April 2022 Newsletter

Apr 18

CAMSC Certification | New at iLevel | New Brands | CHFA NOW WEST 2022 | Article: Wellness For Every Season | Featured Brand

CAMSC Certification

iLevel Management is now a proud and approved member of the CAMSC. This certification will help to create a more diverse and inclusive supply chain.

iLevel Management Incorporated is proud to announce that it has been approved by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) as a CAMSC Certified Supplier. CAMSC is a not-for-profit organization that certifies and prepares diverse suppliers to successfully engage and connect with corporate and government buyers/advocates for more inclusive supply chains.

This certification is important for iLevel Management Inc. as the CAMSC champions minority groups and pushes for equality across the Canadian business landscape. More importantly, this means a lot to Jimmy Vaid, Founder and President of iLevel, as he is a first-generation Indo-Canadian and an avid advocate for diversity.

“Building a business is a challenge for anyone but especially for those that are under-represented. The barriers we face usually get swept under the rug but recently our voices have grown stronger due to the support from large-scale associations bringing to light the inequalities that exist across various industries,” said Jimmy Vaid. “When we came across CAMSC we knew we had to be part of what they are doing, not only to benefit iLevel but also to see how we can help others like us not just succeed but thrive.”

iLevel Management Inc. is a CPG sales brokerage focused in the natural and organic products segment. Bringing some of the best industry brands to retailers coast to coast to coast.

Learn more about Jimmy Vaid’s personal story: Member Diversity Spotlight: Jimmy Vaid (chfa.ca)

New at iLevel

Brand Manager – Sherri Ellis-Bell

iLevel Management Inc. is excited to let you we are growing. We have added another Brand Manager/Sales role to the team. Please help us welcome Sherri Ellis-Bell to the iLevel family.

Sherri will be taking over brand management of select brands we represent along with some select western Canadian accounts.

Sherri is eager to bring her sales and marketing background in Natural and Organic grocery, body care, and supplements, to our team. She has over 15 years of experience in the Natural Channel, specializing in health and wellness products with brands, distributors, brokers, and retailers. She is positive, passionate, and offers a solutions-based energy towards maintaining and building relationships. She finds balance through kayaking, yoga, meditation, writing, and going for forest and beach walks with her dog, Maddie.

Sherri will be attending CHFA Now Vancouver, and she is eager to meet you all.

If you have any questions, please let us know.
Sherri can be reached at:
Sellisbell@ilevelmanagement.ca
C: (778) 971-7772

New Brand at iLevel

Patch by Nutricare

Nutricare USA LLC partners with iLevel Management Inc to Expand the sustainably innovative PATCH brand of Bamboo Bandages in Canada.

Canada, February 2022 – Nutricare USA LLC is pleased to announce their partnership with iLevel Management, Inc. iLevel Management will be acting as sales broker to Natural Health Food stores, Mass Retail, Food Service and Drug Stores in Canada for Nutricare’s innovative brand; PATCH Bamboo Bandages.

PATCH is trailblazing the global first aid category as the world's first natural, sustainable bandage that solves a consumer problem for 25%+ of the population who have an allergy or sensitivity to traditional adhesive wound care products. PATCH products are all natural, eco-friendly, and sourced from soft-breathable bamboo fiber, making for an eco-friendly alternative that is effective and suitable for all skin types.

Since launching the brand in North America at Natural Products Expo West 2019, brand gained placement into thousands of retail doors across the US & Canada. PATCH continues to win numerous consumer & industry awards including B Corp Best for the World 2019, the NEXTY Consumer Choice Award for Best New Personal Care Product at the virtual Natural Products Expo West 2020 Show and most recently Best for the World™ B Corps of 2021 as the top 5% B Corps out of 4,000 worldwide in the impact area of Environment.

“We are thrilled to enter a new partnership with the iLevel Team, and look forward to the growth and impact that we will achieve together as we continue the Nutricare/PATCH Bamboo Bandages Journey in the great country of Canada.” – Hammad Atassi, President – North America, Nutricare.

To learn more about PATCH visit: https://us.nutricare.co/

MARPHYL

The MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton Company Inc partners with iLevel Management Inc to expand the retail presence of Its Best seller Organic Liquid Soil Enhancer/Fertilizer

Vancouver, BC, March 3rd 2022 – The MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton Company Inc. is pleased to announce their partnership with iLevel Management, Inc. iLevel Management will be acting as sales broker to Natural Health Food stores, Mass Retail, Food Service and Drug Stores in Canada for MARPHYL Organic Liquid Soil Enhancer / Fertilizer / Plant food.

Since launching the brand in May 2017, our Organic Liquid Soil Enhancer quickly became a best seller online in Canada and abroad. We are very excited to join forces with iLevel Management in order to increase our market share in the retail sectors, from small independent stores to mass retail.

About MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton (www.marphyl.com)

MARPHYL was founded by Arantza Montoya Amuchastegui & Benjamin Achache with the goal to bring Marine Phytoplankton products to market and make it available to everybody. Our

Organic Soil Enhancer was an instant success with the grown interest in plants as well as food growing. We are a 100% sustainable company in our production, all our suppliers are local, and we give 1% of our sales to mission-blue which is an organization that protects Hope Spots in the ocean around the world. MARPHYL Organic Soil Enhancer is a best seller online and is present in countless independent plant stores across the country as well as grocery stores including Whole Food Market. It is also present in many international markets.

CHFA WEST NOW 2022

CHFA trade shows are well known events in the industry. The next one is happening on April 21 to 24, 2022 in Vancouver Convention Centre, British Columbia, one of Canada's largest convention centers.

This year we can taste and try new products, as mask mandates and vaccine passports will be lifted. Which means attendees will have an opportunity to get better understanding of the products through sampling and interaction.

iLevel team is excited to meet everyone in person and is looking forwards to enjoy the atmosphere of the event with our partners and friends. Visit us at CHFA NOW West at booths 1820 – 1835 and be able to:

· Connect with long time industry friends or make some new ones

· Expand your industry knowledge – learn what drives it

· Explore new opportunities by discovering new brands and trends

WELLNESS FOR EVERY SEASON

In Canada, climate, sunshine and temperatures vary from province to province and regionally, but on average there are arguably four pretty distinguishable seasons. As the shift from each season takes place there are noticeable patterns in atmospheric fluctuations that effect health, mood and daily routines. Being mindful to the changing seasons and making a point to understand how climate effects you is a great way to level up your self care routines.

**Health**
Eating for the season is an awesome way to pack a punch for your immune health. Summer menus should include locally sourced, in season, ripely picked produce (best consumed within a day to get the most benefits from micronutrients) eaten raw, while winter meals should include warm foods and soups made with root vegetables, to aid with circulation and digestion. Check out local farmers markets, or think about starting your own garden so you know exactly what you are putting into your body. Think about having a variety of colors on your plate all seasons to get a well-rounded supply of nutrition with lighter fare in summer and heartier meals with good quality proteins and fats for fuel in the cooler months.

Fitness and Activities

Customize your fitness and recreational activities to how temperatures affect your system. If you enjoy that outdoor air in winter, skiing and skating are a full body workout- but be sure to stretch first to warm those muscles up. If you suffer from a stiff achy body, or are prone to congestion when it’s damp or cold, hit indoor activities like the gym or indoor sports to combat joint inflammation and stay strong. Group fitness classes, like Yoga and dance can be excellent activities that improve muscle memory and coordination. Running, hiking and biking are fun outdoor fall and spring activities that can also be done in summer (be sure to stay hydrated and have the appropriate gear to avoid injuries) producing feel-good endorphins. If the summer heat aggravates your migraines, take a dip in a pool to keep cool while enjoying some low impact exercise. Don’t forget to schedule in that walk or hang out with friends and loved ones, enjoying seasonal temperatures while creating new memories and sharing some laughs. Find was to keep moving, choosing activities that keep you feeling good both physically and mentally year-round.

**To Do Lists**

To minimize stress levels, organize maintenance tasks with the seasons. In preparation for the next season, make a list of those quarterly, semi-annual and annual upkeep tasks and assign the appropriate season to break up the never ending to do list. Get those carbon monoxide and fire alarm batteries changed at the end of winter and start of fall, and clean or change out air filters as a jump off to spring cleaning. Schedule bike tune ups at the start of spring, get those ice skates sharpened in the fall and clean out the garage and basement every summer. Put seasonally specific clothing and items in storage and donate what you didn’t wear or use to stay minimal and Zen. In winter, try a vitamin D supplement to invigorate the start of your day on those dark mornings and in summer make sure you are loading up on the SPF to protect your skin from uv rays. By creating a seasonal check list for shopping and getting things done, you can keep work loads manageable and less of a chore.

Mental Health Check

If you notice you find it hard to motivate yourself to try any of the above, or if you have difficulty managing activities and your general well being, you should speak to a medical professional to see if there maybe other factors that could be contributing to how you feel.

1 in 7 Canadians will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime, and 2-3% will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Seasonal changes on mental health are no joke- Circadian rhythms (produced by protein interaction with cells in the body), serotonin levels and melatonin levels are all know contributors to SAD. There are typically two onsets of SAD, one that corresponds with winter/fall and one with spring/summer. Fall and winter SAD can present as an energy zap that typically appears in fall staying with individuals throughout the winter months. Symptoms can include low energy, oversleeping, cravings for carbohydrates contributing to weight gain, difficulty concentrating and a generally low mood. Spring and Summer SAD onset generally shows up after the winter months with indicators like trouble sleeping (insomnia), poor appetite leading to weight loss, increased irritability or anxiety and can stay with individuals all summer long.