CEO Panel: What is Your Vision for the Hemp Industry in 3-5 Years?

Midwest Hemp Council President Justin Swanson will be joined by a cross-section of distinguished hemp industry leaders to discuss their vision for the industry over the next 3-5 years.

Speakers:

Chad Rosen, Founder & CEO, Victory Hemp Foods
Chad Rosen is the Founder & CEO of Victory Hemp Foods, a business-to-business primary food ingredient processing company that develops innovative technology to manufacture hemp grain into premier proteins and healthy fats for applications in food and beverage, skincare and cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. Victory Hemp Foods won the 2020 Hemp Innovation Challenge™ at the World Ag Expo® in Tulare, CA for the development of two proprietary ingredients, V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein and V-ONE™ Hemp Heart Oil. In addition to leading his company’s growth over the past six years, Chad has worked as an industry-wide advocate within the U.S. hemp grain supply chain and market and is dedicated to developing hemp grain as a significant and positive addition to American agriculture.

Andrew Bish, COO, Bish Enterprises

Andrew Bish is the Founder & CEO of Hemp Harvest Works & COO of Bish Enterprises, based out of Giltner, Nebraska. He is a third generation harvest equipment manufacturer.

Bish Enterprises, founded in 1976 is known worldwide for combine header adapters, innovative design, custom engineering, and research technology.
Hemp Harvest Works is a machinery sales business focused on bringing a complete line of equipment and ancillary solutions to hemp producers and processors.

Andrew's service philosophy founded the mission of the Nebraska Hemp Industries Association. As President, his vision is to increase awareness and increase opportunities for hemp farmers, processors, manufacturers and retailers through advocacy, education, partnerships and leadership development. In addition to the day to day operations, Andrew also serves as Director of the Colorado Hemp Industries Association, he has previously served as the Vice President and now Director of the Hemp Feed Coalition, & Director of the Standing Committee of Hemp Organizations. Andrew is reaching industries and influencer's across the world to develop leadership and advocacy in hemp harvest works.

Since 2015, Andrew has welcomed others to join his focus, to identify and resolve the many issues currently facing hemp harvesting and processing, while continuing to develop solutions for the other commodities, that create a greater sustainable agriculture.

Debra Smith-Torrance, CEO & Founder, Auspicious Wellness

After spending time in the ICU several times with an autoimmune disease, her adventure began with natural wellness nutrients for immune support. After researching she stumbled upon the science of epigenetics and began the process of part of her health regimen, leading to the remission of Graves’ Disease. Exploring deeper into the science she started her two-year journey to become an accredited life and health coach to understand plant-based nutrition of flavonoids to support immune health, which led her to the science of cannabinoid molecules. This led Debbie Smith down the road to product formulation and professional distribution business model in CBD products. Debbie has been invited by the Georgia Black Legislative caucus to panel and teach the caucus about CBD, to bring knowledge legislatively leading to helping the caucus understand the benefits of CBD holistically, leading to the holistic regulation of CBD in Georgia. Moving forward she was invited by the Georgia Fulton County Magistrate Judge to a panel and teach sitting judges the science of double-blind placebos in CBD and the positive effects of Drug-induced cravings. Her tireless work has led to her becoming a certified vendor with the State of Indiana in Cannabinoid Distribution as a M/WBE and with the City of Indianapolis, City of Louisville, and now the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and last but not least The United States Government.

Seth Boone, VP of Business Development, PanXchange

Moderator: Justin Swanson, President, Midwest Hemp Council

Justin Swanson, Principal at Bose Public Affairs Group and Partner at Bose McKinney & Evans, has developed a unique multi-dimensional government affairs practice that leverages his public policy expertise with traditional legal skills to effectively advance the interests of his diverse set of clients. Swanson is also co-founder and President of the Midwest Hemp Council, which is the leading trade organization that is working to build and connect the hemp supply chain in the Midwest.

Swanson has emerged as one of the country’s leading hemp lobbyists and hemp lawyers. He successfully led lobbying efforts to ensure the state would be the primary regulator of hemp production in Indiana after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Swanson also led a legal team that successfully challenged a state law that criminalized part of the hemp plant, which was the first of its kind legal question.

In 2019, the Indiana Lawyer recognized Swanson as an Up and Coming Lawyer, an award bestowed on just 15 attorneys each year. The Hemp Connoisseur also identified Swanson as “100 People You Should Know” in 2019. Swanson was included in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch Lists, a recognition given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.