LESSONS FROM THE BEN & JERRY'S DEAL

Terry Mollner, President, Trusteeship Institute

In 2000, Terry led a group in a bid to purchase Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc. The effort eventually failed but Unilever invited Terry to become part of their offer, to serve on the board of the Ben & Jerry's subsidiary corporation, and assist Unilever to manage their social audit globally. Unilever, the largest consumer products company in the world, succeeded in purchasing Ben & Jerry's. Mollner is now fulfilling these roles.

Terry is the founder and president of Trusteeship Institute, Inc., a consulting firm s converting to employee-ownership. The Institute also does research and development of new socially responsible investment models. Terry is also a principal in Meadowbrook Lane, Inc., a socially responsible investment banking firm. Dr. Mollner has also served on the board of Cyberlore Studios, Inc., a computer game developer in Northampton and chairs the board of Coop Plus of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

Bioshelters/Waterfields Aquaculture

The business plan presentation at the March session of the Western Massachusetts Venture Forum is Bioshelters. Founded in 1986 in Amherst, Massachusetts this company has perfected an integrated aquaculture and hydroponics facility based on technology originally developed from research at Hampshire College. The prototype system has been in operation for 10 years in Amherst producing about 30,000 pounds of fish and 4600 cases of herbs annually. A larger system is now being built. The Bioshelters system is unique because it recycles 99.7 percent of all of the water and waste produced. The perfection of a recirculating system creates a solution to the environmental impediments to aquaculture growth and puts this company at the vanguard of the industry. This proven and environmentally cleaned technology will allow the company to capitalize on the growing demand for fresh, unpolluted fish; and industry which is now over $2.5 billion annually. Growing hydroponics herbs and vegetables such as basil, pesto, arugula and watercress provides a second source of income and a hedge against fluctuating fish prices.

With the completion of a full-scale commercial operation in Amherst, the company is targeting Boston, New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Seattle, San Francisco and the Los Angeles markets. It anticipates targeting other markets through a combination of wholly owned facilities and joint ventures with local partners.

8:20 Panel discussion and audience questions
Panel will include:

Terry Mollner

Glenn Hanson, Angel Investor

There is an admission charge of $5 for members and $10 for non-members.