MJBizCon, the Marijuana Business Conference and Cannabis Expo, is the largest annual cannabis conference and tradeshow, and every year, about 30,000 attendees come to connect and share information. This year’s conference runs from November 28 to December 1, and as always, Salal Business Services will be there.
This year’s theme is “Dare to Grow: Cannabis, Culture, Community, Connections,” and ahead of the conference, four of Salal’s Account Officers would like to share their goals and priorities related to attending MJBizCon 2023.
Long-time Business Officer Michael McIntyre believes that MJBizCon is a great opportunity to engage with our members. “I’ll be meeting to talk with them about their businesses,” Michael said, “celebrate successes, provide ideas and solutions for challenges they are experiencing, get to know their teams, and above all, listen.”
Michael is interested in really connecting with our cannabis business members. “A lot of business and communication is done electronically or on the phone these days, but it’s important to me that I have a true relationship with our members,” he explained. “A face-to-face conversation can make a big difference in building that trust and rapport with a trusted advisor, like your banking partner.”
The conference only lasts a few days, but Michael considers it an ideal networking opportunity. “By attending, it also shows that Salal Credit Union is committed to supporting the cannabis industry and meeting the financial services needs of the industry and its employees,” he said.
Joining Michael will be three of Salal’s newer Account and Loan Officers, Fady Nasiem, Alicia Thomas, and A.T. Wolff. “Being new to the company and new to working with the cannabis industry, this will be my first time going,” Alicia said. “My top priority is getting the Salal name and myself out there to help service the cannabis industry and show we are here to support them and their businesses.”
Fady plans a similar focus. “Being the newest member on the Business Banking team,” he ventured, “I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know some of our members, and spreading Salal brand awareness to folks who might not know about us yet.”
A.T. agrees, aiming to strengthen relationships with our current members, as well as learn about new markets that Salal should consider serving. “My top priorities at MJBiz will be connecting with my current clients,” A.T. said, “and prospecting with a focus on CPAs, lawyers, and PIN debit solution companies.”
At MJBizCon, our Officers really want to build those personal connections. “You can send letters and emails all day, but to be there and meet people face-to-face really shows something valuable,” Alicia said. “This is a great place for networking, and attending is definitely encouraged for anyone who supports the cannabis industry.”
In particular, we want to take this opportunity to share Salal’s values. “During my short time here at Salal, it has become clear that focusing on providing excellent service and doing what is right for our members are just some of the values of the Salal way,” Fady elaborated. “I am personally committed to continuing this focus to deepen our member relationships by not only providing excellent service, but also by being a trusted advisor to anyone I may come in contact with, because that is what I would want to receive as a member or potential member.”
And how can you make the most of MJBizCon? “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need,” A.T. encouraged. “Ask questions. Soak it all in. Don’t be afraid to open yourself up to learning. It can be so revitalizing to acquire new techniques and approaches.”
We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
