Naturally NorCal

🥁 Drumroll, please ... meet the all-star judges of Naturally Rising NorCal! (Psst ... It's not too late to apply — DEADLINE EXTENDED to Monday, February 17, by 11:59 p.m.!) Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv Naturally NorCal is thrilled to introduce five powerhouse leaders who will participate as judges at Naturally Rising NorCal (formerly Pitch Slam) on May 8, 2025 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Introducing: • Alisa Carmichael, Investment Partner at VMG Partners • Ahmed Chehade, Chief Operating Officer at Good Stuff Distributor, Inc. • Susan Griffin-Black, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of EO Products • Rusty Schwartz, Founder and CEO of KITCHENTOWN • Miriam Welch, National Category Director at Albertsons Companies Our judges have founded, advised, invested in, and championed countless companies in our industry — they know what it takes to be the next breakthrough brand. Want an audience with these judges to pitch your product? It's not too late to apply. Submit your application by Monday Feb 17 by 11:59 p.m.: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv #naturallyrisingnorcal #naturallyrising #naturalynorcal #pitchcompetition #foodandbeverage #cpgindustry Past winners: Tim Richards, Azul Couzens, Pauline Ang, Paul Voge, Ibraheem Basir, Elizabeth Giannuzzi

Naturally NorCal members, this is an opportunity to work with NielsenIQ and meet the Whole Foods Market team. Don't miss out!

One ☝️ More Week to Apply! Naturally Rising Applications Due Next Friday, Feb 14. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE STAGE? Naturally Rising NorCal (previously Pitch Slam) is an unmatched opportunity for Northern California's emerging brands. It's a chance to gain exposure to industry tastemakers and build a network of new supporters. Plus, one Grand Prize winner will walk away with a prize package valued at over $50K+, including a $5,000 cash prize! Finalists will pitch live at Naturally Rising NorCal on Thursday, May 8, at Fort Mason in San Francisco, sharing their retail innovation with top judges and a lively audience. Naturally Rising Eligibility Criteria • Brand must be a natural or mission-driven CPG brand • Annual gross revenue of at least $100,000 and not exceed $2,000,000  • Launched in retail (physical or online) at least 1 year ago, and a max of 4 years ago. • Must be an active/paid Naturally NorCal Chapter member (Bay Area or North Bay) at the time of submission • Headquartered in Northern California • Previous applicants that have not been selected as finalists are encouraged to apply again APPLY NOW — Applications are due by Friday, February 14 https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv SAVE THE DATE — Naturally Rising NorCal Thursday, May 8 #naturallyrising #naturallyrisingnorcal #pitchslam #pitchcompetition #communitycelebration

CPG Financing Month is on! You heard from Keith Kohler in last fall's Quick Bites session on Commercial and Alternative Debt. If you want to hear more about all aspects of finance, this series if for you!

📣 Calling all Northern California Founders! Ready to take the spotlight? Applications are open for Northern California's premier pitch competition. Apply for Naturally Rising NorCal by Friday, February 14: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv Naturally Rising (formerly called Pitch Slam) is our signature competition celebrating Northern California’s most inspiring, purpose-driven brands. This is your chance to showcase your business, connect with industry leaders, and win a prize package worth $50K+ in cash and services. 🎙️ Finalists will pitch live at Naturally Rising NorCal on Thursday, May 8, at Fort Mason in San Francisco, sharing their retail innovation with top judges and a lively audience. Here's your chance to show us what you've got — get in front of top industry change-makers and peers! 👉 APPLY NOW — Applications are due by Friday, February 14 https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv 🗓️ SAVE THE DATE — Naturally Rising NorCal Thursday, May 8 #naturallyrising #naturallynorcal #innovation #community #cpgentrepreneurs #pitchcompetition #pitchslam

Are you Ready for a Product Recall? We've got the playbook you need. Join us tomorrow, Thursday, January 30, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PT/ 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MT Join Naturally Colorado and Naturally NorCal to learn key classifications, how to build a proactive plan, review contracts, assess insurance, and uncover the true costs — all through a real-world mislabeled product scenario and live Q&A Jim Taschetta, Naturally NorCal Board Member and COO of MISTA, will lead the conversation with: • Brandon Hernandez, Senior Partner at Whole Brain Consulting (Food & Beverage Industry Experts) • Peter Picetti, Senior VP at Heffernan Insurance Brokers • Brian T. Attorney at Start Up Consulting LLC Everyone is welcome to attend. Ask your questions and feel prepared for anything.

🌟 We’re Naturally NorCal! 🌟 It’s official! As of January 1, 2025, Naturally Bay Area and Naturally North Bay came together as Naturally NorCal, creating ONE stronger, united community. 💚 👉 What’s next? Keep following us here for all the latest events announcements, program opportunities, and community connections! Together, we’re building a more impactful Northern California community. Let’s keep growing! 🌱 #naturallynorcal #naturallybayarea #naturallynorthbay #naturallynetwork

Heading to San Diego for the UNFI Show? Don’t Miss the Pre-Party! Our sister chapter, Naturally San Diego, is kicking off 2025 with their epic Pre-Party to the UNFI Spring & Summer Show—and you’re invited! Last year’s event was unforgettable, and this year they’re taking it to the next level with: ⏵  20+ buyers and UNFI staff ready to connect ⏵ A live media activation featuring BevNET.com’s Ray Latif hosting 1x1 brand interviews ⏵  Incredible food, drinks, and amazing vibes. 🗓️ When: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 📍Where: Venue 808, San Diego 👉 Space is limited, grab your tickets before they’re gone:  https://lnkd.in/gCExJknK #NaturallyNetwork #UNFIPreParty #NetworkingEvent #NaturalProducts #UNFISpringShow

Curious about the future of CPG? No need for crystal balls here! 🔮 https://lnkd.in/gMxX6-HW   Join the West Coast chapters of Naturally Network for CPG Outlook for 2025: Insights and Trends Presented by Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ, an engaging event exploring the key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the consumer packaged goods industry in the coming year.    🗓️ January 16  ⏰ 12:00 p.m. PT   Learn more and register here:  https://lnkd.in/gMxX6-HW   Naturally San Diego Naturally LA Naturally Bay Area Naturally North Bay Naturally NorCal Naturally Seattle Sherry Frey Susie Picken

As we look back at 2024, we’re celebrating an incredible year of connection, innovation, and progress! From inspiring events to impactful partnerships, this community has made an impact in the Natural Products ecosystem. 🌱 Together, we: ✅ Hosted impactful events ✅ Brought together mission-driven leaders ✅ Strengthened our incredible community of innovators Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. ✨ More to look forward to in 2025! Naturally North Bay + Naturally Bay Area will officially become Naturally NorCal — a united force supporting conscious businesses across Northern California. Let’s make this our best year yet!  #NaturallyNorCal #2024Highlights #BetterTogether