Tenax Strategies Cannabis Capabilities 2023

This proposal contains trade secrets and information that is sensitive, proprietary, and confidential, the disclosure of which would provide a competitive advantage to others As a result, this proposal shall not be disclosed, used or duplicated, in whole or in part, for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal This proposal constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no amendment, modification, or addition hereto, or waiver hereof, shall be effective unless in writing, specifying such amendment, modification, addition or waiver, and signed by the party sought to be bound thereby. This proposal may not be reproduced or disclosed to any third party This restriction does not limit the rights of the recipient to use information contained in the data if it is rightfully obtained from another source without restriction

ABOUT THE FIRM

For 10 years, Tenax Strategies has provided end-to-end project management for clients to establish licensed cannabis businesses in several states, including in some of the most heavily-regulated and challenging municipalities and locations. We take cannabis businesses from concept to commence operations, managing projects and cutting through the red tape so cultivators, retailers, manufacturers and others can focus on getting their doors open and join this exciting and growing industry.

Unlike many cannabis consultants, we actually perform the work. We don’t just create a plan and advise clients on what to do. We execute that plan, including taking on the often labor-intensive tasks and managing the project from idea to opening We handle the license application process, sort through state and local laws and permitting regulations, build coalitions of support in local communities, manage site selection, assist on compliance for state and local matters when businesses merge or are acquired and more.

Our experience and track record has prepared us for success in even the most challenging business or regulatory climates We customize campaigns that work and have the know-how to remove barriers to entry so responsible operators can thrive in the exciting cannabis industry.

DRIVEN. DEDICATED. DETERMINED.

PETER D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER OUR TEAM

A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations, as well as, proven success in all facets of management and oversight of client matters.

A U.S. Army veteran, Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal government as they seek approval of local projects He regularly represents clients in front of select boards, city councils, planning boards, health departments, zoning boards and other state and local agencies and works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities.

Well versed in the regulatory needs of emerging markets, Peter has further developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in the exploding cannabis industry. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of the industry, including job creation, economic development and the creation of new tax revenue. He is also an expert at helping locate appropriate sites and assisting firms through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements.

GREG D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER

Greg has been a force in public affairs and lobbying for the past 18 years, implementing effective government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations.

Greg offers a breadth and depth of accomplishments. He has built coalitions and innovative strategies to support public policies and overcome roadblocks at the local and state level. Additionally, his expertise includes representing interests at the federal level in multiple states across the country for global corporations.

His specialties include long- and short-term strategic planning; media and public affairs strategy; message development and discipline; earned media consulting; and managing grassroots, employee, stakeholder and customer communication mobilizations to impact public policy.

MATTHEW MCKENNA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

An expert in legislative and regulatory affairs, Matthew is a seasoned government relations professional and strategic communications specialist who puts his expertise to use for a wide variety of sectors.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Matthew has worked to improve benefits for first responders, including enacting new rules to help firefighters who get cancer on the job He’s also worked to create innovative job training programs for developmentally disabled youth and adults

Matthew was also a key lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project that successfully legalized cannabis in Massachusetts and now advises new cannabis companies on municipal licensing, compliance, business strategy and community engagement. Additionally, he advises clients on other state and municipal matters including development projects and general union issues.

Prior to joining Tenax, Matthew worked as director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services In that role, he worked with every state agency and the Massachusetts Legislature advocating on veterans’ issues He also worked on economic development issues, including helping launch a program with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to link veterans with employment opportunities and advocating for a veteran-owned business preference for state contracting Prior to DVS, Matthew spent seven years working for state Senator Steven Tolman as his chief of staff and district director

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science, Matthew is a 24-year member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He also serves as the Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Massachusetts and the Board President of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes.

He lives in Braintree with his wife and two children

CATHERINE FALVEY, ESQ, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Catherine worked in the state legislature as a staff member for the Committee on Cannabis Policy. In that role, she spent her time developing legislation and working with constituents and stakeholders of the industry. Additionally, she worked with state legislators to effectuate policy changes in different sectors including healthcare, the court system, and climate initiatives

She received her B.S. from Elon University and her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Catherine is a licensed attorney in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. During her time at the state house, she also received a certificate in Regulatory Affairs in Cannabis Control from Clark University.

Catherine is originally from Norfolk, Massachusetts and currently lives in South Boston.

