OUR HISTORY

In 1834, the first non-indigenous settlers arrived on the shores of the Rock River, just south of downtown Rockford. Germanicus Kent, Thatcher Blake, and Lewis Lemon called their new settlement “Midway” as it was located halfway between Chicago and Galena. Germanicus Kent planned to go into business running a ferry across the Rock River. At that time, the Rockford area was still part of Jo Davies County, so he went to Galena and obtained a ferry permit. To safely run his ferry, he needed a rope to stretch across the river, but being on the far edge of the frontier there was not enough rope for sale in Galena. He then traveled back across the State to Chicago, but once again, he could not find enough rope. Undeterred, Germanicus returned to the shores of the Rock River where he planted a field of hemp.  He grew that hemp, and then fashioned his hempen rope which he used to start his ferry operation… AND THUS BEGAN THE CITY OF ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS!

Given the history of its founding, Sustainable Innovations believes that Rockford is destined to play a major role in the hemp and cannabis production in the State. Sustainable Innovations is proud to be bringing hemp and cannabis production back to Rockford.

S.E.E.D Incubator Program

Rooted on social equity and the pursuit of social justice, Sustainable Innovations is helping other minority-owned business open Hemp Dispensaries in “dispensary deserts.”  In collaboration with Buckbee Weed Co, Sustainable Innovations is currently looking for motivated  Illinois applicants who are willing to work hard.  Sustainable Innovations is committed to ensuring that its incubator partners are true equity stakeholders, and that they always maintain a majority ownership in their businesses.  For more information on Buckbee’s Social Equity and Economic Diversity Incubator Program, please see www.buckbeeseed.com.

(From left going clockwise, Germanic Kent, Thatcher Blake and Lewis Lemon.)