284-22 Evaluation Report - Cannabis Retail Microbusiness - The Library of New Jersey Inc. - October 2022.pdf

4 During its presentation to the Taskforce Mr. Dishman described his ties to the Township community advising that he was a resident of the Township with children who attended West Orange schools. He emphasized his deep fondness and connection to the West Orange community and his dedication to contribute to the community. Library reiterated that is was a certified minority owned business enterprise and confirmed that it had obtained a certification from the State of New Jersey. Both Mr. Dishman and Mr. Penn discussed their background, experience, and expertise in the cannabis industry demonstrating both their knowledge regarding the finance and retail components that are critical to the successful operation of a cannabis retail business. Library discussed some of the initial media attention it received when it represented in 2021 that it wanted to be “the state’s first Black-owned recreational cannabis retail shop.” See https://patch.com/new-jersey/westorange/west-orange-man-wants-bring-marijuana-shop-his- hometown In response to questions from the Taskforce, Library addressed its relationship with AYR Wellness, a national vertically integrated cannabis company. Library explained that AYR Wellness was an investor in the enterprise, but would not have any ownership or operational control of the proposed Cannabis Retail Microbusiness. Instead, Library explained that AYR support and partial funding of the proposed Cannabis Retail Microbusiness was simply a bridge