JACOB HICKS, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jacob joined the Tenax team in 2021 as a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Boston College School of Social Work where he received his MSW in macro-practice and obtained advanced certificates in public policy and community organizing, as well as child welfare

Prior to joining the firm, Jacob was an intern at Charles Group Consulting where he worked in government affairs and issues management, there he helped secure the economic funding goals and legislative priorities of 25+ clients. Previously, Jacob also worked at the Judge Baker Children’s Center where he crafted public policy briefs and initiatives for at-risk child and family populations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Currently, Jacob serves as a Board Member on the Social Work Advisory Committee for his alma mater Lesley University, and is also a Board Member for Twin Valley High School’s Diversity, Education, and Inclusion program. Originally from Vermont, Jacob moved to Massachusetts to pursue his passions for public policy, advocacy, and government relations. He weaves the social work perspective into his operations, and when tackling his goal of helping underserved communities and populations through government.

In his free time, Jacob enjoys his volunteer work for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and likes to keep active through running and hiking Jacob is a Vermont native, and currently resides in Cambridge, MA

HOW WE HELP

Our firm has deep experience in cannabis public policy and an extensive track record of building support and receiving local and state level approvals

WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO OUR CLIENTS

There are many steps toward achieving these goals, and many require deep industry expertise and experience, and frequently, extensive research, outreach and administrative work. We handle it all.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Tenax will provide the Client a single point of contact for navigating complex state and local regulatory frameworks and for seeking approvals from the principals. Our approach minimizes the owner’s and investor’s time requirements on the day to day items while retaining full control and decision making authority over every aspect of the entire project.

We believe this approach provides the smoothest and shortest path to getting a cannabis businesses operational

Local Permitting:

We are experts at building relationships with local regulators and elected officials, coordinating grassroots support and navigating through the red tape of city and town halls.

Here’s what we do

Negotiate local “host community agreements” or “local resolutions ” These are multi-faceted and often tricky engagements that require experience and expertise; Educate local elected officials that our clients’ sites and companies are the right fit for the limited number of licenses they want in their community;

Site selection/control – Identifying and securing a viable and attractive site that complies with local bylaws is key to successful licensure. We help navigate through zoning bylaws and ordinances, identify buffer zones, undertake landlord negotiations and assist with site leases and purchases;

Bylaw changes – Often Town Meeting or City Council approval is required in order to site a cannabis business and we have a long track record of successful campaigns. We’ve also succeeded in overturning cannabis bans in some communities;

Site plan review approvals – We work with licensed professionals to prepare your site plan, customized to comply with local regulations, so you can be approved for business;

Special permit decisions – We review local permitting regulations

and prepare your application with a keen eye for detail to avoid mistakes or delays

Municipal Government Affairs:

Tenax represents clients’ interests with respect to a wide variety of needs it will have at the municipal level related to generating buy-in for the project and obtaining the necessary support and approvals needed to keep the project moving forward and viable throughout the project timeline.

Here’s what we do . . .

Build local support with elected officials or decision makers

Representation in front of municipal boards and committees, including elected officials, planning and/or zoning boards, boards of health, conservation commission, etc. as needed

Work with zoning and planning boards on site plan reviews and special permits

Negotiate host community agreements or local resolutions

Create community relations campaigns, including

community outreach meetings and events

Work with local boards of health that sometimes require cannabis businesses to obtain “operating permits” or similar approval

Work with conservation commissions in communities that require an “order of conditions” or similar approval

Guide businesses through entire licensing and permitting process

Coordinate all vendors necessary for permitting and development, including architects, lawyers, business consultants, civil engineers and security vendors.

Development of Request for Application (RFA), Request for Information (RFI) or Request for Proposals (RFP) in communities engaging a public process for cannabis projects

State Licensing:

Tenax coordinates and executes timely submittals of state-required materials and documentation for license applications and renewals. These are complex, often tedious and labor intensive undertakings that involve the review, creation and coordination of hundreds of pages of documents, filings and emails. We take on that work and make it our job to make you successful in the community. We remove the burden from the client

Whether a single state operator trying to get into the industry for the first time or an established multi-state operator (MSO) looking to break into a new market, we can customize a winning strategy

What we do:

Manage licensing process from cradle to grave

Coordination and development of application materials

Develop strategies to increase likelihood of licensure

Coordination among consultants to ensure requirements of state or regulatory process

Customize plans state-by-state

Prepare required investor and financial disclosures