We want to see this evolving agricultural sector progress in Tennessee,” Dr. Hatcher said in a statement in support of the hemp industry. “We both play a part in the successful implementation of the state’s hemp program by working together to support growers and providing resources for them.”
In addition to Dr. Hatcher, Southern Hemp Expo will feature hemp plastics and CBD pioneer Paul Benhaim; fourth-generation farmer and founder of Hempfinity Patrick Brown; Patrick Atagi, Director of the National Industrial Hemp Council; Bridget Williams, M.D., founder of Green Harvest Health and author of Courage in Cannabis; Jonathan Miller, Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable; Janel Ralph, founder and CEO of Harmony Botanicals; hemp economist Beau Whitney; Morgan Tweet, COO of IND Hemp and Executive Director of the Hemp Feed Coalition; medical doctor, educator and hemp advocate Uma Dhanabalan, M.D.; internationally renowned hemp and cannabis attorney Bob Hoban of Clark Hill; Frederick Cawthon, Director of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee; and many more. For a complete list of speakers, please visit https://www.southernhempexpo.com/speakers/.
Southern Hemp Expo Returns to Music City USA
In its return to Music City, USA, SHE4 will offer a welcome reception on August 18, and on August 19 and 20, two full days of interaction with industry leaders and agronomic researchers, an Experience Hemp exhibition hall and the Nashville Hemp Food & Beverage Fair & Music Festival on Saturday, August 20, featuring local music and hemp-based foods and beverages to sample.
“Four years after industrial hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, we are seeing our industry expand from a focus on wellness and cannabinoids to the multiple industrial uses of hemp including textiles, building materials, bioplastics, paper and packaging, biofuel and superfoods,” Beegle said. “New this year, SHE features a special focus on smokable hemp flower companies and a chance for the public to explore hemp superfoods and beverages while listening to Nashville’s famous music,” he added.
SHE4’s Schedule:
Business & Innovation Conference
Friday, August 19, 2022, 10:30am-4:00pm
Business, consumer, product development, policy and other key trends and investment strategies in hemp — from CBD to hemp building materials — are discussed by highly qualified business leaders and pioneers. The Let’s Talk Hemp Business & Innovation Conference covers the exciting convergence of hemp, cannabis, technology, finance, innovation, nutrition, policy, ESG and more. A networking lunch is included.
Farm & Soil Science Symposium
Saturday August 20, 2022, 10:30am-4:00pm
Hemp farmers and agriculturalists have experienced growing pains amidst oversupply issues, a global pandemic, turbulent economic times, and an uncertain regulatory environment. But the hemp industry is beginning to see significant funding into research and development. The Let’s Talk Hemp Farm & Soil Science Symposium draws experts in regenerative agriculture, soil health, genetics, pest control, carbon credit markets, testing compliance, food security, finance, agricultural economics, crop insurance, technology, equipment and more. A networking lunch is included.
Experience Hemp Expo Hall
B2B Friday August 19
Open to Public Saturday, August 20
10:00am-5:00pm
Attendees will meet and do business with vendors and exhibitors in an interactive, hands-on marketplace for two days on the trade show floor. Exhibitors will display the newest products and innovations in hemp. Attendees can also meet farmers, producers, processors, private label manufacturers, CPG brands, retail and wholesale buyers, equipment makers, sellers, and explore nonprofit & advocacy groups. Ample space for informal meetings, relationship-building and dealmaking in the two recently re-built indoor expo halls. Friday, August 19 is focused on B2B and Saturday, August 20th is open to the general public and brands with consumer goods will sell directly to the public.
Let’s Talk Hemp Expo Education Stage
August 19-20, 2022, 10:30am-4:30pm
Come for the Expo Hall, stay for the education! The Let’s Talk Hemp Education Stage located in the Experience Hemp Expo Hall is an interactive forum where industry entrepreneurs, advocates, business leaders, researchers, educators, healthcare specialists, authors, and more will explore the multiple uses and tremendous potential of hemp in nutrition, therapeutics, industrial applications, textiles and wellness and more.
