Bradenton-based Rizome is dedicated to saving trees by using bamboo—the grass that acts like a tree. Strong as steel and as beautiful as hardwood, bamboo matures in just 3 to 5 years, compared to the 20 to 60 years required for traditional trees. Plus, you can harvest bamboo annually for 70 to 100 years, whereas a tree is gone forever once it's cut down. The company is growing bamboo to serve the construction industry. They started shipping from the Philippines, where giant bamboo flourishes, and are now partnering with citrus farmers in Florida to cultivate giant bamboo as a replacement for citrus trees lost to insect damage. Their goal is to create the world’s most reliable bamboo supply chain. With each acre they plant, they are also capturing carbon and contributing to the healing of the planet. Fred Murrell, chairman of Rizome and chief legal counsel, has a background as both an attorney and coal procurement expert. Together with longtime family friend David Sands—an architect and founder of Bamboo Living, an architecture firm specializing in bamboo buildings and home furnishings for over three decades—Murell became a major investor in Rizome where he currently holds the roles of Chairman and Chief Legal Officer. Both men grew up in Winter Haven, Florida and their families vacationed together for years on Anna Maria Island, making Bradenton an ideal location for their office. This year, Rizome became the recipient of the US Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence in the Area of Climate Resilience, being one of only six winners. “We’re proud of the impactful work we do with indigenous peoples in the Philippines, which I believe caught the State Department's attention,” says Murrell. “They recognize that we’re creating income opportunities for these communities and providing education, including financial literacy. It’s crucial for us to not just give them money, but to equip them with the knowledge to manage it effectively.” With about 10,000 employees  overseas, Rizome has plans to expand in Florida. “We’re looking to establish a 2,500-acre facility east of Fort Myers,” shares Murrell. “We will hire local Floridians, while also bringing in some experienced staff from our existing factory to help get everything up and running.” SRQ

IMAGES COURTESY OF RIZOME.