Build
Vertical Harvest will be a Wyoming based agri-business that will enhance the local economy by operating year round to sell, for profit, fresh, locally grown produce to the community through multiple venues at a competitive, consistent price.
About Us
PERSONNEL:
Executive Director•
Penny McBride, a cofounder of Vertical Harvest, will act as the full-time Program Director and will report directly to the Board of Directors at each monthly meeting. Penny specializes in systems organization and strategic planning for environmentally based projects. Penny will utilize the comprehensive resources provided by the Arthur and Friends model to oversee the general operations of the greenhouse, initiate, ensure and maintain positive customer relationships, as well to develop and expand educational partnerships within the community. The Program Director will work alongside the Director of Production to oversee the Employment Facilitator, the Production Employees and the volunteers for the organization.
Director of Production•
The Director of Production will be an experienced hydroponic grower in charge of health and production in the greenhouse. Vertical Harvest will fill this position well before it is open for business. We have received many qualified resumes for this manager with experience in all aspects of hydroponic production including commercial growing, system set up, crop scheduling, workforce training, produce marketing, troubleshooting and pesticide free insect/disease control.
Employment Facilitator•
Caroline Croft Estay will be the part-time Employment Facilitator will in charge of training and managing the production employees. The Employment Facilitator will work closely with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff utilizing employment support programs as well as Support Providers with the Wyoming Medicaid Waiver Program. Caroline Croft Estay has been a Case Manager and a Provider for the Behavioral Health Division of Wyoming specializing in care for children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1999.
Production Employees
Vertical Harvest will employ nine citizens and disabilities part-time (4.5 Full Time Equivalent) per day referred from collaborative organizations. The employees partake in highly structured training programs that will teach them the process of hydroponic farming, including skills such as planting, harvesting, crop management and customer service, which will equip them with transferable works skills that they can use in their futures.. This highly structured and supervised work environment will foster the development of skills for individuals with a wide range of disabilities in order for them to become economically independent and marketable in the workforce.
Partner: Arthur and Friends
Vertical Harvest has partnered with the New Jersey Program Arthur and Friends by purchasing its licensing model. This license includes access to their Business Plan, assistance in hiring vital personnel including the Director of Production, oversight of the installation of the growing systems, a complete vocational training program which includes a comprehensive curriculum and train-the trainer program, support with growing, sales, and marketing. They will work with Vertical Harvest on everything from inception to product sales, giving us all the tools and instruments necessary for success and assessment. The goal of our partnership with Arthur and Friends is to ensure the overall sustainability of our business and program.
Business Structure:
Vertical Harvest will generate modest profits to ensure its fiscal sustainability instead of soliciting charitable contributions year after year from our community. Vertical Harvest has been incorporated as a low-profit limited liability (L3C) company, which is a legal form of business entity in Wyoming and throughout the United States that was created to bridge the gap between non-profit and for-profit investing. An L3C provides a structure that facilitates investments in socially beneficial for-profit ventures. It is a hybrid structure that combines the legal and tax flexibility of a traditional LLC and the social benefits and tax benefits of a nonprofit organization. Vertical Harvest will prove to be a fiscally responsible business that will serve our community for many years to come.
Vertical Harvest has assembled an active Board of Directors and Advisory Board, representing seasoned business leaders, horticulturists, distributors, and representatives of the food service industry. We will hire an experienced head grower with extensive experience in all aspects of the Hydroponics Industry, including experience in system design, operations, crop selection, scheduling/production, pest control, specialty produce troubleshooting, and marketing. The business plan has been reviewed by key figures in the national hydroponics industry, as well as respected business leaders in our community. Their thoughtful comments and suggestions have been integrated into our business plan.
Vertical Harvest Board of Directors
- John Rutter: Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Grand Teton Lodge Company
- Kari Cooper: Executive Director – Jackson Hole AIR
- Ted and Noa Staryk: Owners – Snake River Brewery
- Anna Olson: Brand Director – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Wes Hamilton: Executive Chef – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Bob Arndt: Former Owner – Jackson Whole Grocer
- Jen Jacobsen: Nutrition and Food Safety Coordinator – University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension
- Arik Griffin: Operations Director – Circumerro Media
- Nona Yehia: Partner – E/Ye Design Architecture
Vertical Harvest Advisors
- Wendie Blanchard: Program Director – Arthur and Friends Greenhouse Program
- Karen Panter: Extension Horticullture Specialist – UW
- Liz Brimmer: Owner – Brimmer Communications & Public Relations
- Gingee Prince: Enhanced Capital Partners, Inc.
- Ben Mackay: Principal – Evolve Capital
- Nathan Adams: Partner – Stratford Group
- Caroline Croft: Case Manager – Community Entry Services
- Sally Yocum: Employment Advisor
- Alli Noland: Terra Public Relations
Design Team
Greenhouse Engineer:
Thomas Larssen has more than 20 years of experience in the greenhouse industry serving more than 18 of those years as a prime consultant for investors, governments and private owners of green industry projects. Larssen Ltd greenhouse engineers (www.l-ge.com) have been involved with greenhouse projects on four different continents designing greenhouses in harsh climates such as Siberia, Iceland, Greenland and Maine all which operate at a profit. Experts at integrating the newest growing trends into their designs, Larssen Ltd has the ability to leverage their experience with emerging technologies to create state-of-the-art agriculture systems that can operate in any kind of climate. Larssen Engineers have worked on the development of Vertical Harvest for 2 years and have been integral to holistic design of the greenhouse including: growing system, lighting, mechanical system and greenhouse shell design.
