Page 11 - BusinessWest May 29, 2023
P. 11

                  >>
Hadley
Continued from page 9
tomed to working through challenges. The group that started HadLeaf signed its community host agreement in Feb- ruary 2020, allowing it to start building the dispensary. Weeks later, COVID-19 shut everything down and caused huge delays. A planned opening for early 2021 was pushed back by delays until HadLeaf was finally able to open in October 2022.
“We had quite a few hiccups to
get where we are, just to open,” said Matt McTeague, regional manager for HadLeaf. “Everyone we’ve dealt with from the town has been welcoming and helpful as we worked throughout the process.”
Kelly Tornow, general manager
of HadLeaf, has worked in retail for most of her career. Since joining the operation in February 2022, she was part of the effort to get the dispensary
“We had quite a few hiccups to get where we are, just to open. Everyone we’ve dealt with from the town has been welcoming and helpful as we worked throughout the process.”
up and running.
“This is the first time I’ve been
involved with launching a retail opera- tion from the ground up,” Tornow said. “The biggest challenge was learning all the laws and regulations that come with cannabis.”
To overcome situations like road construction, most retail businesses simply increase their advertising, but advertising cannabis is strictly regulated.
“We’re trying all the avenues that are open to us to get our name out there,” Tornow said, noting that mem- bership in the Amherst Area Cham- ber of Commerce is one avenue that has been successful. “Because we’re members of the chamber, we have a presence at their golf tournaments and other community events.”
Because podcasts are allowed under the advertising regulations,
an informational podcast wil launch soon at hadleafuniversity.com. “We will produce it in the store with differ- ent speakers and vendors,” Tornow explained. “The idea is to educate consumers about different aspects of cannabis.”
The HadLeaf name has been a positive marketing tool as well. McTe- ague said many people compliment him on the creativity of the name. “We wanted something that would be relevant to cannabis and identify with
the town of Hadley. We tried a couple combinations, but HadLeaf really stuck.”
But the term ‘Hadley grass’ has nothing to do with cannabis; that’s another name for the crop that has made Hadley the asparagus capital of the world.
For decades, Hadley asparagus has had the reputation of being served in
 Hadley
Continued on page 43
>>
More than 8,000 people came out to last year’s Asparagus Festival, set for June 3 this year.
Photo by Erin O’Neill
    Your Business Financing Needs, Covered
 Let us be your new go-to for business lending. We’re business owners just like you, so we understand the unique challenges you face and the importance of having access to the cash that keeps your business going and growing.
Our Digital Business Lending Center* makes applying for loans up to $100,000 simple and convenient.
 Visit umassfive.coop/businessexpress
Meet Our Commercial Services Team Looking for more information?
 Contact one of our business experts.
413.256.5500 [email protected]
umassfive.coop/business
  Pictured L to R: Dan Thies, Commercial Portfolio Coordinator; Shelby Downey, Cash Management Specialist; Jeff Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer; Taylor Robbins, Business Relationship Manager
*In order to use our express application, business must be 2 years or older and within the Massachusetts counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, or Worcester.
     BusinessWest
<< COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT >>
MAY 29, 2023 11
 




























































   9   10   11   12   13