Over a decade ago (2010) I was struggling with what to name the chamber of commerce I was launching. The issue was the use of the word cannabis. I was aware of the role marketing plays in business success. At this point in my entrepreneurial career, I had opened a social media marketing company. I would never advise a client to use the word cannabis in their company name or marketing. It would be business sabotage and swift business suicide. 

I started and failed at my first business in 1969. By 2010 I had 42 years of experience creating and launching businesses.

Other women journaled about their personal experiences and growth.  My journal was titled: Don’t Do That Again, an account of my bad business decisions.

Armed with knowledge and experience, I launched the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. I quickly realized my mistake. It was obvious there needed to be a National Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce that focused on the issues and obstacles of women starting careers and companies in the cannabis space and how to succeed.

I created the Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce for a future I could not imagine. My goal was to build an organization that would continue to serve women for decades to come. 

Launching as the Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce was a huge gamble. The risk and sacrifice has been greater than I anticipated. In moments of exhaustion and frustration, I ask myself “WTF was I thinking?”. I laugh because I know what I was thinking. The cannabis industry is a huge opportunity for women to realize their dreams and achieve financial success. It is an opportunity to create an equitable industry, changing the dynamics of business. One woman can change the world, together we can fast track change. 

Like the cannabis industry, WCCC member benefits continue to evolve to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. The most important benefit is something I can not put into words. It is what happens when people begin to connect and begin conversations. It happens quickly, without marketing slogans, SEO or agendas. It produces resources, education, mentoring, commerce and community. It is organic. 

This undefinable “It” is why WCCC hosts Regional Dinners and Women Luncheons. 

“It” is why WCCC events are designed for strategic networking, and brings successful cannabis entrepreneurs to the stage to speak on How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry. “It” is why event attendees, sponsors and speakers are curated to make “It” happen. I don’t know how to describe this intangible “It” on the website. I do know that I want everyone to Get “IT”! 

Let’s connect and make “IT” happen. 

Addison Morris, Founder & CEO