Coats named president of cannabis advocacy group
The next two years promise to be exciting ones in California’s cannabis community at large and in Sonoma in particular, says Michael Coats, the newly-elected president of the Sonoma Valley Cannabis Enthusiasts.
The advocacy group is anticipating movement in several areas, he says, including tourism and farm tours, statewide appellation development, and the implementation of Sonoma’s new dispensary. Formed nearly three years ago, the group aims to strengthen “the branding and positioning of Sonoma Valley cannabis as a prized and highly sought-after product.”
Coats is the long-time owner of one of Sonoma’s top cannabis and lifestyle PR firms, Coats Public Relations, which he runs with daughter Allison Coats. He is a founding member of SVCE, which has the mission of “ensuring that Sonoma Valley cannabis receives the notice and recognition it deserves.”
Founding SVCE President Ken Brown remains in a leadership role, assuming the title of vice-president for the next two-year term. Incumbents Mary Creasey stays on as Secretary and Doug Gardner retains his role as treasurer and executive director. Gretchen Giles remains SVCE’s pro bono marketing consultant.
“As a former grower and an active member of the Sonoma cannabis community, I look forward to helping SVCE take a strong lead on many cannabis initiatives,” Coats says. “The next two years promise to be exciting.”
SVCE in-person gatherings have been suspended since the state’s first stay-at-home orders in March 2020. The group anticipates having Zoom-hosted meetings in the first half of 2021. SVCE meetings are free and the public is always invited to join. Look for meeting information on SVCE’s Facebook page.
