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.
PETER D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for private and publicly traded companies, Fortune 500 companies, corporations, partnerships, investors and individuals.
Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal and state government as they seek approval of projects related to state and municipal licensing, land use entitlements, zoning changes as well as other state or municipal pprovals He regularly represents clients before Select Boards, City Councils, Planning Boards, Boards of Health, Zoning Boards of Appeal, Regulatory Authorities and other state and local agencies Peter works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities.
Well versed in the regulatory and legislative challenges of emerging industries and real estate development, Peter has developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in state and municipal licensing, land use entitlements and zoning throughout the country. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of emerging industries and real estate development.
In highly regulated industries, such as cannabis, Peter has established himself as a national leader Since 2012, Peter and the Tenax team have been representing cannabis operators to help them get licensed and get open. Peter assists clients with site selection, building municipal support, land use approvals, permitting, community outreach, cannabis licensing, general cannabis business consulting and post operational compliance support. He also specializes in locating zoning compliant sites and assisting operators through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements or local resolutions Peter provides a comprehensive project management approach, often taking companies, investors or individuals from concept to commence operations
Peter served for 11 years in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. During his time in the Army, Peter focused on program and training development for the US and allied personnel He represented the United States for government aviation operations with several nations, including Mexico, England, Germany, Turkey, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.
GREG D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER
With over 20 years of experience in public affairs, Greg is a highly-skilled strategist that has managed campaigns for a wide spectrum of highly-regulated industries and complex legislative and regulatory issues
He leveraged his decades of public affairs experience to spearhead Tenax's multi-state expansion of the cannabis practice, providing cannabis consulting and project management services to clients in emerging and legal markets across the country.
Greg's top priority is delivering value to clients by helping new operators get started in the industry, assisting existing operators to enter new markets, and expanding their portfolio of assets. Greg is driven to protect he position of his clients in the marketplace to deliver clients a return on investment.
Greg is a creative problem solver and a passionate advocate for his clients, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry to develop innovative solutions that drive success. He is an experienced strategist and negotiator, adept at navigating the ever-changing landscape of the cannabis industry to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients and is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Before Greg acquired Tenax Strategies, he served as COO of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms. Greg’s top goals were to protect his client’s business interests, grow their businesses, or create new opportunities for them in their respective industries. Early in his career, Greg worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, and former Lt Gov Tim Murray
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SERVICES
BUSINESS SUCCESS THROUGH COMPLIANCE
Tenax Strategies provides regulatory compliance and comprehensive Fractional Chief Compliance Officer services for cannabis operators. This allows business owners and managers to focus on running and building the business—not dealing with regulatory headaches.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SERVICES
RENEWALS & REPORTING
RENEWAL APPLICATIONS (STATE & LOCAL LICENSE(S))
With over a decade of experience, Tenax is prepared to help you complete your license renewals while managing your timeline and documentation, saving your team valuable time and effort.
RESPONSES TO ENFORCEMENT ACTION
Tenax knows how to work with regulatory agencies and investigators to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. We’re proud of our 100% acceptance rate for corrective action plans. Our support can ease the burden of navigating complex regulatory requirements for your team.
COMPLIANCE REPORTING
Incident reports must be filed within 24 hours. Tenax is here to assist quickly, ensuring reporting within the required timeframe while providing support for corrective action plans.
AGENT BACKGROUND CHECK & TRAINING TRACKING
Tenax will track the timelines for mandatory background checks and annual agent training. By helping to track background check and annual training requirements, we help mitigate risks and uphold the integrity of your workforce, creating a safer and more trustworthy environment for your business.
AGENT BADGING
Simplify your agent badging process with Tenax. We take care of tracking badge issuance and renewals, ensuring compliance with regulations. By streamlining the application and background check requirements, we help maintain a secure and reliable workforce, reducing risks for your business.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
The cannabis industry is constantly changing, and the regulations are no different. Tenax’s experience and direct contact with the regulatory agencies and investigators means that we are the most experienced to review your SOPs for regulatory compliance.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SERVICES
AUDITS
INVENTORY AUDIT
Tenax has the experience to review your inventory and verify its accuracy annually or as requested—thereby avoiding costly inventory fines and penalties while working with you to help prevent diversion.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AUDIT
Tenax works to help your facility(ies) meet OSHA mandates, preventing noncompliance fines of up to $16,000 per OSHA violation.
FRONT OF HOUSE COMPLIANCE AUDIT
Tenax’s will conduct secret shopper assessments at your retail location. We evaluate your staff’s understanding of regulations and company SOPs annually or as requested, providing a report that helps prevent product diversion and costly enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.
BACK OF HOUSE COMPLIANCE AUDIT
With extensive experience, Tenax has managed a wide variety of operator compliance issues. During a back-of-house compliance audit, Tenax review your operations to help you follow regulations and maintain compliance, avoiding fines ranging from $5-50K+ per violation.
AUDIT SOPS & IMPROVE PROCESSES
Tenax will conduct audits to evaluate employee compliance with company SOPs, of which noncompliance being the #1 reason for enforcement action by regulatory agencies. Drawing on our extensive experience and expertise, Tenax will provide guidance on operational standards that enhance efficiency and compliance with regulations.
ADVERTISING COMPLIANCE REVIEW
Stay aligned with regulations in your marketing and advertising with Tenax’s advertising compliance service. We keep you compliant the latest requirements.
PACKAGING COMPLIANCE REVIEW
Tenax helps your marijuana product packaging meet regulatory standards to avoid costly fines. We review all elements of your packaging and labeling to meet regulatory standards and avoid compliance issues. Our support allows you to navigate compliance smoothly and maintain your brand’s reputation.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SERVICES
TRAININGS
SOP TRAINING (EMPLOYEE & COMPANY)
Tenax’s experience helps your employees better understand the company’s SOPs and the reasons behind specific processes, leading to improved operational efficiency and reducing the primary cause for enforcement action.
MANDATORY AGENT TRAINING
Tenax offers in-person and online options to help your employees meet regulatory requirements and retain essential information. We help your team successfully fulfill annual training requirements, providing convenience and compliance with ever-changing cannabis regulations.
SAFETY/CLEANLINESS
Tenax provides specialized training on workplace safety, covering topics like maintaining hygiene, emergency procedures, and active shooter preparedness. This helps your team to sustain a clean and safe workspace.
OSHA
Tenax offers comprehensive training on OSHA standards, including emergency access plans, slip/trip/fall prevention, fire extinguisher use, ladder safety, PPE, hazard communications, chemical storage, SDS and secondary containers, and respirator usage, helping to reduce the likelihood of accidents while enhancing overall operational productivity.
METRC
With METRC being the standard for inventory auditing and cycle counts, Tenax will help train your employees to be knowledgeable, accurate, and efficient in essential skills such as basic METRC package creation and inventory movements—preventing deficiencies in the seed-to-sale process while working with you to prevent diversion.
BUDTENDER & CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer service is the direct connection between your business and your customers. Tenax will provide training to assist in meeting customer needs, upselling products, and dealing with difficult customers—driving sales and fostering a positive reputation for your business.
