Music industry execs eyeing pot in western NY
A who’s who of the music industry is considering Buffalo for marijuana research and production, the Albany Business Journal is reporting. The group includes Bob Marley’s son, Rohan; Kareem "Biggs" Burke, one of Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records co-founders; Dan Fireman, founder of Fireman Capital Partners in Boston; and Gee Roberson, co-founder of BPG Music, [which has recently partnered with Warner Records, Variety says]. They run Ace Ventures which is looking at a 100,000 square foot facility in western New York and are meeting today with economic development types in Buffalo, the story says.
Nicol to succeed Quandt at food bank
Also in the ABJ: The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has a new CEO, Molly Nicol. She succeeds Mark Quandt who announced his plans to retire in March after 38 years with the nonprofit. She is founder and principal at Four Leaf Philanthropic Consulting, of Albany. [See our coverage of the food bank and Mark Quandt here.]
Stefanik has a challenger
Elise Stefanik has a challenger in Whitehall resident Matt Putorti, a Democrat, the Post-Star is reporting. Born in northern New York, he is an advocacy lawyer and is running on a platform to improve health care access and schools. As a gay man of faith, he is nationally known for his work on LGBTQ+ equality. The story says he has not yet met with many of the party leaders in the area. Stefanik’s campaign said he has a far-left, socialist agenda, the story reports.
CFO charged with theft
The CFO of Hillman Companies in Moreau was charged last week with stealing $200,000 in cash and $50,000 in property between September 2012 and May 2021, the Times-Union is reporting. The name of the man is not listed.
Farmer gives land, expertise to help fight hunger
Also in the T-U: Dutchess County farmer Sam Rose is offering five of his 200 acres to the community to grow their own food. The suggested seasonal rent is just $40, and Rose will provide expertise, tools, water and other resources. And he can waive the fee, if needed. It’s an attempt to help feed people and give them purchase of their own.