Colorado Approved as Newest State Chapter of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA)

    DENVER, CO, March 29, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The hemp industry in Colorado now has a trade group specific to the state- the Colorado chapter of the Hemp Industry Association (COHIA). The new trade group has been in the works for some time, created to be a cohesive voice for Colorado hemp farmers, processors, manufacturers and businesses. Colorado is now the eleventh chapter of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), a nationwide non-profit trade group that represents the interests of the hemp industry and encourages research and development of new products made from industrial hemp.

Colleen Keahey, Executive Director of HIA is excited for the latest state chapter, "It's fantastic that HIA members in Colorado have decided to unite and form a state chapter. Colorado is a key state and has led the nation in hemp cultivation and innovation. It is outstanding that this effort has been led with a democratic and collaborative spirit, and I am happy to support these members efforts."

Colorado cultivated 5,921 acres in 2016, by far the most hemp acres cultivated in one state, according to Vote Hemp. In fact, if you combine all the hemp acreage cultivated by the 14 other hemp states in 2016, you would still need another 2,192 acres to reach the acres cultivated in Colorado! Not only is Colorado leading in acres of hemp cultivated, it is also home to some of the largest processors, manufacturers and businesses.

Those processors, manufacturers and businesses are joining forces to create the COHIA, and recently elected their Board of Directors. The Board includes leaders from across the state, and includes: Tim Gordon, Rich Becks, Zev Paiss, Kristen Kunau, David Bush, Margaret Richardson, Bethleen McCall, Caren Kershner, Christy Thiel and Rick Trojan. They finalized their chapter bylaws in late February, which were approved by the national HIA, making them an authorized state HIA chapter. The board also elected Christy Thiel as Treasurer and David Bush as Secretary. The remaining officers expect to be elected in early April.

The state chapter will focus on issues important, and specific to Colorado. The Board created work groups to engage Colorado hemp farmers and businesses on a variety of issues, ranging from regulations and legislation to industry best practices and hemp education.

David Bush, COHIA Secretary, describes the focus of the group, "We aim to make the COHIA a true trade group for the industrial hemp space. We will not only advocate for legal reform but also the development of commonly accepted product standards and specifications, new breeds of plants and new products. We will engage in public education, marketing and advertising to support the growth of the Colorado hemp industry." Caren Kershner, a farmer and researcher in the San Luis Valley, adds "I am happy to represent an industrial hemp organization that emphasizes education, reasonable and fair legislation, farmer equity and emerging industry in Colorado and throughout the country."

The COHIA's first public event since the election will be held at NoCo Hemp Expo in Loveland, CO on March 31st & April 1st. They will have board members there speaking with fellow Colorado hempsters, discussing the importance of a Colorado specific entity in the hemp space, and building membership.

More information can be found at www.theCOHIA.org

Colorado Chapter of the Hemp Industries Association
Media Contact: [email protected]

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