WHO IS BEHIND THE MID ATLANTIC GROWERS ASSOCIATION?
The founder of the Mid Atlantic Growers Association is Steven A. Yergan. Steve grew up in the Westchester County suburbs of New York City. Educated at Harvard in the ’70s and ’80s and trained at McKinsey & Co., Steve spent the majority of his career in the Health Care industry.
WHAT IS THE MISSION?
The mission of the Mid Atlantic Growers Association is to level the playing field between the smaller, entrepreneurial participant and the better financed organizations supported by investors and large corporations.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Because it needs doing.
Seriously, if this information asymmetry is not addressed, the little guy will get steamrolled by the large companies. Plain and simple. As a black man, I feel an urgency to succeed in this business. But it will not happen passively. We have to be able to compete dollar vs. dollar, issue vs. issue, and take, yes take, legally and legitimately, through superior business execution, a large piece of the market that some say should rightfully be ours.
WHERE IN THE COUNTRY WILL WE OPERATE?
Technically, we will operate in the Northeast as the term “Mid Atlantic” might indicate. Our message, however, will and does resonate throughout the country. The data we eventually distribute will not be restricted on the basis of geography, although its relevance may be geographically limited in the case of regional studies.
The Justice and Opportunity missions, while we will illuminate most strongly the needs within the Mid Atlantic area, are national in nature. We will therefore align ourselves, where appropriate, with like-minded organizations in other parts of the country.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THIS DONE?
Briefly, we will first capitalize the organization by selling logo merchandise online. We will then invest in professional resources to make knowledge and advocacy available to our members. For ongoing updates and progress reports, visit (and bookmark) our blog. See the navigation link above.
HOW CAN I JOIN?
The organization is not yet open for membership. We are presently raising funds, after which we will hire the necessary administrative staff. Once an organization builds a membership, there is a professional obligation to administer that organization professionally, which takes resources.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Simply stated, you can buy merchandise from or website. The link is above. Our inaugural item is a hat with our logo. Over time, you will see premium smoker’s merchandise, such as premium ashtrays, lighters, vape stands, containers, paraphernalia trays etc. We are organized as a for-profit LLC, not as a non-profit. Therefore, we are not soliciting contributions in order to raise funds. Just buy our stuff. Please.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
The best way is to follow our blog at the link above.