USHBA Fiber, Materials & Industrial Applications Area
August 19-20, 2022, 10:00am-5:00pm
Located on the Experience Hemp Expo Hall Floor
Exciting opportunities and technological innovations are happening in hemp building and construction. Hosted by the U.S. Hemp Building Association, the materials area will provide hands-on learning, explore the latest applications and product developments, present ideas for opportunities, and educate about sustainable building and architectural innovations.
NEW THIS YEAR! TerraMater Smokable Hemp Flower Garden
August 19-20, 2022, 10:00am-5:00pm
Located on the Experience Hemp Expo Hall Floor
Named after TerraMater, goddess of agriculture, this site in the expo hall focuses on businesses that sell smokable hemp flower – a segment of the industry that often is overlooked and underappreciated.
Diversify Hemp Not for Profit & Social Impact Zone
August 19-20, 2022, 10:00am-5:00pm
Located on the Experience Hemp Expo Hall Floor
The Diversity Hemp Not for Profit & Social Impact Zone gathers a diverse community that shares a mission-based passion for hemp as a crop, and are mobilizing to educate consumers, policymakers, businesses, industry and others. Attendees can learn, too, how they can get involved.
NEW THIS YEAR! Nashville Hemp Food & Beverage Fair + Music Festival August 20, 2022, 11:00am-5:00pm
Attendees can celebrate and enjoy the culture of hemp with music, food, beverages and friends at the Nashville Hemp Food & Beverage Fair & Music Festival in the outdoor Fairgrounds Courtyard. The festival will feature live music and a hemp food and beverage fair. Open to the public.
We are welcoming innovative hemp food and beverage companies to participate. If you are interested, please fill out the exhibitor registration form HERE.
Networking Events
SHE4 Welcome Party August 18, 2022, 6pm-9pm
The Sonesta Airport Hotel
Meet trade show participants and develop relationships in a welcome reception with friends and colleagues that will kick off the return of the hemp industry to Nashville in fine fashion. Presenting sponsor is Canna Consortium and beneficiary Not for Profit organization is Realm of Caring.
The 2022 SHE Jamboree and After Party
SHE is known for celebrating old friendships and forging new ones. Live music, dancing and refreshments help cap off a great experience in Nashville at the (now legendary) Southern Hemp Expo After Party.
EARLYBIRD TICKETS:
Tickets for the general public Saturday Aug. 20 cost $10 with earlybird pricing. (All ages welcome and kids under the age of 12 are allowed in for free with a paid adult.)
Tickets for the conference include:
- Premium All-Access Ticket (including both conference days, B2B trade show and all networking parties) $199 Earlybird (Regular $249)
- Business and Innovation Conference (Friday Aug. 19) includes 2-day Expo Hall access and networking luncheon $99 Earlybird (Regular $149)
- Farm & Soil Science Symposium (Saturday, Aug. 20) includes 2-day Expo Hall access and networking luncheon $99 Earlybird (Regular $149)
- Two-Days Expo Hall Pass – Friday & Saturday $49 Earlybird (Regular $75)
Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities
Exhibitor and sponsor opportunities are available now to showcase businesses among hemp industry leaders and entrepreneurs in medicinal/wellness, cannabinoids, smokable flower, textiles, nonwovens, building materials, automotive, food and fuel, paper, bioplastics, biochar and soil amendments, carbon solutions, blockchain/ crypto/ NFTs, banking/payment processing, printing and packaging, equipment, and more.
About WAFBA and Colorado Hemp Company
We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA) is committed to researching and developing better alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive, prosper, and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe. The Colorado Hemp Company, the producer of the 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo (SHE4), is a leading organization for the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education, and legalization in the USA. The entire team is committed to researching and developing alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, 970.541.0448, info@southernhempexpo.com
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