Naturally North Bay and Naturally Bay Area Unite to Form Naturally NorCal — Supported by Industry Leading Companies and Founder’s Circle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2025
Contact:
Jill McLewis
jill@naturallynorthbay.org
Naturally North Bay and Naturally Bay Area Unite to Form Naturally NorCal — Supported by Industry Leading Companies and Founder’s Circle
San Francisco, California – Naturally North Bay and Naturally Bay Area, two leading nonprofit organizations supporting the natural and organic products industry in Northern California, are proud to announce their merger into a single organization: Naturally NorCal. This exciting unification marks a new chapter by combining powerful resources, expertise, and community engagement to better serve the region’s dynamic food, natural products, and purpose-driven businesses. With a mission to harness, accelerate, and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural products ecosystem, the organization has built on existing successful programs and launched new initiatives to create an even stronger organization to serve its community.
Building a Stronger Community - Naturally NorCal aims to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and growth by bringing together entrepreneurs, brands, and industry leaders through various events and programs throughout the year. This merger expands opportunities for networking, mentorship, education, and advocacy, ensuring a stronger support system for its members. The expanded community includes new social channels on Instagram @Naturally_NorCal, and via LinkedIn Naturally NorCal as well as an updated website Naturally NorCal.
Introducing a Highly Experienced & Robust Board - Naturally NorCal has named Jim Taschetta, a seasoned industry leader and long-time Executive Board Member, as Board Chair. All board members from the legacy organizations have been invited to join the newly formed board, ensuring strong continuity and the ability to build on past successes and experience.
Jim Taschetta shares, "This merger marks an important step in our drive to continuously evolve and strengthen our organization’s ability to serve our community. By uniting as Naturally NorCal, we're creating a more robust ecosystem that unlocks new resources and efficiencies and strengthens our region's position as a leader in natural products innovation. I’m looking forward to working with our incredible team to drive meaningful impact for our members, partners and sponsors."
Jill McLewis, Executive Director of Naturally NorCal, adds: "Naturally NorCal brings together two vibrant communities that have been trailblazers in the natural products movement. Our combined strength will allow us to better support entrepreneurs at every stage, from start-ups to established brands, while fostering the collaborative spirit that makes Northern California unique. We're excited to provide more resources, broader networking opportunities, and stronger advocacy for our members."
Supporting Visionaries - Naturally NorCal welcomes new supporters to our Founder’s Circle including:
3P Partners · Amy’s Kitchen · Aspect Consumer Partners · Bank of America · Baker Botts · BPM · Clover Sonoma · CMPR Attorneys · Cowgirl Creamery · Grounded Capital · Guayaki · Heffernan Insurance Brokers · JP Morgan · Manzana Products · Moss Adams · Once Upon a Farm · Parabolic · Straus Family Creamery · Traditional Medicinals
These visionary companies have made a long-term commitment to support Naturally NorCal and amplify its impact in the region. Naturally NorCal is also supported by a Board of Directors, a diverse volunteer group representing a broad spectrum of companies such as Big Tree Farms, Costeaux French Bakery, Cultivate Creations, Givaudan, IMCD, Kuli Kuli Foods, Mattson, MISTA, Nutrition Capital Network, Patagonia Provisions, and Premier Nutrition.
About Naturally NorCal
Naturally NorCal is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration in Northern California's natural products industry. Our mission is to harness, accelerate, and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural products ecosystem. We support entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals through educational events, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs. By connecting like-minded leaders, we aim to build a thriving ecosystem where natural, sustainable, and better-for-you brands can flourish while positively impacting our local and global communities.
Community • Collaboration • Transformation
For more information, please contact:
Jill McLewis
Jill@naturallynorthbay.org
707-824-2253
Jim Taschetta
Jill McLewis