Naturally New England is Launched by the Naturally Network
(AUSTIN, Texas - November 15, 2022) – Today, Naturally Network, the national industry trade association representing the natural and organic consumer products industry, announces the launch of its newest and tenth chapter: Naturally New England. Naturally New England will serve its members by embracing Naturally Network’s mission of accelerating the success of natural and organic entrepreneurs and their businesses through community-based educational programming, networking events, and mentoring initiatives throughout the region.
Naturally New England will harness the deep experience and outstanding capabilities of a region that has long contributed to the growth of the Natural Products Industry, helping support a new generation of business leaders, brands, and employees.
The new chapter aims to be an umbrella resource for companies and organizations in all six New England states, using connections and education to foster a beneficial ecosystem in which existing agricultural, manufacturing, and capital resources are able to efficiently find and support them.
“New England is the home for brands and ideas that hold a formative place in the natural products sphere. Companies like King Arthur Baking, Toms of Maine, Ben & Jerry’s, and Stonyfield Organic set the bar with their passion and vision for healthier people and planet,” said Jean Lizotte, founding co-chair of Naturally New England. “There are generations of successful founders, experts, and investors eager to help the next set of natural products entrepreneurs to continue to change the world.”
Naturally New England joins peer Naturally Network chapters in Austin, Bay Area, Boulder, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, North Bay, and San Diego.
Katrina Tolentino, Executive Director of Naturally Network, shared: "Our national network is reshaping the 'better-for-you' CPG industry; our expanding impact and growth are rooted in our dedication to health, sustainability, and inclusivity—encouraged by a clear demand for continued progressive change within this space. We're excited to welcome Naturally New England and are committed to bolstering the success of the region's brands, advocates, systems, and partners."
The Naturally New England board brings together, in equal measure, representatives of new and established brands alongside leading service providers, retailers, distributors, and investors whose work powers the industry.
“The collective leadership coming together for Naturally New England is strong. I look forward to seeing how each individual will leverage their deep ties to a community that spans a large region with multiple, vital urban centers. I am excited for natural product brands and supporting partners in these communities to start feeling the magic we have felt in existing Naturally Network chapters by having welcoming, in-person connections and the support and resources of a national network,” said Aimy Steadman, Board President of Naturally Network.
“The New England natural products scene runs both wide and deep,” said Jeff Klineman, founding co-chair of Naturally New England. “Although there are local facilities and groups that encourage founders in their own cities and states, this is the first attempt to help founders in a town like Portland or Providence find the camaraderie, expertise, and capabilities throughout the region that can fuel the path to growth and success.”
Indeed, the board combines many new brands alongside longtime thought leaders within the industry, bringing together natural product pioneers from the six states comprising the region. To unite members and expose participants to the “Natural Strength of New England,” events and board meetings throughout the year will flow from state to state, offering networking, education, facility tours, founder, retailer, service provider, and investor forums designed to show the mighty resources that lie within. Naturally New England looks forward to helping the chapter, and the region coalesce, and to kick things off it’s inviting members throughout Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to look for events that will be held in their states, starting with a series of informal pre-holiday gatherings in early December. Information on these events is available at naturallyne.org.
About Naturally Network: Naturally Network is a national trade association and an agent of change representing and serving ten regional chapters across the U.S. Its mission is to harness, accelerate and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural and organic products industry through community-based and relevant educational programming, networking events and mentoring initiatives that support a more diverse and representative industry. Founded more than 17 years ago in Boulder, Colo. as a regional hub for natural and organic industry entrepreneurs and businesses, Naturally Network was founded to serve the need across the U.S. to support passionate and committed entrepreneurs and their businesses’ success on a national level. Learn more at https://www.naturallynetwork.org/.
About Naturally New England: Naturally New England is a regional trade association serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Naturally New England harnesses the natural strength of New England to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, brands, retailers, and industry experts for one purpose: to make New England the best place to launch and scale a natural products company. Through community-based educational programs and networking events, Naturally New England will support and strengthen natural and organic product companies of all sizes and life stages. Learn more at https://www.naturallyne.org/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debi Goldman
debi@naturallynetwork.org