| Name | Title | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
Jennifer Juste |
Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer | Profile |
Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and B-Corp based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Established in 1986, it aims to strengthen underserved communities through financial services and development programs. The organization has grown significantly, now managing assets between $2.6 and $2.8 billion and serving around 65,000 customers in Arkansas and Mississippi. Southern Bancorp operates through three main entities: Southern Bancorp Bank, which provides traditional banking services; Southern Bancorp Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on financial education and support; and Southern Bancorp Incorporated, a holding company for strategic growth. The organization offers a range of services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, financial literacy workshops, and grants for community projects. With 56 locations and a commitment to equitable access, Southern Bancorp emphasizes long-term community impact, particularly in economically distressed areas.
DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT Understanding what exists in your destination is important. Knowledge of your cannabis and hemp-related assets directly informs the strategy and program architecture. I engage and educate stakeholders, assess the destination, and develop a bespoke cannabis travel strategy and program that fosters long term success. The strategy may or may not include B2C product development i.e. trail, passport, newsletter. DESTINATION MARKETING The data shows that the cannabis-motivated active leisure travel audience is a high value audience that stays longer and spends more while in a destination. Through a dedicated cannabis travel program, I work with stakeholders to facilitate a steady flow of cannabis and hemp-related content that elevates the cannabis experience story in a sophisticated and brand aligned way. I advise DMOs on B2B and B2C content and marketing strategies. HOTEL SOLUTIONS Hotels are the heart of the travel ecosystem of a destination. Hotels greatly influence the overall experience for visitors. With a focus on guest experience, room nights, and turn-key incremental revenue opportunities, I help hotels understand, prepare for, and serve the cannabis and hemp CBD-interested hotel guest. Solutions include hospitality education, frontline staff support, and revenue generating opportunities in lobby, spa, and in-room.
Electrify America, LLC is a prominent electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the United States, established in 2016 as a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America. The company aims to promote Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption by creating a nationwide network of ultra-fast and convenient EV charging stations. As of August 2024, Electrify America operates over 950 charging stations with more than 4,250 DC fast charging connectors, making it the largest open DC fast-charging network in the country. The company focuses on providing reliable and accessible hyper-fast charging solutions, supporting multiple connector types, including CCS and CHAdeMO, with plans to add Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors in 2025. Electrify America is committed to sustainability, ensuring that all energy supplied to drivers is backed by 100% renewable energy certificates, and aims for a net zero carbon footprint. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company employs around 300 people and actively engages in community education to promote equitable electrification.