06/05/2021
We are proud and humbled to announce a few of our MiCHIGO founding Members while articulating some group history in the making:
Lisa Altschuler Liberman, Lisa is the best recruit ever. If I’m the design architect of MiCHIGO, Lisa is the lead project architect responsible for design development and construction.
I have been attracted to special events and tourist attractions since my earliest days going to bob island on the big boats in the Detroit river and that attraction coupled with years of experience engaging Michigans many many tourist attractions. In 2002 I founded what's become my teams tourist attraction. Wanting to learn more about the soon to emerge Michigan cannabis hospitality and tourism space.
I started 2 projects in the cannabis space. A cannabis industry vitality and sustainability group and tourism & hospitality group with Annette Nay Nay over a year ago, I set out to examine and potentially exploit Michigans potential cannabis tourism and consumption lounge opportunities while exploring action needed to bring our cannabis industry inline with current net-zero environmental standards. We are looking to bring together and unite our friends in the cannabis community in action for best results for all.
I had an Idea that banks may not allow loans for cannabis businesses, but maybe investments in qualifying eco-friendly cannabis industry infrastructure plans in numerous buildings creating models of sustainability while serving as tourist attractions themselves.
In progression I further realized the concepts intangible and tangible values and potential. As the year went on and I dialed in the concept and project, I realized how big and valuable to the community this opportunity could grow into. With our current project commitments, I humbly recognized I did not have the bandwidth or overall skills and needed a complimentary team mate to help build a team and structure to develop the much needed cannabis tourism and hospitality trade association concept and project through to its fullest potential.
One day I was scrolling in the group, knowing in the back of my head that there was a opportunity that was ripe ready to begin the project in earnest. While scrolling I came across a smart post by Lisa, a post about cannabis consumption, community, architecture and the environment I knew right there Lisa was the one to take this cannabis tourism and hospitality concept, project and opportunity further down the road.
I messaged her on the spot and we spoke shortly afterward, as I explained the fairly empty cannabis tourism space, opportunity and concept to fill it, sparking immediate interest we began to identify ideas and synergies. The ideas have been catching on and spreading like wild fire.
Upon a review of the opportunity and concept, the project sparked enthusiasm and got our collective creative juices flowing. Recognizing Lisa’s enthusiasm on the phone, her credentials and potential stake in the effort, I offered and we agreed to work together to see the mutual vision through its first missions. Thanks to that message and phone call, we've been able to articulate that concept and vision together, bring in top notch volunteers, and set goals that will help us collectively. Everything's been clicking and falling into place since.
Lisa's credentials include success as a longtime Organizational Change VP for a couple of the most recognized banks in America and her development of 420-friendly experiences and vacation communities and as CEO Blue Dream Experiences coupled with her other projects, EDIYBLES and Highgarden Holdings helps shape Lisa's leadership, passion and drive. Since 2018, Lisa blazed a trail around the country as edibles educator and party host, l.a.dawson.
MiCHIGOs value lies in its Human Capitol. MiCHIGO is designed to be stronger as a whole. Our volunteers serve in an "equally important" and "mission critical" roles. It works best with all the links in the chain. Lisa is the leader to tackle MiCHIGOs, unique challenges that lie ahead and take Michigo beyond its primary intentions.
And next we announce and thank Lisa’s first recruit, Founding Board Member and MiCHIGO Most Valuable Player Andrew McFarlane. Andy is the founder of the Legendary Michigan Cannabis Trail, which works to connect businesses and consumers around authentic Michigan cannabis experiences. In 1995, he started Leelanau.com LLC, a web development, marketing and media company with approximately 200 clients.
Andy has also developed and run Michigan's most enduring photo blog featuring Michigan in Pictures (michpics.wordpress.com) leveraging user generated photography and his great eye, and extensive knowledge of the state of Michigan.
Andy is a leading expert in travel, tourism, hospitality, events, attractions and consumption Lounges. Andy appears regularly in media offering authoritative information, quotes, updates and insiders perspective on trends and forecasts.
Lisa, continued to build the team, recently connecting with Jessica Lynne Jackson and Miracle Bailey.
The team has grown stronger.
Please join Lisa Liberman, Andy McFarlane, and I in welcoming new diversity and inclusion Committee Lead Jessica Lynne Jackson, a creative and human-centered thinker. Jess is Co-Owner + Experience Host at Copperhouse in Detroit, Michigan. Copper House is Detroit’s first Bud and Breakfast located in her charming home. She holds space with and for the cannabis community and is known for for top shelf hospitality.
We are thrilled to have Jess on our team. Jessica’s proven ability to bring people together, leadership, business accomplishments, strong education and deep experience will help her establish Michigos diversity and social equity leadership in the cannabis industry going forward.
We are driven with everything Jess brings to MiCHIGO and see her leading the way enabling and achieving diversity and social equity in our rapidly emerging cannabis tourism, hospitality and licensed cannabis consumption space.
Please also help us welcome the addition of Miracle Bailey as MiCHIGO’s External Affairs Committee Lead.
Miracle will be responsible for member and donor outreach, political action, initiatives and platforms, publishing research, all media relations, marketing, events, and social media planning while executing strategies and managing all external engagement.
Miracle received her BA in strategic communication with a minor in liberal studies from Hampton University. By day, Miracle is a Business Leadership Program Sales Associate at LinkedIn. By night, Miracle is the owner and trauma informed yoga instructor of Miracle Worker Wellness, a wellness brand dedicated to intersecting the arts + cannabis as alternative means of trauma therapy.
Miracle is a real maverick, an innovative trendsetter, energetic all-star entrepreneur, mentor and yoga teacher. We are fortunate to have her on our team.
We look forward to increasing business and community engagement, strength, growth and success under Miracles leadership.
Humbled in appreciation,
Charlie Strackbein & Lisa Liberman
Chair & Vice Chair
MiCHIGO
