Hello all. Like others, I usually watch from the sidelines and do not invest in entering the discourse. However, after reading several of today's posts, I went through all of the pics posted on CEN's facebook page. Given some of the topics of discussion on this board, I wanted to make a few suggestions as to the strategy of the building site, contest some of the contrarians, and (ultimately) to get some feedback (if only to help me understand if my initial investment in this company was a good call or not).
First, I read an article on Seeking Alpha that suggested CEN was unwise to build a facility instead of purchasing an existing facility. It appears that the build site belongs (or belonged) to Mr. Chaaban's brother. Furthermore, while CEN is pumping the greatness of it's soon-to-be new facility, the site already has a ~24,000 sq ft building that can be refitted as a growing/production facility, which means that the facility being built doesn't have to include that extra space, which means overall lowered construction costs, and excellent overall square footage. So it seems that CEN, its affiliates, and its investors, all win, and Mr. Chaaban's brother gets something out of the deal. This makes sense to me.
Secondly, some of the comments on here have questioned the building of a fence as the first priority on the site. I would suggest that the fence is only ONE of the first priorities. Get the fence up as part of the property's security (the demands for which appear to be extensive in order for a license from the Canadian government to be issued) and get the existing building refitted so that it can be inspected, given the green light, and a license issued. Then a first, smaller crop can be started sooner while construction continues or is completed on the larger facility. After all, there's nothing wrong with growing a tester crop in one facility and simultaneously constructing another facility on the same property. I don't know if that's the plan, but it makes sense. After all, CEN is in an agreement with Growlife, who got not only a stake in the future proceeds, but also exclusivity in providing the horticulture infrastructure. So we know that the lighting and irrigation will be quickly and easily acquired when needed. By getting the smaller, existing facility up to government standards and a security fence erected, the license can be obtained faster (CEN says on its ihub page that the Canadian government has asked them to expedite).
Finally, to the same contrarians - please take the time to look through the photos on Facebook. Go to the Creative Edge Nutrition page, not the CEN Biotech page, and you'll find many, many photos, several of which are from March. It appears that much has been done in preparing to build the new facility, and it appears that much activity is also occuring in/around the existing building. I have to say, I was pleased by what I saw. Also, I can see why some would question the matter of the local building permit. A picture of a permit is up on Facebook, and it does in fact say "pole barn", but that was from November of 2013. While planning the facility may have taken place last year, construction on it began this year, and maybe they aren't allowed or don't care to bother with providing pics of it. After all, as was said by someone else, they would not have been able to start the construction if they didn't have a permit. And to that end, in the pictures on Facebook, one can see the front page of the local newspaper talking about CEN's plans. The prose and the tone of the article are quite favorable - it appears that attitudes among many of the locals is as well. Assuming that the facility is completed and plans come to fruition, the local community has much to gain in revenue and jobs. Therefore, it appears that the local township is fully aware of CEN's plans, that they approve, and all legal steps have been taken. Personally, I would like to see them get the license and start growing in the smaller facility while completing the larger one, instead of waiting to finish the bigger building, then getting the license, then planting.
I have to say, at this point, I am cautiously optimistic in my investment, and plan to go long. Thoughts?