Architectural:
E/Ye Design is an architectural firm based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming who is acting as the architect of record for the project. Working with Vertical Harvest from the outset, E/Ye Design has developed the general approach to the greenhouse design and coordinated the work of the consultants crucial to the successful development of the project. E/Ye Design has also worked diligently with the local building department and the Town of Jackson to ensure that the design of the greenhouse adheres to all local building codes and requirements set forth by Town.
Structural:
KL&A is a Colorado-based company of structural designers, steel detailers, and builders. They are transforming the way structures are designed and built by rethinking the traditional structural design process, and integrating it with our involvement in the construction process. KL&A Structural Engineers have designed the foundation and steel structure of the greenhouse to comply with Jackson’s stringent seismic code and conditions.
Members
Becoming a member of the Vertical Harvest community will not only help us with our Business Council application process,but will give you access to a project that will provide you with fresh produce that has retained all of the essential vitamins and minerals that normal produce loses as it goes through the process of being shipped to Jackson. Please join today. Thank you to those that have given already!
Articles and related press:
1% for the Planet
Vertical Harvest is very pleased to announce the partnership of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and 1% for the Planet. JHMR has graciously chosen Vertical Harvest to be the beneficiary of the proceeds earned through this partnership. Please visit JHMR this summer, take the free gondola ride up and dine at The Couloir or The Deck this summer to support this amazing initiative! The Deck happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30 with 2 for 1 margaritas, mojitos, draft beers and wine by the glass is the perfect spot to unwind after an adventurous day! Read more about the new partnership below!
Teton Heritage Landscaping Inc.
THL, Inc is a locally owned and operated company that has been making a name for itself for quite some time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We specialize in projects of all sizes from the design and installation of stone patios to large-scale commercial landscaping. We offer tree moving and replanting and boast three sizes of tree spades to get any job done efficiently. Our team of experts continues to grow but one thing stays the constant – our dedication to our clientele.
Terra Firma Organics
Over the past nine years, Terra Firma has consistently demonstrated the will and experience necessary to achieve excellence in various endeavors. We maintain our success is a result of solving real-world problems for clients. Providing rationale behind every critical decision has gained the confidence of private, public and political clients. From landscaping to organics, our dedication and unique approach to business provide excellent service and the best products.
Jackson Hole Flower Company
There’s something peaceful and inspiring blooming on Teton Village Road. The Jackson Hole Flower Company offers a contemporary fresh approach to floral & garden design. Our custom arrangements reflect our clients individualized style designed exclusively for their special occasions. We use local organic products when available, and focus on eco-friendly plant selections for the home, succulents and Orchids being our favorite…
The shop is a place for Artists to hang their paintings and filled with treasures from around the world.
Our successful Wedding & garden design business has become a favorite among both locals and out of town brides. In June, you will likely find garden designers Sue Bullock tucking Scabiosas, Cosmos, and fragrant herbs into containers. Our containers are living works of Art.
The Harmonic Spa
The Harmonic Spa is a holistic day spa featuring Therapeutic Massage and Acutonics® Sound and Vibrational Therapy and by Nancy Alfs, MA.
Find us in the cozy white house at 155 West Pearl Street in Jackson, Wyoming located next door to Pearl Street Bagels and one block from the Milward Free Parking facility.
First Interstate Bank
Headquartered in Billings Montana, First Interstate has evolved since 1968 from a singlebank in Sheridan, Wyoming to operating over 50 branches.
Jackson Whole Grocer
A supermarket that offers organic and conventional groceries. Features special foods sections, recipes, events, a glossary, store specials, and news and events.
Sprout
A company that has been in the business of making timepieces for over 50 years. Our strength as a company comes from our employees who collectively have invaluable knowledge, technical expertise, experience and a real passion for the traditions of watch making. But that doesnt mean we dont have a bunch of ambitious, freethinking, rebel employees with an entrepreneurial spirit who are committed to looking ahead to a greener future for our company and our planet. Asking the simple question, How can we make a greener watch? they looked for an answer. After countless hours of research and development and a lot of lunches eaten over their keyboards, two years later Sprout was born.
Fine Dining Restaurant Group
Fine Dining Restaurant Group consists of a diverse mix of restaurants with something to satisfy every craving. Rendezvous Bistro is a classic American Bistro with entrees ranging from Duck Confit to Veal Marsala. Q Roadhouse serves up tasty and fresh comfort foods, live music and two happy hours every night. The Menu at Il Villaggio Osteria features contemporary Italian cuisine in a rustic slopeside atmosphere in Teton Village. And Bistro Catering will exceed your expectations catering to any event, whether for 2 or 200.
1% For The Tetons
1% for the Tetons funds efforts furthering the long-term sustainability of the Tetons region’s extraordinary natural resources and related essential qualities. Member businesses donate one percent of their sales to 1% for the Tetons. These donations are aggregated and granted to fund projects supporting the long-term sustainability of the Tetons region.