Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Will Spartin of Picco Beverage Group

HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.

Hi, I’m Will Spartin, co-founder of Picco Beverage Group, the makers of Triple Cannabis Beverages. I’m asking for your vote to continue serving on the board of the Hemp Beverage Alliance. I also encourage you to vote for fellow incumbent board member Glenn McElfresh, whose perspective and work ethic have been a strong asset to the Alliance.

Over the past year, I’ve worked to protect and grow the hemp beverage category, not just for my brand, but for the entire industry. I’ve built strong relationships with regulators across the country, and helped ensure that both DTC and traditional distribution models have a seat at the table.

In Florida, I’ve led the HBA’s lobbying efforts through one of the most aggressive regulatory environments in the country. I’ve also worked closely with Glenn McElfresh in Missouri, helped draft legislative language in Iowa, and was deeply involved in Georgia’s efforts, working directly with the Department of Agriculture. These efforts have resulted in real protections and momentum for our category.

I’ve also played a key role in bringing several large distributors/retailers into the conversation and building relationships between our industry and state beer wholesalers associations, that benefits all members. Beyond policy, I’ve contributed to PR initiatives, the planning of the upcoming Hemp Beverage Expo, and relationship building with allied associations outside of hemp.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a board, and I’m energized by the opportunity to keep pushing forward. We’re at a critical moment for our category, and I want to continue ensuring we have thoughtful, strategic voices in the room as new policies are shaped across the country.

I strongly encourage you to vote for both myself and Glenn McElfresh. Together, we’ve helped lay the groundwork for this industry’s future, and we’re just getting started.

—Will

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