Chelsea Green works at Timber Cannabis in New Buffalo. She also nominated them — and she says she would do this job for free. The pay, she adds, is a bonus.
Timber Cannabis opened its doors with a $10,000 donation split between Paws for Humanity, Harbor Country Ministries, and the New Buffalo Fire Department. That wasn’t a one-time gesture. It set the standard for how Timber operates.
Every employee at Timber is given 16 paid volunteer hours to use within the community each year — something Green says she’s never heard of at any other company, especially for entry-level staff. Every quarter, the business makes a monetary donation to a local nonprofit. The team has organized river cleanups, food drives, and animal supply drives. Timber is also the only dispensary in the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, a deliberate choice that reflects its commitment to being a real community business partner.
The $10,000 opening donation, nominator Green says, sparked other businesses in the region to follow suit. That’s the kind of influence Timber has had.
Inside the store, the culture is just as intentional. The team is treated with consistent respect at every level, and the environment — light, peaceful, and welcoming — reflects that. Leadership listens with open ears and an open mind, understanding that good ideas don’t always come from the top. Communication lines stay open. Weekly team-building activities keep the crew connected.
Recognition comes in the form of product, monetary gifts, and apparel. Birthdays get a paid day off. Employees receive free tickets to events across the state.
What Timber has built, Green says, is the compassionate side of the cannabis industry — the version where budget, beliefs, and background don’t determine the quality of service someone receives. Everyone who walks through the door is welcome. And the same goes for everyone on the team.
